our vision a strong america, safe communities, and unified ... · submitted by: dan mcqueeney,...
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August 9, 2019, Volume 26, Issue 1
EXCHANGE GATHERS IN NORFOLK More than 600 attendees gathered at the 101st National Convention and 36th Symposium in Norfolk, VA, July 17-20, to share in fellowship and celebrate Exchange. Along with important business sessions and enjoyable meal events, invaluable educational seminars were offered throughout the convention, and awards were presented recognizing Exchange Club members for their accomplishments during the 2018/2019 administrative year. The 101st Convention of The National Exchange Club kicked off Wednesday evening. The fun evening featured a trip to nearby Harbor Park for a professional minor league baseball game hosted by the Norfolk Tides. At Thursday morning’s Opening Session, the Presentation of the Colors was provided by the Norfolk Police Department Honor Guard; and Musician Third Class Amanda Huddleston, from the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, presented an inspirational rendition of the National Anthem. Attendees were welcomed by Claude Carmack, Past National President and Virginia District Host Committee Chair. The Honorable Donnie Tuck, Mayor of the nearby City of Hampton, also delivered a warm welcome to Exchange members and guests. The following convention sponsors were recognized and thanked: the Exchange Club of Chico, California; Group Management Services, Inc.; The Image Group; InfoStream Solutions; Marc and Susan Schwartz; Philadelphia Insurance; Pruvit; Robert Half; Stapleton Insurance; and Veterans Matter. Adrian Peterson, retired NFL Player, College Football Hall of Fame (2017) Member, Author and Speaker, presented an inspirational keynote address. Adrian shared his message of encouraging and motivating individuals to strive and reach their life goals. Following awards recognition, 2018/2019 National President Scot Warren presented his address, offering his sincere thanks to everyone for being values members of Exchange. The National Project Luncheon featured presenter Johnnetta McSwain, MSW, PhD, CEO and Founder of Breaking the Cycle, Beating the Odds and DreamWright Publications, LLC, overcame a childhood of abuse. Awards were also showcased, including the CARE Awards and Exchange Strong Club Giving Campaign recognition. Dawn Portner, of the Exchange Club Project H.E.L.P. of Naperville, IL, was recognized as the 2019 Parent Aide of the Year. Thursday afternoon’s Second Convention Session began with a Memorial Celebration conducted by Past National President Lou Molitor. Attendees heard the Annual Report of the NEC Foundation by President Marc Schwartz, along with National Treasurer Jim Ruzon’s Report to the convention. Numerous communications-
Our Vision – A strong America, safe communities, and unified people.
Our Mission – Exchange, inspiring communities to become better places to live.
Our Motto – Unity for Service
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related awards, along with Outstanding Project and Fundraising awards, Big “E” and National Service Awards were also recognized. Delegates considered one Proposed Amendment to the National Bylaws, as follows:
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 1 ARTICLE XVII, Fiscal Matters
RESOLVED that Article XVII (Fiscal Matters), Section 1, of the Bylaws of The National Exchange Club be amended, effective July 1, 2019, by deleting the amount of $19.00 in the first sentence of Section 1, and substituting the amount of $19.50; so that Article XVII, Section 1, as amended, shall read:
Section 1. Each chartered club shall pay to The National Exchange Club quarterly per capita dues of $19.00 $19.50 per Active, Active Honorary, At-Large, and Business Member, and $8.00 per Honorary Member. A club, newly-formed during any quarter, is exempted from the payment of per capita dues for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of charter.
These dues include the sum of $1.50 as one-fourth (1/4) payment on a yearly subscription of $6.00 for Exchange Today Magazine. The sum of $2.50 per member per quarter shall be deposited to the account of The National Exchange Club Foundation. Said funds will be used for the purpose of raising public awareness for The National Exchange Club and providing funding for The National Exchange Club’s Programs of Service, including its national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse. Said dues shall be payable quarterly in advance and dues are payable by the 10th day of July, October, January and April of each year.
In addition, each club shall pay to The National Exchange Club a one-time Life Member fee in the amount of $1,000.00, for each Life Member, payable at the time the club’s Board of Directors elects a member to Life Membership status. Submitted by: Dan McQueeney, 2015/2016 National President An amendment was approved, making the effective date January 1, 2020; and the Proposed Amendment, as amended, increasing the quarterly per capita dues to $19.50, was passed by delegates. Friday’s events began with Convention Session 3, which included the Election of 2019/2020 National Officers and an NEC Foundation At-Large Trustee. Upon the completion of candidate speeches, electronic voting was opened and delegates cast their votes via an email link sent to their devices. Results were tabulated and announced.
