Spring’2015’Conference’ Toastmasters’International...
Transcript of Spring’2015’Conference’ Toastmasters’International...
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Spring 2015 Conference Toastmasters International
District 21 District Executive Council Meeting Minutes
Friday, May 8th, 2015
Harbour Towers and Suites Hotel Victoria, BC
1. CALL TO ORDER
Sergeant-‐at-‐Arms Sheila Pickard ACS ALB introduced and welcomed the District 21 Governor.
District Governor, May Soo-‐Tveita, DTM, called the meeting to order at 3:14pm
2. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTORY REMARKS About 10 months have passed; we only have a couple more to go! We will not slow down for the 7 more weeks – the light is at the end of the tunnel and we can accomplish what we set out to do for the district!
3. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Agenda was adopted after the motion by Shawn Gold DTM.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Hearing no corrections and no objections, the minutes from the last District Executive Council Meeting held on December 7th, 2014 were approved as presented.
5. DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S REPORT: MAY SOO-‐TVEITA DTM
The very latest performance numbers toward the District’s Goal to be distinguished were given as addenda to the PowerPoint slides:
Paid Clubs reached 92% complete.
Membership payments reached 90% complete, leaving 500 payments to go.
Distinguished clubs have reached 41.3% of the goal. Although there is still a ways to go before we achieve the 63 clubs required, strong effort during the next 7 weeks will bring the goal within reach.
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Position in the region and world – with 98 districts in the world, D21 is at 49th in paid clubs (we are half way there). Out of 7 districts in our Region1 and we are 3rd.
Membership payments – at 72nd we are left near the lower end of the scale.
We are also second to last for distinguished clubs so we have a way to go – but we have many who are almost distinguished. This is definitely possible
In addition to the foregoing three criteria to qualify, we also need to submit the District Success Plan with 85% of Division and Area Governors trained, and for the Distinguished Area Program we also need to submit at least 75% of Area Governor reports showing no net club loss.
Area Governors were encouraged to submit these reports.
A Survey from 2013-‐14 shows interesting data about B.C.: Our retention rate was 52-‐55 %, 60% of members are 45 years old and above. This means there is a lot of potential in reaching out to the younger population. Worldwide 54% of clubs achieve recognition whereas in B.C. 15.3% do so. There is catch up work to be done.
6. LT. GOVERNOR OF EDUCATION & TRAINING REPORT: FAI MURRAY DTM
We believe a quality trained club starts with quality trained club executive. Acknowledge 7 clubs who achieved all 7 officers trained, read out numbers.
She would like to acknowledge remote club officers trained. Remote trained approved by TI 7 years ago. Coordinated by PIP Marg Hope and is constantly coordinating more people who are able to continue this initiative. She has been instrumental in ensuring our numbers are up.
7. LT. GOVERNOR OF MARKETING REPORT: CAROL CARTER DTM
Updated numbers from the slides – member payments, clubs in good standing and distinguished. Out of those who are not paid yet – we might get 5 back into good standing. We expect to charter 6 clubs by the end of the year but our goal is 9.
If we get new clubs, each will represent 20 member payments, and each will help bring up our membership payments. At the time the PowerPoint was made we needed 500 more member payments now we need 400.
All AG and DGs please bring the energy up to all of your clubs – anyone able to help in Demo meetings please let me know.
8. PRO REPORT: EDWARD YUEN CC
Thank you May and fellow District Officers
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We have been providing resources for Toastmasters at Different levels. Encourage all clubs to invite friends, family coworkers – this will help us instrumentally
Also been helpful with remote promotion – Facebook and social media
City of surrey and other government, recognizing Toastmasters Month in February
Brand new initiatives for D21: He’s been connecting with new centres such as library, and community centres which are built to be areas of communication and support.
Many thanks to May for all her hard work, and to the Division Governors who received the lists of Facebook leads – please phone them as this the most effective way.
9. AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT: DOUG ANDERSON DTM
Greeted the head table and the district officers.
