Past District Governor Wayne, fellow Rotarians, and guests:

I want to start by thanking the outgoing Board for all they have done for our Rotary club over the past year. Having been on the Board myself many times over the years I know that you have all sacrificed personally to do this and you should be extremely proud of your accomplishments.

To our new Board, I thank you in advance for stepping forward and assuming a prominent role in our club. We have a great team in place and I look forward to working with you to move our club forward in 2012 and 2013.

To all our club members I want to congratulate each and every one of you for the past accomplishments we have shared together. As a charter member of this club I can honestly say that we have never been stronger than we are today and we have a fun, hardworking and enthusiastic group.

My approach as President will be to ensure all directors develop a plan for their area of responsibility based on the clubs wishes at the recent visioning session. I am a big believer in autonomy and letting people take charge of their area of responsibility. As I was told at PETS the board can only be effective if the entire club does their part when asked to perform a task. To be a vibrant club we need to ensure that all members are actively engaged in club activities and that we all assume responsibility for the success of the club. I know the Board can count on all of you for your support.

Rotary’s theme for the new year is Peace through Service.

We are fortunate to have a very enthusiastic and get things done kind of guy in Sean Hogan as our Governor this year. Sean has advised all new Presidents that our goals for the upcoming year as identified by general secretary Hewko of RI are:

1.    Eradicate polio

2.    Prepare for and implement future vision that will be in effect during Kim’s year

3.    Value services – we will be asked to calculate the value of the funds and in kind services we provide in the community and internationally to assist RI in enhancing Rotary’s image

4.    Membership - retention and growth of 10% so very important

5.    Recognition - public image and PR campaign to ensure we get our share of credit for the fight against polio to assist in getting new members and making our club an even more effective service organization

Clearly we have our own goals as established during our visioning session and we will ensure that they are addressed as well.

I WANT ALL OF US TO HAVE A FUN, REWARDING YEAR AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING AS YOUR PRESIDENT FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS. I also want people to feel free to express their views, provide ideas and suggestions to me, the Board, and committee chairs. Remember we are all volunteers and by being open, honest and understanding of each other’s views we will accomplish great things together. TO CLOSE I ALSO WANT TO THANK MY WIFE MARGO FOR SHARING MY TIME WITH ROTARY FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS ALTHOUGH IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT THIS MAY BE A NICE BREAK FOR HER

THANK YOU