Currents A bulletin for Exchange Club leaders, is published monthly by The National
Exchange Club, 3050 Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43606-1700. 419.535.3232
Website: www.nationalexchangeclub.org Email: [email protected]
Editor Publisher Gail Weller Tracey Edwards Executive Manager Chief Executive Officer
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Executive Vice President/CEO Tracey Edwards presented Exchange’s Annual Report to the convention, including highlights from last year and a preview of things to come. The One Nation Under God Luncheon began with a moving rendition of “Heal Our Nation/America the Beautiful” sung by Barbara Elliott, member of the Exchange Club of Rome, GA. The event featured an outstanding presentation by Lieutenant General (Retired) William C. Mayville, Jr. He commanded forces at multi-levels, served in numerous key positions in the Pentagon, and was the Vice Commander for U.S. Cyber Command. To conclude the One Nation Under God Luncheon, a special appearance was made by representatives of the Norfolk Police Department Lip Sync Challenge Team. The department’s video went viral to the tune of millions of YouTube views and has been selected as a candidate for a new CBS special, Lip Sync to the Rescue, scheduled to air later this year. Following a second annual Networking Breakfast Event, led by motivational trainer Pete Folch, Founder of Second Wind-Finish Strong, Inc., Saturday’s Convention Session 4 featured the prestigious Youth of the Year and A.C.E. Awards. The 2019 Youth of the Year winner was Clayton Jelsma, sponsored by the Tennessee District and the Exchange Club of Hillsboro-Brentwood, TN. Unfortunately, due to travel plans preventing Clayton and his family from arriving in Norfolk for the award presentation, he was unable to accept the award in person but quickly sent a video. Makayla Infanzon was the 2019 A.C.E. winner. Makayla was sponsored by the Rocky Mountain District and the Breakfast Exchange Club of West Jordan, UT. The NEC Foundation’s live auction was held, followed by an opportunity to “Bid from the Heart”, which allowed attendees to show support for Exchange at a level with which they were comfortable. Convention committee reports were presented, along with additional awards. Barbara Orr, of the North Carolina District, was recognized as 2019 Volunteer Field Representative of the Year. National President Designate Russ Finney presented his address, encouraging members to strive to achieve excellence in all that they do. Learn more about Russ and his Exchange Club journey in the next issue of Exchange Today Magazine. Saturday evening, Russ Finney was installed as the 99th President of The National Exchange Club. Russ is a member of the Exchange Clubs of West Chester and Northwest Cincinnati, OH. Kathy Mize, of the Exchange Clubs of Northeast St. Petersburg and Harbor North Pinellas, FL, was installed as National President-Elect; Barbara Orr, of the Exchange Clubs of Mooresville/Lake Norman and Evening Greater Mooresville/Lake Norman, NC, was installed as National Treasurer; Tracey Edwards, Exchange Club of Greater Maumee Bay, OH, renewed her oath as Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer; and Scot Warren, of the Exchange Clubs of Naperville and Tri-Cities, IL, was installed as Immediate Past National President. Regional Vice Presidents for 2019/2020 are:
John Blythe, Region 1, Kern Valley, CA
Leif Welhaven, Region 2, Breakfast Billings, Laurel, West Billings and Bozeman, MT
Dawn Portner, Region 3, Naperville and DuPage County, IL
Mike Reichek, Region 5, Fort Bend, TX
Denise Strub, Region 6, Cleveland, MS
Jennifer Sweney, Region 7, Saginaw, MI
Kim Prado, Region 9, Treasure Coast-Vero Beach, FL
W. David Johnson, Region 10, Charleston and Evening Charleston, SC
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Billy Wineholt, Region 11, Hanover, PA
Joe Dudek, Region 12, Norwalk and Westport, CT Marc Schwartz, of the Exchange Clubs of Memorial Houston and Phoenix Houston, Texas, was re-elected by fellow Trustees to serve as President of the NEC Foundation Board of Trustees; Past National President Elizabeth Grantham, of the Exchange Clubs of Isle of Palms, Berkeley County and Evening Charleston, SC, was elected by Trustees to serve as Vice-President; Ray Carlson will serve as Immediate Past President; Barbara Orr, will serve as NEC Foundation Treasurer; and Chief Executive Officer Tracey Edwards will continue to serve as Secretary. Other Trustees include:
Ken Sullivan, North Jackson, MS, and Millington, TN
Kim Hodges, Utah Valley, UT
Janet Jacobs, Naperville and DuPage County, IL
Scot Warren, Naperville and Tri-Cities, IL
Events held during the convention raised more than $124,000 in cash and pledges for the NEC Foundation. Donations included funds raised from the silent and live auctions, as well as other events held throughout the convention. Thank you for your generous contributions! Be sure to visit Exchange’s website at: www.nationalexchangeclub.org, to view convention photos. Contact: [email protected] NATIONAL BOARD MEETS IN NORFOLK Members of the National Board of Directors gathered at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, for their annual Pre- and Post-Convention meetings. Board members focused on issues in Exchange and heard year-end reports from National Committees. An open discussion was held about plans each board member has to continue the momentum of growth in Exchange. The following issues were addressed:
Approved Convention Standing Rules and Convention Caucus Rules to be in effect throughout the convention.
