Rotary Club of South Jacksonville: Welcome President Jim Lanahan

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

WE MEET AT RIVER CITY BREWING COMPANY

Lunch begins at noon - Meeting begins at 12:30 p.m.

President Jim Lanahan
To Share His Vision
Join Us for Our First Meeting of the 2012 Rotary Year

Dear South Jacksonville Rotarians,

Thank you for this opportunity to serve. It is truly my honor to hold this position. Past President Odette has navigated some challenging issues this past year and deserves our gratitude for her leadership.

Much like the Chinese curse, though, we are still living in interesting times. Our club has been through what I call “re-sizing”. Our finances continue to go through “reviewing.” The membership composition of our club is “re-doing.” In this sense, we are no different than most other clubs in the USA.

Things are not what they were when I joined. I am sure they are different than when you joined.

Yet, we continue to serve. We continue to seek out opportunities to make our planet and our community a better place to live. The Rotary International Strategic Plan defines Rotarians this way:

“A worldwide network of inspired individuals who translate their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in communities.”

In my vision for our club in the coming year, I see an organization that actively seeks out members who match that definition. We will participate in high visibility projects in our local community that will enable us to be viewed in a more positive light. I see continued progress towards a solid financial foundation for our club. We will pursue cooperative activities with other community organizations, even outside of Rotary. Our international water efforts will continue to be a highlighted emphasis for our club. Additionally, I envision a club with 100% participation in the Rotary Foundation’s efforts.

I plan to initiate a 3-5 year strategic planning process with 3 goals: 1) Identify and develop a signature project for which the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville will be well known. 2.) Identify major long term fund raising opportunities to support our services, and 3.) Develop improved processes for member recruitment and retention.

Finally, for those of you who enjoy the comaraderie of long time friends at our meetings, I ask that you work to make new friends of our newer members. There are interesting people among us. For those of you who are looking for new ways to serve, just say yes when asked. If not asked, speak up. For those newer members in the “networking” mode, get to know your fellow members through your involvement. The networking will happen.

For everyone, bring your sense of humor. It will make a better experience!

What I plan to bring to the effort as your president is renewed enthusiasm for our mission. I believe by re-emphasizing these efforts, we can solve our membership, financial and our club activity challenges.

I will be outlining specific activities in our first meeting of the Rotary year on July 10. I am looking forward to a great year with you. Thank you again for this opportunity!

Jim Lanahan

President

Hail & Farewell Event


Bruce Maddern, Marcus Drewa & PP Odette Struys

Marcus Drewa Receives the Frank Sherman Award

Lisa Appelo, Chris Bouton, PP Odette Struys & Ben Appelo

Chris Bouton the First Recipient of the Dan Appelo New Member Award

The Dan Appelo New Member Award recognizes new members who obtain a
Paul Harris Fellowship within their first year of joining Rotary,
as did the namesake of this award, and for additionally excelling in
Service Above Self within the first year of being a member of our Club.