FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
Hello Everyone,
It’s been a busy week.
Our Expat Connection, the first one since our new Board was formed, was a bit more serious than normal as we felt it was important to let everyone know where we stood on moving the club forward, and what we’ve been working on in our very busy 4
weeks on the job.
To start us off we had a wonderful presentation from John Schorr, a long-time member and also a member of the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club, about one of Rotary’s major projects teaching young kids how to be safe in and around water. They’ve been doing it for 10 years now, and have taught more than 800 kids, undoubtedly saving many, many lives as a result. It’s a remarkable program, everyone enjoyed learning about it and I want to thank
John for sharing it with us.
We spent the rest of the meeting listening to our long-winded president (me) talk about the issues that face us in the short term, my assessment of the direction I think we should take in the short term to put the club on a solid footing, and a brief update on our financial situation. We’ll have more details before long, the necessary account transfers are falling onto place this week and we’ll know much more after that. I can tell you
we’re in good financial shape, that much we know.
I want to point out that mine is only one voice on the Board, and we’re fortunate that other members of the Board aren’t afraid to express a variety of points of view. We’re just getting started, but I have great confidence we’ll find our common ground and take the necessary steps to achieve the goals we’ll set.
We also heard from Rick Hahn, who because I tend to get in the weeds a bit when
I talk (OK, maybe a lot), didn’t have nearly enough time, but he gave us a quick view of one of the key things we have been working on, which is to take all the things we need your help with and break them down into simple tasks which take a minimal amount of time. We’ll publish it soon, and then stand back when you all rush to offer to help!
Rick also gave us a teaser about our new website, which is imminent. As you may be aware, our old website was left pretty
much inoperable during the turmoil of the club leadership changes, but Rick has been working with some terrific people who have progressed with lightening speed and I’m hoping the Board will get a look at the new site at our meeting next week. I’ll be sure to draw your attention to it once it’s launched.
This got way longer than I anticipated so I’ll stop. Don’t forget this Saturday is our Saturday Breakfast at the Duke’s, don’t miss it! The Duke’s asked me
to let everyone know that while reservations are appreciated (see below), don’t let that stop you if you decide at the last minute you want to come. They’ll find room for you, don’t worry.
We’re into our flood season, please keep an eye on the situation in your area and be safe…
-Kent