In a way, it was a pleasure that we were one of the districts chosen by the IRS to be audited. After his own audit, Doug Anderson sent the accounting records to the TI Finance offices to convey. The auditors were satisfied with the completeness of the District 21 accounting.
May responded to say that it was not unnerving. All concerned were pleased with the result.
10. DISTRICT TREASURER’S REPORT: FONNY KERMER DTM
! For the year to March 30, membership revenue was $CAD 45,578 ($US 38,564) on a total of 4,665 membership payments. There were 3,650 membership renewals, 883 new members and 132 charter members.
! Canadian dollar membership revenue year-‐to-‐date was 1.18% higher than budgeted ($CAD 40,638).
! The net loss for the year to March 30 was $CAD 1,633.
! Total expenses were $CAD 77,229 while total revenues were $CAD 75,596.
! District Reserve $ 77,655
! Local Bank Accounts $ 27,409
! Cash $ 175
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! Total $105,239
! Less Minimum District Reserve at Year End ($ 12,509)
! Total Available Funds $ 92,730
May responded that it is nice to hear we have available funds because it is important to leave District 21 in a good position for the next team.
11. DIVISION GOVERNOR’S REPORTS: A, C, E, F, G, K, V, W, X
All Division Governors were invited to the stage to give their division’s status reports for two minutes each.
Division A: WENDY ARTHURS ACG ALB Present, gave report VI Entrepreneurs – Division A may not reach distinguished. Speaking to someone who has space and interested in starting a TM club in that space. Need 9 for Distinguished, 10 for Select and 12 for President’s. All memberships were down.
Change in submitted report – Cowichan reached President’s Distinguished after signing up 6 this week!
Saanich, Speakers Cornered, and Goldstream – all expect to reach Presidents' Distinguished status. Most have minimum amount of points to reach distinguished. We have had a big drive in last 2 months so these clubs should really come up without problem. Thanks to Michael for researching for his team so we do have names for
Report:
DCP Status: Division A may not reach Distinguished due to loss of VI Entrepreneurs in Area 1. Division A is, however, currently in negotiation with Everything Wine to start a specialty club using their premises but it is unknown, at this time, whether it could be chartered prior to end of June. If successful: Division A would require 9 Distinguished clubs to become Distinguished, 10 clubs to become Select Distinguished and 12 plus one additional to become President’s Distinguished.
Currently, membership is down in all clubs, requiring an increase in membership from between 2 to 9 members before the end of June.
The most likely clubs to reach President’s Distinguished are: 4483-‐The Communicators Toastmasters Club, 5952-‐Goldstream Toastmasters, 950-‐Cowichan Toastmasters, 1288-‐Saanich Peninsula Club and 6265-‐Speakers Corner. The first four historically come through at the end of the year with the required DCP and membership goals. Speakers Cornered has a great coach, renewed pride in their club and a strong desire to come out
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on top. 3248959-‐ Silverbridge Toastmasters may manage to reach President’s Distinguished but has lost two of its driving members due to illness, so is struggling to find it’s footing again.
The following clubs should reach a minimum of Distinguished before the end of June: 2156215-‐Power Toasters, 4671-‐Master Motivators Club, 38-‐First Canadian Toastmasters Club and
6719-‐Saanich Lunch Bunch. The Area Governors and I have reached out to these clubs.
Area Governor/Director Appointments
The following names have been forwarded for Area Governor/Director appointments: Joe Guenette, Elaine MacDonald, Sue Meagher and Catherine Laird
Division C: NELL MCINNES DTM Absent with regrets – report sent in advance and read out by Eleanor Comments followed by May who really thanked everyone for the event, social event at the Pantry and the billeting experience
Report:
Our Division has had a successful year, I believe, certainly not without challenges.
Geographically there is 8 hours between our clubs. Makes it harder to get together and support each other.
We held two COT sessions, July and January. The second one we combined with Div. X, which was great because I still miss these toastmasters because our division was split last year. Both were very successful with approx. 50 members at each one.
