What a year we’ve got going! One new club chartered and a couple on the way…positive growth in the District and a real sense of enthusiasm as we near the finish line.

Now is the time to start planning for next year, building on this momentum. Clubs should be finalizing their slates of officers and the presidents-elect should be well into putting their teams together. Later in this edition of the Link, you’ll find a complete list of training dates and locations. Our goal is to have every club officer and director trained. We have locations throughout the state and in almost every division to make training as convenient as possible. I encourage you to attend the training as a club, but if that isn’t possible, feel free to attend one of the other sessions.

Just as the club presidents-elect have been constructing their leadership committees, I’ve had my own homework. Culver’s Corps has been busy all winter working on our goals, objectives and committees. We’re almost there, but I would like to get more of you involved in the process, especially some of the newer members. You don’t have to be an “old-timer” to serve on a District committee. New blood and ideas are always welcome. Whether it’s a particular award that is near and dear to you, or a knack for long-range planning or anything in between, have I got a spot for you!

One of my goals for next year is to fill out our site list for District Convention, golf and bowling. Right now, we need sites for golf in the spring of 2009 and sites for golf, bowling and convention for the 2009-2010 year and beyond. If your club has any interest in hosting one of these events, please contact Immediate Past President Jim Ruzon. He’ll be more than happy to give you information on running the event, finances and all that is involved.

It’s always a great time to be an Exchangite, and the next four months are going to be exciting. Golf, bowling, District and National Conventions – it’s all good!

Dennis G Koch
President-Elect