Canadian Progress Club Progression On-line

A Message from CJ MacMullin

(printable document)

 

Dear Fellow Progressians,

As we prepare for the National Convention in Halifax, I would like to encourage all of you who have not as yet made up your minds to attend, to take this opportunity to visit Halifax and our beautiful Province of Nova Scotia.  The National Convention committee has been working hard to ensure a successful convention with interesting and constructive learning opportunities with a “wee bit” of Maritime fun thrown in as only Progressians can do.  Oh, did I mention lobster ?????

Personally, I am looking forward to welcoming my fellow Progressians from across our beautiful Country to Halifax, to renewing old friendships and  introducing myself to those of you whom I have not as yet had the pleasure to meet.  During this convention, I will be seeking your approval in being ratified as incoming National President-Elect.

When introduced to the Halifax Progress Club in 1989, I was immediately attracted by the professionalism, high energy level, and compassion that the members of the club displayed. Their hands on approach with the organizations they supported really sold me on the value of the Progress Club.  Upon joining the Halifax Progress Club, I took an active role in the many projects and functions of the Club, serving 2 years on the Board of Directors of The Progress Centre for Early Intervention, 1 year as Chairman of the Annual Benefit Auction, 3 years on the Halifax’ Club board, culminating as President of the Canadian Progress Club, Halifax in 1995/96.  Having achieved the highest role the Club has to offer, while waiting for an opportunity to serve in a national role, I served 2 years as Co-Chair of the Canadian Progress Club/Lawtons’ Drugs Pro-AM Charity Golf Tournament.  In 1997, I was elected Zone Governor, Eastern Region moving to National Vice-President, Eastern Region in 1998, my current role.  One of the most rewarding committees, was this year’s charter committee which culminated in the chartering of the Greater Moncton Progress Club.

Throughout my tenure in the Canadian Progress Club, from participating in various club meetings ( mine & others), committees, board meetings ( both local & national), and 9 national conventions, I have met and learned from extremely professional people who have enriched the lives of many, and I was fortunate enough to benefit from their efforts.  They have taught me that no obstacle is to large to overcome.  They have also given me the desire to contribute more to our Club’s efforts and to making the Canadian Progress Club the pre-eminent service club in Canada. 

Service clubs in Canada are suffering from lack of growth and we have seen this in our own club nationally.  However, there are bright spots in our organization and we should try to learn from them.  For the past several years, we all have talked about membership as our major issue and this has been the primary focus of everyone seeking national office.  From my point of view, this would still be a major national focus and I would like to see it “attacked” through improved communication throughout our Club.  Through improved communication, our efforts should be to try and learn from the clubs successful in membership retention & growth to share these learning experiences.  What makes one club stronger and more vibrant than another.  We have plenty of strong examples from which to learn.  For the new clubs, we should pass on this learning early to help them grow & strengthen. I believe this is one way to strengthen & build our membership and that will be my focus.

In closing, I will bring commitment & dedication to the office of National President-Elect and I ask each and every one of you for your support.

Yours in Progress,

CJ MacMullin
National Vice-President, Eastern Region

 

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