Submitted by Diane Ekberg

The July 20, 2021, meeting was called to order at the Boone Courtyard Marriott by President Jim Street at 7:45 a.m.  There were 25 in person and 3 Zoom attendees.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, Sergeant at Arms Nick Friedman shared humor and collected Happy Dollars.

Nick also advised the group that there is a new process in place for reporting meal consumption to the hotel.  There will be a sheet on the name badge table for members to indicate if they are eating the full meal or the continental breakfast. 

Announcements:

Diane Ekberg asked if club members had received an invitation to the “Largest Rotary Meeting.”  Since most did not, the invitation will be forwarded.

Bob Gates indicated that dues invoices will be sent in the next few days.

Program:

President Jim Street introduced District Governor Ken Shull of Tryon, NC.  Ken acknowledged Boone Sunrise as a “giving club,” and cited Jerry Moretz, who was president of the club that sponsored Boone Sunrise; John Cooper, the sole remaining charter member; John Eckman and Bill Caroselli for piloting the club through Covid; and new members Caroline Poteat and Walter Browning.

He also gave Jim Street a “Serve to Change Lives” theme pin, Rotary International’s theme for 2021-22..

DG Shull’s philosophy is that each club is a basic building block of Rotary, through members, projects, fund raising and Foundation support.  Club level success yields community, Rotary and member betterment.  In his estimation, the role of the DG is to serve clubs, by providing resources, ideas, problem solving, etc.

DG Shull shared that RI President Shekhar Mehta’s has identified seven areas of emphasis under his theme for this year:

1. Membership:  With a worldwide membership that has remained at 1.2 million throughout President Mehta’s Rotary career, he has a goal of growing it to 1.3 million, recruiting people who have “service in their hearts.”
2. Empowering Girls:  This goal targets girls 18 and under, with suggested local activities including service projects, scholarships and mentoring.
3. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion:  Does your club’s membership reflect the community make up?  
4. Regionalization:  RI is looking for organizational efficiencies.
5. Valuing Rotary:  Rotary can be more effective at publicizing its good works, as evidenced by its absence from the list of top 20 most impactful organizations in the world.
6. Improve Global Status:  Related to #5
7. Branding:  Achieving consistency in the use of Rotary logos, etc.

DG Shull has four key areas of emphasis for District 7670 to support the above:

1. Public Image:  Don’t keep Rotary goodness a secret.  Publicizing “Rotary at Work” in social and print media has direct positive impact on membership.
2. Membership:  “Before you open the front door, be sure the back door is closed.”  In other words, work on member retention, as well as recruiting good members.  Consider sponsoring satellite or single issue clubs, possibly without meals to minimize costs.
3. Service:  The 47 clubs in the District do thousands of projects.  Look at collaborating with other community groups.
4. Giving:  Foundation funds sent to RI are invested for three years.  The interest income is used for operating expenses.  After 3 years, 90% of the funds are split 50/50 between RI projects and back to the District for grant awards.

There will be a District Million Dollar Dinner toward the end of the year for major donors ($10,000 or more.)  Counselors will be available to help interested donors determine how to contribute.  Those who donate $10,000 or more to Polio Plus will be invited to the dinner.

DG Shull reminded the club that the District Conference will kick off Friday, August 13, 2021 at 4 p.m. and again at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2021.  It will be held at the Crowne Plaza Asheville and will be “Rotary casual.”  The registration fee is $190.  Visit www.rotary7670conference.com for more details.

Another reminder from DG Shull:  District Governor nominations are due by September 3, 2021.  Interested parties must have served as a club president.  It is about a 4-5 year commitment, with 3 years of prep time.

Closing with the directive to “Go forth and do good,” DG Shull closed by providing his contact information:  kshull51@gmail.com and 828-200-9011.

Conclusion:

President Jim Street presented DG Shull a $120 to Polio Plus in the District Governor’s honor.  After DG Shull led the group in the 4-Way Test, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 a.m.