Lincolnland Club and District Leaders,

Welcome to 2009-2010!  Lincolnland District President-Elect Kathy Johnson, Secretary Donna Givens, Treasurer Patti Molitor, and I are excited to be working with you in the Spirit of Exchange.  Our 31 Lincolnland clubs are committed to Exchange's Programs of Service, including Americanism, Community Service, Youth Programs, and the Prevention of Child Abuse, and we're all looking forward to a great year.

Our 2008-2009 year closed out with an outstanding District Convention in Fairview Heights on June 25th - 28th.  I'd like to thank our host clubs Belleville and Alton for all the time and effort their members gave to ensure a successful convention.  Highlights included a wonderful Barbecue / Ice Cream Social at the Belleville Clubhouse, a meaningful One Nation Under God Breakfast, an entertaining evening with Comedian Tim Cavanaugh, a memorable Installation Banquet, and a special Youth of the Year Breakfast.  I'm sure all attendees enjoyed the camaraderie shared with Exchangites from around our district.  You'll see more about our 83rd District Convention in the next edition of The Lincolnland Link and on our website at www.lincolnlandexchange.com.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank our 2008-2009 District President Dennis Koch, who is dedicated to the Principles of Exchange.  He has proudly led our district, and he has helped show me the way for 2009-2010.  Thank you Dennis, for a job well done.       

What's coming up next?  Well, the National Convention will be held next week in Jacksonville, Florida.  There are numerous issues of interest to be reviewed and voted on by the delegates, including a potential national dues increase, a re-structuring of Exchange's national regions, and a membership plan for Junior Exchange and Excel Clubs.  In addition, Lincolnland Past President Frank Alberico will run for Vice President of Region 3 (which includes the districts of Lincolnland, Wisconsin / Upper Peninsula, Minnesota, and Dakota Territories), and Lincolnland Past President Stan Rocush will run for our National Foundation Board.  We convey our best wishes to Frank and Stan, and I'll update you on the convention results in about two weeks.

Regarding communications within our district, I'll distribute a "Lincolnland Update" (such as this e-mail) twice a month, which will include information about upcoming events, district news, membership numbers, etc.  Also, every other week or so, I'll send out a brief article entitled "Around Lincolnland", which will feature a best practice, fundraiser, event, or program from one of our Lincolnland clubs.  The intent of "Around Lincolnland" is for all our clubs to share some of their successes and hopefully spark some new ideas around the district.  In addition to these e-mail communications, we will also distribute our quarterly Lincolnland Link and update our website regularly.

In closing, we all have our reasons for being members of Exchange.  Two weeks ago during our Installation Banquet, I shared four of mine.  I ask all of you to share your reasons for being Exchangites with your family members, co-workers, community leaders, and friends.  Whether it's about Americanism, Community Service, Youth Programs, or the Prevention of Child Abuse, please share the Power of Exchange with your acquaintances.  And as we expand our Exchange Club family, think about how many more lives we can touch - more communities, more families, and more children.

Thanks for everything you do in the Spirit of Exchange.

Scot

Scot Warren
Lincolnland District President, 2009-2010
The Power of Exchange - Be Inspired!
 
Home: (630) 527-9130, swwarren@att.net
Work: (815) 609-2137, scot.warren@veoliawater.com