From the Desk of the National President

By Bob Lockhart
2005-2006 National President
 

It is hard to believe that almost a year has gone by since I assumed the position of National President. As I stated when I assumed the position in Saskatoon, my primary focus this year would be on membership. I want to thank the Regional Vice Presidents and Zone Governors for accepting the challenge to increase the number of new members in their Regions.

The results have been fantastic. Membership is up in all Regions, with a net increase of 14% overall. Four clubs have increased membership by over 50%, which is an incredible accomplishment. The greatest increases have come from the clubs who hold new member recruitment nights.

The National Board will continue to concentrate on membership growth, in conjunction with member retention and education. Charter investigations have been initiated across the country, with a number of communities and cities identified. In some cases, preliminary meetings have already been held with interested parties. One of the highlights of my year as National President will be to induct the members of a new ladies club in Edmonton, who are being chartered by the St. Albert’s men’s club. They are a group of dynamic, highly dedicated women who are anxious to serve the needs in their community. On September 6th 2006, we will officially welcome Canadian Progress Club SILKS into the Progress family.

Throughout the year, the National Board has worked diligently to produce some of the educational tools promised in Saskatoon. All club presidents have received the Club Management Manual, a New Members Video in DVD format and the Charter Handbook.

In closing, I would like to thank the members of the National Board and all the members across Canada for their incredible support. The year has been an exciting and rewarding. The kindness, generosity and hospitality that members have shown me as I traveled throughout the Regions this year have made it one of the most memorable experiences in my life, one I will never forget.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the National Convention in St. John’s in September.

Yours for Progress,
Bob Lockhart