Ah, spring: a time of renewed energy and commitment.  It’s also a time of new growth, warmer temperatures and … rain.  Lots of rain.  And as they say, it never rains, but it pours.

When I took on the role of National President, I was anticipating the newness of it all—that same sense as the expectation of spring. Little did I know about the downpour right around the corner that would soon be coming in the form of a new job.

Having been self-employed for so many years, it was quite a struggle deciding to accept the offer of a corporate leadership position.  The offer was intriguing, but the timing was lousy.  My hopes for a year’s leave of absence from my own company to concentrate on matters solely Progress hung in the balance.

Then I remembered all those Presidents who went before me.  Many of them worked full-time and “Progressed” full-time—surely I could to do the same?  And so … when it pours, it POURS!

My term to date has been quite a challenge, but I certainly wouldn’t trade it for anything!  While meeting the executive team at my new company and learning the ropes with my staff of 300+, I did get the chance to travel the country and meet with many Progressians, partake in their club fund-raisers, and share in their joy of giving. Above all, I have been awed and humbled by the significant contributions Progressians are making to help those in need in their local communities.

My travels to date have included:

  • St. John’s Club
 ...Convention and tour of Bonavista Peninsula
  • National Office
 ...Assisting in setting up the office
  • Saskatoon Downtown Club
 ...Dogie Do Rodeo
  • Saskatoon Meewasin Club
 ...Run for the Cure
  • Regina Center Club
 ...Gala Auction
  • Regina Wascana Club
 ...Speaker at the Festival of Trees 
  • Regina Assinboine Club
 ...Luncheon meeting with Club executive
  • Calgary North Club
 ...New member induction
  • Calgary South Zone
 ...Speaker at their new members seminar
  • Central Region President’s Ball
 ...Speaker at dinner
  • National Board Winter meeting
 ...Three solid days of work in Toronto
  • Halifax Cornwallis Club
 ...Speaker at the Women of Excellence Awards
  • Pictou County
 ...5th Anniversary and new member induction
  • Greater Moncton Women
 ...Luncheon with President and social gathering
  • Greater Moncton Men
 ...Santa Claus Parade and social gathering
  • Western Region
 ...Board meeting in Red Deer, Alberta
  • Calgary Downtown
 ...Speaker at their club meeting
  • Halifax Men’s Club
 ...Speaker at the Sportsman’s Celebrity Dinner
  • CPC Elevate
 ...Attended several club start-up meetings
...Presided over the charter ceremony

And, of course, there have been many, many more social meetings, conference calls, telephone calls and email discussions.

During a recent deluge, a friend reminded me there are ways things could be even more challenging.  “Just think,” he remarked, “you could be taking on the responsibilities of a new job and the commitment of a national presidency—while moving into a new house!” He’s so right.  Luckily, I’m comfortably situated in a neighbourhood and city in which I enjoy living.  I’m grateful for the stability and support of my family and friends.  And I’m especially happy for the opportunity to travel across this great country meeting so many people who donate their time and energy to Progress.  I am inspired by their optimism and enthusiasm.

I have yet to accomplish everything I set out to do so far, but I’m happy with what we, as a team, have accomplished, and with my experiences to date.

Ah, looking forward to summer … and Progress … and traveling to the clubs I have yet to visit.

Best wishes to you all.

Regards,
Terry

p.s. I’ll leave you with a few photos from my travels:

Inducting four lads into Calgary North.

 Saskatoon Meewasin “Run for the Cure”.

Saskatoon Downtown “Dogie Do Rodeo”.

Regina Wascana “Festival of Trees”.

Regina Centre Gala Auction.

Ladies of Regina Assiniboine.

Halifax Cornwallis “Women of Excellence” Awards Night.

My good host CJ McMullin and Sharon Ward at the Westin Halifax.

Visiting Carmel at the National Office.

Inducting Bow River’s newest member.

Inducting three new lasses into Pictou County club.

Touring beautiful Newfoundland.

Some Greater Moncton Men...

...and Women at the "Santa Claus Parade".