We had make up trainings in Kamloops and Vernon.
The distance training was well attended with 2 clubs training all 7 officers.
We held our Division Contests in Salmon Arm and Vernon.
Our contestant won the District Humorous Speech Contest that was really exciting.
We were very happy to have May Soo Tveita and Carol Carter attend the one in April. Carol presented an Ed session for us. It is very valuable for our members to hear from our district team. We were sorry Fai Murray was unable to attend. Many of us went for dinner after and really enjoyed ourselves.
Three of my four area governors submitted all of their club visit reports early.
I am hoping the other area reports are coming soon.
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Cecilia Teneese from Cranbrook won prizes for submitting both of her area governor reports early.
Many of our clubs are suffering from low membership. Three of the clubs that we were afraid would not make it have rebounded-‐-‐-‐ unfortunately a couple of others are struggling.
We will have a coach appointed in Armstrong. We will try to find someone else to help with their club.
They are the only club that has requested a coach.
There are many clubs who have 7-‐10 of the awards for distinguished club but are so far not able to meet the membership numbers needed. We will continue to work on trying to attract new members.
Division E: SHAWN GOLD DTM Present, read report Read report. Finding it difficult to find good charters. 2 strong corporate clubs: Lightly Toasted and Aeroinfo. 25 in Lightly Toasted and 43 in Aeroinfo WE are really looking for new mentors. All AG reports submitted on time. We need 17 for distinguished, 18 for select. We are likely going to be Select Distinguished. We are a vibrant division with lots to offer. I’m looking for someone ready to be the Division E Governor.
Report:
District leaders, Division E is a strong and exciting division. Year to day, we’ve lost one Area Governor who left due to family reasons during the year. However, she was replaced with an excellent acting area governor for Area 53. We’re having a few challenges with smaller poor performing clubs. Assigned coaches to Sage and Flying, but require more experienced coaches. We had one club that was to be de-‐chartered (Frantastic), but paperwork was not completed before the start of this TM year. We have two new very strong and exciting corporate clubs: (Lightly Toasted and Aeroinfo); and now we need to strengthen our public community clubs.
Division Goals:
Payment: D17, S17, P18 Actual 14 Minimum Required 3
Distinguished Clubs Required: D7, S8, P9 Actual 2, Minimum Required 5
Distinguished Clubs: 2
Area 50: Richmond Toastmasters: Presidents Distinguished (33 members, 9 pts. YTD)
Area 53: Macdonald Dettwiler & Assoc: Select Distinguished (38 members, 8 pts. YTD)
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Almost Distinguished Clubs: 6, reasonably possible 5 + 2=7 distinguished
Division Plans: Work with Area Governors and Club Presidents for the following clubs:
E50 Ambassadors needs 3 more members for distinguished (Select?)
E51 EnRICHed needs 3 more members and either a CC, AC or CL (Dist.?)
E51 Comp-‐Talk needs 3 more members and either an AC or CL (Dist.?)
E53 Rich-‐Del needs 2 more members for Presidents
E53 McKToast needs a combination of 2 AC or CL or 2 CC, plus an AC or CL or 4 CC
Payments: 3 + 14 = 17 for Select Distinguished
E51 Richmond Achievers
E52 Flying Toastmasters
E52 Global Speakers
We are a vibrant division with lots to offer for anyone wanting a Division Governor role.