An amendment was presented on behalf of Past National Presidents to change the proposed dues increase from a $.50 increase per member per quarter to $1.00. This motion failed.
Approved a recommendation from the Awards Committee to name the new $15,000 scholarship award for children of members who are first responders or veterans, the Legacy Award.
Passed a motion to have Puerto Rico continue as a district with specific goals, as created by the Infrastructure Committee, to be achieved by June 30, 2020; and if the goals are not met, the district will be merged.
Passed a motion that the following districts must reach the goals specified in the Infrastructure Committee’s report, along with meeting leadership succession requirements, as follows:
Dakota Territory 311 Exchange Club members 1 new Exchange Club Mid-America Keep current numbers 1 new Exchange Club New Jersey/New York 275 Exchange Club members 1 new Exchange Club Northwest 1 new Exchange Club Sierra Pacific 270 Exchange Club members 1 new Exchange Club (Note: As a part of the motion, the board agreed that the Virginia District be removed from the committee’s list, as the district had since met District Minimum Standards requirements.)
Contact: [email protected]
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2019 COURT OF HONOR INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED The Court of Honor is the highest and most lasting recognition of dedication to the ideal of “Unity for Service.” It was established as a way to honor and pay tribute to Exchange Club members who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the ideals and mission of The National Exchange Club. At the 101st National Convention in Norfolk, Virginia, the names of five individuals were announced at Saturday evening’s banquet:
Susan Z. Brewer, Peninsula Networking and Hampton, VA
Elizabeth Grantham, Isle of Palms, Berkeley County and Evening, Charleston, SC
Cliff Kiernan, Naugatuck, CT
William “Bill” F. Trimble, Jr., Downtown Hampton and Wythe Hampton, VA
Jeffry L. Young, Johnson County, Lawrence and Hancock County, IN
Upon induction into the Court of Honor, the name of each honoree will be permanently inscribed on one of the granite pylons located in the courtyard at National Headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. In addition, each honoree will receive a statuette and lapel pin. This year’s special induction ceremony will take place at National Headquarters on Saturday afternoon, September 28, 2019. A celebratory dinner will be held that evening to honor the inductees at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriott, site of the Fall National Leadership Summit. Everyone is invited to attend this event. Contact: [email protected]
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ANNOUNCING EXCHANGE’S NEWEST CLUBS We are excited to announce the 16th new club of Exchange's 2018-2019 administrative year. Please join us in welcoming the Exchange Club of Bozeman, MT! The Exchange Club of Bozeman, MT, was built by Cindi Farrar, Tony Parish, and Leif Welhaven. The new club was sponsored by the Breakfast Exchange Club of Billings, MT, and chartered with 19 members on June 26. Region 2 Vice President Leif Welhaven conducted the Permanent Organizational Meeting. The new club is part of Region 2 and the Yellowstone District Exchange Clubs.
The Permanent Organizational Meeting of the Exchange Club of Bozeman, MT.
We are excited to announce the 17th new club of Exchange's 2018-2019 administrative year. Please join us in welcoming the Exchange Club of Tidewater, VA! The Exchange Club of Tidewater, VA, was built by Margaret Moore, Robert Moore, and Marie Warren. The new club was sponsored by the Exchange Clubs of Hampton Roads Networking and Suffolk, VA, and chartered with 15 members on June 27. Region 11 Vice President and Volunteer Field Representative Robert Moore conducted the Permanent Organizational Meeting. The new club is part of Region 11 and the Colonial District Exchange Clubs. The Permanent Organizational Meeting of the Exchange Club of Tidewater, VA.
We proudly welcome these members to Exchange!
