From the Desk of the National President Elect

Submitted by Terry Clarke
 

It’s that time of year when the days are growing longer, the flowers are beginning to bloom and Progress clubs across the country are winding down from their busy schedules and celebrating their accomplishments. While attending one of the many recent club awards dinners, I had a delightful conversation with our National Communications Director, Gary Nakamura. In his usual efficient manner, Gary informed me of my fast approaching deadline for an article to be included in this month’s Progression.

As the focus of the National President (elect) is membership, I proposed an article about the MAGIC committee charter handbook, the current priorities from the National strategic plan and the exciting upcoming charter in Edmonton (Canadian Progress Club Silks – September 6th). But Gary said, “No, no—for this issue, keep it light.”

Keep it light?  You mean like: Hi! My name is Terry Clarke, and I enjoy fine wine, pretty woman and great music?

Sort of … but Gary set the challenge to introduce the man taking over the presidency of Progress in September: Who is Terry Clarke?

What, you want introspection? Hoo boy, any woman can tell you that guys aren’t particularly good at that…

Hmm … Okay, let’s start with the facts. I’m a born-and-bred Calgarian who has lived and worked in five Canadian provinces and four continents. I’ve been married for 25 years to Barbara, a very understanding woman whom I adore (and who cuts me lots of slack, keeps my IT and consulting companies running smoothly and remembers my family’s birthdays). We have two children, who enrich our lives—and drain our bank accounts. Our son, Jason, has just completed a Jazz Studies diploma at St. FX University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and is continuing his quest for Broadway at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, this fall. Our daughter, Alix, is all about independence—working two part-time jobs, as a waitress and a dance choreographer, studying Psychology at the University of Calgary, and dancing competitively— while still living at home.

You might be asking what skills and experience I bring to the organization. Well, from my experience in running both small and large companies, I bring some skills in strategy and leadership to the business of Progress. From my SCUBA diving hobby, I bring a focus on good planning and risk management. From my information technology and business process improvement practice, I bring modern tools and practices to help groups work together effectively. From my gardening, I’ve developed insight into how the careful application of fertilizer and patience can grow things of great beauty. From my music group, I have learned to work with people who are oh-so more creative and talented than I. And from my world travels, I have learned that “It’s Great to Be a Canadian” (Soyons fiers d’etre Canadiens).

I look forward to my year as National President, the chance to continue the progress made by past executives in strengthening the organization; and most of all, the opportunity to meet with each and every one of you as I visit the clubs during my term.

The MAGIC will keep ‘til next time…