From the President's Desk

By Juanita Soutar
2004-2005 National President
   

Hello, fellow Progressians!

We’re now into a new fiscal year, but I’m sure most of you are taking a well-deserved summer break and spending time at the cottage (the Easterners) or the cabin (the Westerners).  Well, except for those clubs who are raising money at golf tournaments or Stampede events.  In fact I’m writing this in Calgary, after a couple of fun Stampede events already under my belt, and gearing up for 4 more “breakfasts” and assorted other western-themed hospitality events.  My new cowboy boots are definitely going to get broken in this week!

As you know, your National Board held its second meeting of the year, this time in Saskatoon, which allowed us to meet with the National Convention committee to help finalize some of the arrangements, as well as take care of assorted Progress business.

Included among these were:

The creation of the National Promotional Video Fund
$15,000 has been allocated for the production of a new National video, to be used for membership recruitment, sponsorship recruitment, and public relations.

New President’s start-up package
to help Club Presidents effectively operate their club, we will be creating an information package which will clearly outline their role and responsibilities.  These packages will be given to all new Club Presidents at the start of their term.

Annual certification
in order to help financially and legally protect individual Progress Clubs and the National organization, each Club President will be asked to annually certify their compliance with National policies and procedures, including maintaining accurate meeting minutes and financial records, filing annual reports to the provincial governments, obtaining Party Alcohol Liability (PAL) insurance when required, etc.

In addition, the Board received one submission requesting to host the 2007 National Convention.  We are pleased to announce that the Brampton Club has been awarded this convention, which will be held in Niagara Falls, Ontario.  Thank you to Renate Thompson and her committee for an outstanding presentation package; we’re all looking forward to a fun and motivational convention in one of the most beautiful parts of this country.

Although a couple of clubs have indicated an interest in hosting the 2008 convention, we have not yet received any submissions.  If you’re interested, please submit your request in writing to the National Office as soon as possible, and be prepared to make your presentation to the membership at the AGM in Saskatoon.

As previously announced, the following National Board positions will be coming up for election at the AGM in Saskatoon.  They are: National President Elect, Director of Finance (Secretary Treasurer), Director of Communications, and Director of Public Relations.  Please consider running for one of the positions available—becoming involved helps you and our organization grow and flourish.  Nomination forms are available in Section 7 of the online Blue Book for you to print, complete and send to the National Office.  The deadline for nominations to be received is August 17th.  (Ed. note: see outlines of these positions in the Blue Book on our National Website under Member Services.)

Now that Carmel has moved into our new National Office space, we would like to ask your assistance in helping to finish furnishing the space.  The new office has sufficient room for the National and CPCF Boards to hold their meetings there, so we are looking for a boardroom table capable of holding up to 14 people, as well as suitable chairs, flip charts and a white board that can either be donated to the National Office, or can be made available to purchase at a reasonable discounted price.  Also, the walls could use some sprucing up, so if any of you have any artwork or photos of club events that you would like to donate, please let us know.  Please contact Carmel in the National Office if you can help.

My travel schedule is now slowing down, but I’d like to thank a number of members and clubs for their hospitality, kindness and generous efforts on my behalf over the past couple of months:  Doug Baker, National Vice President, Eastern Region; Michelle Russell and Paula Irving of the Pictou County Club; John Holman, National Vice President, Central Region; Tammy Slugoski, Marci Brisbourne, Judy Lyons, and the rest of the members of the Regina Assiniboine Club; Jack Lyons, Regina Centre; Lyle Rogne, National Vice President, Great Plains Region; Theresa Shewchuk, Edmonton Strathcona; Grant and Denise Blakely, Barry Kozmyk and the members of the Bow River club; Bruce Lyle and the members of Calgary Downtown; the members of Stampede City; and Renate Thompson, Brampton.  You have all made my time on the road attending your events that much more special—thank you all!

Finally, thank you to Mike Hayduk, Calgary Downtown and Tom Whitehead, Bow River, for your guidance and expertise—it’s very much appreciated.

Take care all, and have a great summer!
Juanita