Division F: MARK COLLLINS DTM Present, read report himself We can celebrate being a Select Distinguished division. We had a successful Div contest. Dynamic – chair Angelika and Allan Warburton – did a great job and we almost broke even. We have some money to pass on to the next Div. Governor. Carol and May came to represent the District. One AG went on medical leave and we have been covering for him. Sonya, Angelika helped to do visits and pulled off Area contest without an AG. He has a dream that clubs will bring excess funds to the division and that there may be a trophy for the division. Glad next Div. F governor will have some money
Report:
Area Club Name Goals Paid members
Members needed
E50 4666 Ambassadors - Tsawwassen Toastmasters 5 17 3E51 9257 enRICHed Speakers Toastmasters Club 4 15 2E51 6246 Comp-Talk Toastmasters 4 17 3E52 9868 Global Speakers Toastmasters Club 7 5 15E52 9373 Richmond Dragon Masters Club 4 8 6E53 3767 Rich-Del Club 8 18 2
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With many people’s help and a real team effort Division F hosted a successful International and Evaluation Speech Contest. Allan Warburton and Angelika Bendrich served as Chairs for the contest and Sonya Keulen arranged the food. It was challenging to get judges because some of the contestants were in more than one club from the two local divisions. By all accounts we met our goal to have a well-‐run crisp contest “A Dynamic Speech Contest with Integrity”. We held a debriefing session after the contest and with the hope that that information might be helpful for the next division governor. The contest broke even and our division will have some money to pass onto the next division executive. Let me express our thanks to the District Governor May and Lt. Governor of marketing Carol for attending the contest. Special congratulations to all the contestants and the winners of the contests.
Harneet Randhawa, one of our area governors resigned in March due to health concerns, so our division council has been covering in his absence. We hope to get the area 62 visits done by the end of May. Both Sonya Keulen and Angelika Bendrich have offered to do visits in addition to myself. Several from the local clubs volunteered to do the organization for area 62’s International and Evaluation Contests, and these were completed and the contestants were passed onto the division level.
It would be good to have a system whereby local clubs make some financial contribution to the planning and contest events at the division level. That does happen in one of our areas and it is a good idea. Also, some thought has been given to a permanent trophy for the Division F International Speech Club Winner though it would have to be by donors as the division cannot fund it out of its revenues from events at present.
Thanks for the opportunity to serve as Division F Governor and best wishes to the next division director for this area. A special thanks to our area governors and others who have helped make this a successful year.
Division G: SHEILA PICKARD ACB ALB Present, read report herself Need 9 distinguished clubs to be a Dist. Division and growth of one to be President’s Distinguished.
Train the trainer was well attended with 40 people present. There were back to back COTs in June and we have plenty of eager facilitators, which is great. Carol Carters graced membership program very helpful. Div. G team is a dream team and I’m proud to have worked with them
Report:
Area Reports –
Division G needs 9 distinguished clubs to be a Distinguished Division, our base is 21 clubs.
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10 distinguished clubs to be Select Distinguished
11 distinguished clubs plus growth of one club to be President’s Distinguished
9 clubs have 5+ DCP goals earned and working on membership building.
2 clubs have 5+ DCP goals or higher earned and 20+ or +5 members.
E-‐mails identifying club needs, and suggestions for gaining members, have been sent to the Area Governors to share with their clubs.
Clubs are holding events, 25-‐year celebration, special events. Some clubs are reaching out and asking for help.
Mid Island Advanced provided for trainings and contests. Workshops were held for Judges training, train the trainer.
Phyllis Nielsen’s 'New Island Excellence' is 4 members away from charter strength.
Holding back to back COT
June 6th we are facilitating back-‐to-‐back COT’s, and for the first time we have plenty of eager facilitators. Leaders are developing in the North Island as well as Nanaimo. Low members clubs are still an issue.
Carol Carter’s graced members program is helpful, and getting good response, thank you Carol.
There is lots of work yet to do. Division G Team, a dream team that I feel privileged to work with.
Division K: LOIS BOUGHTON ACS Absent with regrets, report was read by Jen Li Report: Currently Division K has 19 clubs with 2 President’s Distinguished and an opportunity before year’s end to increase the numbers to: 4 Distinguished, 4 Select Distinguished, 3 President’s Distinguished.
Area 91 has 4 active clubs.
