Dear Fellow Rotarians,

I believe that every Rotarian in every Rotary Club should work to make each Rotary year successful and fulfilling. The earning of the Presidential Citation is one way to measure success. President John Kenny has simplified this certification process this year, but let there be no mistake: Growing membership is our top priority! How do we do that? President John states, "In the end, I believe that the best way to bring new members into Rotary is the way it has been done for generations: One member invites a carefully chosen friend, client, or colleague to a meeting and, if the match is a good one, proposes that individual for membership." He went on to say, "When Paul Harris began the first Rotary club, he did not initially think of service. Instead, he had in mind a place where people of good character, intelligence, and morals could enjoy each other's fellowship and friendship. The service came later, as a natural outgrowth of the gathering of such people."

We grow our membership simply by one Rotarian inviting a potential Rotarian to a club meeting. It is as simple as that. August is Membership and Extension Month. Membership growth, however, is a goal that demands our efforts every month of every year. Please stop for a moment and invite a carefully chosen friend, client, or colleague to a meeting and, if the match is a good one, proposes that individual for membership." Don't delay…do it now!

July and August have flown by and I have had the opportunity to meet with so many wonderful Rotarians all across this great District. One highlight has been meeting those Rotarians selected in each club for the District Governor's Service Above Self Award. Want to get to know these Rotarians? Take the time to read the profiles in this newsletter. It is so rewarding to see so many great things happening throughout our District that make our communities and our world a better place.

Be sure to mark your calendar on December 11-13, 2009 for our first ever District Conference, Membership Seminar and Rotary Day with the Jaguars Jumbo Weekend!

Rotary Club Presidents, NOW is your time to Lead the Way, Share Rotary and Make Dreams Real all at the same time, because The Future of Rotary in Your Club is Clearly in Your Hands! Do not let this moment pass you by! There are so many opportunities for you to get your members involved. Participate in the Foundation Seminar. Encourage support of our End Polio Now partnership with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Work with your schools through the Purple Pinkie program. Promote the District Conference and encourage your members to attend. Rotary is about service, but it is also about fun, friends and fellowship!

Thank you for all you do for your club, your community and our world. Continue to have fun, help others and always be reminded that it is a true privilege to be called a Rotarian!

Yours in Rotary Service,