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NEW CLUBS CHARTERED – 2018/2019 No. DATE NAME MBRS SPONSOR DISTRICT BUILDERS
1 8.30.18 Exchange Club of LaPorte County, IN
27 Indiana District Indiana Brad Clapp Kathy Cox David Jocelyn Mary Talbutt
2 10.11.18 Exchange Excel Club of Branford High School, Branford, CT
27 Branford, CT Connecticut Joe Dudek Jack Mushin Ellen Rosenthal Bill Solder
3 11.8.18 Exchange Junior Excel Club of South Lawrence East Elementary School, Lawrence, MA
17 Esperanza Academy Junior Excel Club, Lawrence, MA
New England Bruce Baril
4 12.19.18 Exchange Junior Excel Club of Elder Grove School, Billings, MT
21 Breakfast, Billings, MT
Yellowstone Ann Gunderson Leif Welhaven
5 1.7.19 Exchange Excel Club of Skyview High School, Billings, MT
26 Billings Heights, MT
Yellowstone Don Hummel Jim Strecker Leif Welhaven
6 1.9.19 Wildcat Exchange Excel Club of Alpena High School, Alpena, MI
20 Alpena, MI Michigan Shawn Ballor Ray Reynolds Tony Suszek
7 2.5.19 Exchange Club of Iredell County, NC
22 Mooresville/ Lake Norman, NC
North Carolina Cotton & Vickie Ketchie Barbara Orr Ryan Pegarsch Kimberly Saragoni Paul Summerville
8 3.25.19 Exchange Excel Club of Waverly-Shell Rock High School, Waverly, IA
25 Waverly, IA Lakes and Prairies
Beth Burrow Dan McKenzie
9 4.9.19 Exchange Junior Excel Club of Perry Central Middle School, New Augusta, MS
22 Perry County, MS
Mississippi John Blake Scott Dearman Dale & Jeanette Goodman
10 4.10.19 Exchange Excel Club of Academia Interamericana Metro, Santurce, PR
25 San Juan-Bayamon, PR
Puerto Rico Luis Alfredo Cuerda Enrique Henry Sigas
11 4.16.19 Exchange Club of New Orleans, LA 22 West St. Tammany, LA
Texas/ Louisiana Gulf Coast
Alexandra Clark Thomas Mitchell Fred Rittler
12 4.24.19 Exchange Club of Aumsville, OR 15 Salem, OR Northwest Jim Beukelman Lynn Boge John Hammill Jerry Thompson
13 4.29.19 Exchange Club of Fort Lauderdale, FL
25 Pompano Beach, FL
Florida Gerson Rodriguez Nico Winningham
14 5.16.19 Exchange Excel Club of Brandon High School, Brandon, MS
29 Crossgates, MS Mississippi Louise Pipitone Randall Walters
15 6.4.19 Exchange Excel Club of Sebastian River High School, Sebastian, FL
24 Sebastian, FL Florida Kathy Burns Margie Duffell Bill Middleton
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No. DATE NAME MBRS SPONSOR DISTRICT BUILDERS
16 6.26.19 Exchange Club of Bozeman, MT 19 Breakfast, Billings, MT
Yellowstone Cindi Farrar Tony Parish Leif Welhaven
17 6.27.19 Exchange Club of Tidewater, VA 15 Hampton Roads Networking and Suffolk, VA
Virginia Margaret Moore Robert Moore Marie Warren
17 381
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MEMBERSHIP SUMMARY Competitive summary for membership activity for the month of July – Highest YTD% Growth: 1.1% Florida District
Highest YTD% Retention: 99.8% Lakes and Prairies District
Most Members Added in July 2019: 20 Texas District
Most Members in the District July 2019: 1845 Georgia District
Most Clubs in the District July 2019: 39 California-Nevada District and Georgia District
Top Ten Largest Exchange Clubs Nationally as of July 31, 2019 –
Club Name Total Members
Exchange Club of Charleston, SC 245
Exchange Club of Rome, GA 211
Breakfast Exchange Club of Billings, MT 171
Exchange Club of Lake Highlands-Dallas, TX 165
Exchange Club of Tallahassee, FL 164
Exchange Club of Augusta, GA 164
Exchange Club of Isle of Palms, SC 164
Exchange Club of Fort Worth, TX 156
Exchange Club of Albany, GA 155
Exchange Club of New Canaan, CT 129
July and August Club Anniversaries (25 years or more, 5-year increments)
Salem, NJ 7.22.24 95 Kinston, NC 7.13.19 45 Jackson, TN 8.24.24 95 Phoenix, AZ 8.19.29 90 Nampa, ID 8.13.49 70 Aledo, IL 8.5.54 65 Metro Charleston, SC 8.1.69 50 Spirit of Bossier, 8.24.84 35 Bossier City, LA Richmond Hill, GA 8.25.84 35 Waverly, IA 8.25.84 35 South Granville, NC 8.30.84 35
July and August Child Abuse Prevention Center Anniversaries
(25 years or more, 5-year increments)
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EXCHANGE UNIVERSITY Exchange University is a valuable online training resource available to all Exchange club-level officers and district directors. The submission of officer election reports each year (due by April 30) to National Headquarters, initiates the automatic enrollment of a club's president, secretary, and treasurer, as well as district directors. Check your membership records to verify National Headquarters has accurate email addresses for these individuals. Not only is this educational opportunity an important training tool designed to assist in leadership roles, it is also a requirement for many national awards, including:
Distinguished Club President Award Distinguished Club Secretary Award
Distinguished Club Treasurer Award Distinguished District Director Award
Although these courses may be taken anytime throughout the year, completion of a course was required by August 1 if an officer desired to achieve any of the above awards. Certificates are sent upon completion. For more information on Exchange University, visit the Exchange University section through the Member Resources page of Exchange's website. Contact: [email protected] IN SYMPATHY Barbara Blythe – Barbara Blythe (1931-2019), grandmother of Region 1 Vice President John Blythe, passed away on June 5, 2019, at the age of 88 in Mobile, AL, following a long battle with leukemia. She was preceded in death by her husband Carol “CJ” Blythe, who passed away almost a year ago on June 16, 2018, and her second son Jack J. Blythe, who passed away in 2005. Donations in her memory may be made to the National Exchange Club Foundation or to Veterans Matter. Messages of condolences may be sent to John and his family at: 10700 Highway 178, Lake Isabella, CA 93240-9103. Please keep the Blythe family in your thoughts and prayers.
EXCHANGE LEADERS’ CALENDAR AND IMPORTANT DATES ***Requests for national representatives must be submitted to National Headquarters in writing.***
September 12 – Exchange Club of Dayton, Ohio’s 100th Anniversary Celebration; Dayton, OH – Chief Executive Officer Tracey Edwards.
September 7-12 – Exchange Club of Tempe, Arizona’s 911 Memorial Healing Field Event; Tempe, AZ – National President Russ Finney. September 25-28 – National Fall Leadership Summit; Detroit Metro Airport Marriott; 30559 Flynn Drive, Romulus, MI 48174; for 2019/2020 District Presidents (EC Board arrivals on 9.25.19; DP arrivals on 9.26 19; Training, 9.27 and 9.28; Court of Honor Induction Ceremony, 9.28.19; all departures 9.29.19.) An official meeting notice will be provided attendees with additional details at the appropriate time.
October 15 – Exchange Club of New Canaan, CT; a visit scheduled in conjunction with the Connecticut District’s Salute to Connecticut’s Bravest – National President Russ Finney
October 17 – Connecticut District’s Salute to Connecticut’s Bravest; Aqua Turf Conference Center; Plantsville, CT – National President Russ Finney
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January 8-11, 2020 – National Mid-Year Leadership Summit; Hotel Eleganté Conference and Event Center, 2886 S. Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906; for 2020/2021 District Presidents (Tentative schedule: NEC Board arrivals on 1.8.20; DP arrivals on 1.9.20; Training, 1.10 and 1.11; all departures 1.12.20.) An official meeting notice will be provided attendees with additional details at the appropriate time.
July 22-25, 2020 – 102nd National Convention; Hotel Eleganté Conference and Event Center; Colorado Springs, CO
July 7-11, 2021 – 103rd National Convention; The Peabody Hotel; Memphis, TN IMPORTANT REMINDERS …
2019/2020 NATIONAL YOUTH OF THE YEAR ESSAY THEME – “We are a nation of communities ... a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.” – George H.W. Bush How do you intend to serve as an example, now and in the future, of a responsible American citizen?
IRS MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE FOR 2019 – The IRS has adjusted its optional standard mileage rate to $0.58/mile for 2019. The National Exchange Club’s policy is to reimburse board members for Exchange-related travel up to their budget at a rate that is half of that of the IRS, or $0.29/mile.
TELECONFERENCE SERVICES – Your National Headquarters will be happy to assist districts in setting up a teleconference call. Let us know the date and time for your meeting; we will provide you with a toll-free dial-in number and passcode each person will use to access the call. Calls are invoiced at five cents per person per minute. To schedule a call, please email Executive Manager Gail Weller at: [email protected].
FREE ONE NATION UNDER GOD BROCHURES! – The NEC Foundation will provide up to 50 One Nation Under God brochures at no cost to any club upon request! Please take advantage of this important part of any Americanism program. (Limit 50 per club per year.) To place your order today, contact National Headquarters at 419.535.3232, or [email protected].
Exchange’s national spokes-bear, Time Out Teddy, is no longer available to rent from National Headquarters.
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