The Bulletin -- Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008 (#961)
Program:
Strategic Plan for 2008-2009 -- President Steven Frederick
Before delving into the focus areas of the Strategic Plan, President Steve announced that he would make copies of committee assignments available next week. He encourages each member to sign up for at least two committees.
Four Main Strategic Plan Goals:
- Raise Community Awareness
- Fundraising
- Foster Membership/Fellowship
- Meet Community and International Needs
Raising Community Awareness — Jody Carpenter announced several initiatives including the Faces of Rotary Campaign. Rotarians will be featured in media such as the Press-Republican highlighting the diversity and those who are involved within the club. She also mentioned T-shirts advertising Rotary. Encourage “word of mouth” marketing. Try to be more visible and establish a strong presence in the community.
Fundraising—Jon Cooper said t he annual budget requires the club raise $30,000 per year to meet our needs. Participation tends to be the most difficult hurdle. The club will see new participation options in the coming months. Many new ideas have been discussed and two of them will be integrated into events that have been proven successful. A dunking tank, possibly at the Business Expo, could be a big success for us. It has also been suggested a Texas Hold Em’ Poker Tournament. They’ll be evaluated at the end of next year, and the club would move forward from there.
Fellowship and Membership—Bob Grugle reported that new member turnover is a prominent issue. The membership mentor program will encourage. Exit interviews will be implemented to find out how Rotary can improve in a way that might maintain members. The goal is to attract 11 new, energetic members and. We’d like to acknowledge businesses that aren’t Rotary members but who do good things for the . The club is planning to establish minimum levels of participation.
Community and International Needs—Bonnie Black said “Service above Self” guided the work for their team and it framed the goal to meet needs outside of Rotary. Small gifts will definitely continue. A new Welcome Wagon program will enable Rotarians to reach out to new community members and businesses as they come to Plattsburgh. “A Day of partnering with local historians in support of their events.
Underlying Message: Participation. Participation. Participation. The best strategic plan in the world will fail if isn’t supported by the membership. Please continue to participate if you already do, or look to club leaders to help you find a way to participate if you don’t. Every single member is entrusted with lending their experience and knowledge to club activities, committees and events.
This Week:
- The District Conference is quickly approaching. Join the growing group of members planning to attend Oct. 17-19.
- PARC provided a souvenir book called “Flying High” for each member of the club.
- Peter Cadieux announced that the New Member Orientation meeting would be held Friday, Oct. 3, at 7:30a.m. at West Bay Financial Group. It will last an hour and will help meet the requirements for Red Badge members to become Blue Members.
- Rose Anderson announced that the Membership Committee would meet with the District Chair for Membership on Friday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 a.m. at Perkin’s Restaurant. Everyone was invited to attend.
- Oct 31st is the Trick or Treat on Safety Street. The group is asking for a Rotary volunteer to help pass out candy. Several people volunteered straight away — Thank you.
- Remember: all committee meetings (including the New Member Orientation) are open to the whole membership and may be used as make-ups.
Guests: Bryon Tuthill (Stan Ransom)
Visiting Rotarians: None
Auction Item: Adirondack Life Calendars donated by Bill McBride: Jack Dee auctioned one to Ita Bullard and Rose Anderson for a combined $30.
Fines: None
Happy Thoughts:
- Plattsburgh State’s Homecoming is Oct 17th, 18th and 19th. Community members are welcome to attend any activities including the Golf Outing on the 17th.
- Elle Berger thanked Bill McBride for sponsoring the Presidential Series in the Press Republican, which “lights up the heart of this old history teacher.”
- Ellen Bouchard’s daughter is leaving for college. PP Phil Green had his homecoming. Anne Hansen thanked those involved with the Heart Walk and all of the businesses who sponsored the event.
- Ellie Murray thanked her co-duck (Ange LaMariana) and her helper, Vickie Marking. She also celebrated the hard work Bob Grugle put into the Roducky Derby.
- Jon Cooper is happy that four weeks into the season the Bills are 4-0. Jody Carpenter’s daughter has scored 19 goals this season, and she and her husband are celebrating 15 years together.
- PP Sara Rowden just completed a 225-mile bike tour in New Mexico.
- PP John McGaully told a joke about a couple’s 50th Anniversary. The woman finally confessed “I’m having an affair.” The man asked, “Are you having it catered?”
- John Seiden’s son went back to Clinton Community College and graduated with a 3.85 GPA. He’s taking a job with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department.
50/50: The pot today was over $1,348, and Barbara Straw drew the 10of hearts.
Make-ups: Program Committee make up: Bob Smith, Rod Giltz, Bob Parks, Howard Lowe, Corn Forrence, & Keith Tyo (9/8); On line make up: Steve Frederick (8/6), Raeanne McLaughlin (8/6), Gerald Dominy (9/17); Membership Seminar make up: John Prim(9/10)
