The first time I went to a meeting of the Calgary Bow River chapter of the Canadian Progress Club, I thought I was going to 'check out' a business-networking club—something along the lines of the PGIB (Progressive Group for Independent Business).  Even the name sounded similar!

After all, I'd been involved in many volunteer activities before, but had never attended a service club meeting in a venue as upscale as the Danish Canadian Club; or been surrounded by so many well-dressed attendees.  As I mulled and mingled (prior to the meeting start), trying to establish the 'lay of the land', the meeting was called to order and the whole room started singing 'Oh Canada'.  Like many of you (I'm sure) I am not only a proud Canadian, but passionately love this country.  So as I sang along, my heart bounced with joy that I had the good fortune to meet a business club that not only loved Canada as much as I do, but actually knew all the words to our national anthem.

Over the weeks that followed, the club's purpose became clearer and I soon found myself struggling to figure out what I could actually bring to this club that it didn't already have.  And to tell you the truth, the more meetings I attended, the more intimidated I felt, as I gathered a sense of the history, power and commitment of the Progress Club and its membership.

The first large event in which I participated was Bow River's annual Buckn' Breakfast. For any of you who have never been, I urge you to come out for this one-the music, the booze, the people, the booze, the food, the booze … it is all absolutely fabulous!  Though not my first Progress experience, it sealed the fact that I had become involved in one amazing club

But there was no preparing for what I was to experience next.

As many of you will recall, Calgary's Bow River Boys hosted last year's National Convention in Canmore.  It was a monstrous undertaking and incredibly well organized. In the weeks prior to Convention, I volunteered (sort of—is being volunteered the same as volunteering?) for the job of newsletter editor.  It was in the course of carrying out this duty that I felt I really developed a relationship with Progressians from across the country. (I can't wait to see you all again in Sherbrooke!)  Throughout this experience, I grew progressively (no pun intended) more honoured to be a part of this organization.

Now, as I look back on my first year and prepare to receive my Mercury Award, I reflect on how comfortable Progress feels for me, and ponder the next committees and events I will gladly become a part of:  the Western Regional Convention, Buckn' 2003, Sherbrooke National, Gala—the list goes on.

If there is a message that I would pass onto other rookies, it is this:  The club didn't evolve overnight.  Don't try to take it all in at once.  Get involved in as many activities/events as you can and really allow yourself to recognize that you are a part of what I think is the best service club anywhere!

It's been a pleasure sharing my experience with you.  See you in Sherbrooke!