This area experienced club growth in two of its clubs, one is maintaining membership and one club has seen its share of challenges. Some clubs have faced, and are facing challenges as they consider the direction in which they wish to take the club in order for it to flourish. One of the clubs accomplishing strong growth found this success with the assistance of a Club Coach. This Area experienced a shift in the last few years because of its geographic reach, and has improved overall.
Net Area Membership Growth since November 2014: 6
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Area 92 has 5 active clubs. One club is currently President’s Distinguished.
For the most part this area has maintained membership with some increases. A corporate club has maintained a strong and motivated core. Membership has been an opportunity for change for two other clubs, one of which has been focusing on new and inventive ways to increase membership and maintain active club status by reaching out to the professional sector with a view to creating awareness of the need for improved presentation skills for professionals, and of course, subsequent club growth.
Net Area Membership Growth since November 2014: 1
Area 93 has 5 active clubs.
Three clubs in this area are maintaining and serve a diverse population. Two other clubs in this Area are experiencing membership growth challenges. For these clubs, some of the questions that need answers: Is the city and surrounding area in which these clubs are located, large enough to sustain two clubs? Should the two clubs consider merging? We are all aware; these are very serious decisions for the Clubs, the Area, the Division, and Toastmasters alike.
Net Area Membership Loss since November 2014: 6
Area 95 has 5 active clubs. One club is currently President’s Distinguished.
Two clubs in this area are maintaining membership and three will benefit from increased member numbers -‐growing the clubs to their potential. The area and demographic being served is broad and diverse and it is our belief this Area can indeed sustain five clubs with growth in each available.
Net Area Membership Loss since November 2014: 21
As Division Governor, as an observer and as a Toastmaster this year, questions soon arose: are we dividing our energies and focus for growth and expansion? Should we be focusing on our current clubs to strength and leave the new club growth for another time? And if we attempt both now, at what cost?
In Division K we have several clubs that are struggling to maintain membership and the focus has been and must continue to be on finding opportunities within the challenges. Does the population in some of our Areas warrant the number of clubs, as they exist now? This year, our focus has been on support and encouragement; and it has also been about allowing clubs to find their true measure in each Area. The goal has been sustainability and growth. This year these have seemed at odds to a large part. As Division Governor I believe in strong and sustainable Toastmasters Clubs in our Areas. Growing our current clubs to bigger and stronger is our challenge, our opportunity and our reality as we move into 2015/16.
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Division V: JOHN SHERBER DTM Present, gave report He has a victorious team, stats moving in a positive direction. Many of them have experienced so much growth. One area governor put on all the contests; another one put on Train the Trainer with the help of pat. We lost a club but gained another club. District Team and Tom Jones represented charter. We are on track to be distinguished. One club celebrated 60ht anniversary – 790? Beaver club
Social event – ran out of food, had a great time and changed dimensions of what happened from club to club. Everyone started talking about Div. V. Over 100 people showed up to his
Report:
We gained a new club the “VI Persuaders”. Charter ceremony will be on May 7 with D21 leaders and International Director attending. We also lost a club that the CPR just was not enough. One of our AG has had a new baby, one started her Masters, another had his team gave him the best surprise B Day party a person could ask for, and the last one was cleaning up the oil spill in English Bay.
Our team has been working hard towards distinguished status and we are almost there. Club visits are being done and processing them will happen very soon.
A Club coach has resuscitated a club from near death for 7 years.
Toast Mart. They could be distinguished.
Two Areas are Select Distinguished.
Our Division contest was a real event bringing in Gavel club members and over 100 people joined us for the fun and entertaining evening. We are creating community.
We have a candidate running for the Division Director and four prospective AG’s are waiting to talk to D21 about who will be appointed in the areas and where.
We have been supporting the conference team with any requests and have run our third & fourth “Train the Trainer” sessions with a PIP teaching us how to facilitate.
Training will be done again in conjunction with Div. A. We worked so well together this year and will continue to do so next.
S. Van. is working on a solid 3-‐year plan starting last year. Next year will be fabulous.
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Division W – HADDY ABRA DTM Present, read report Each area has one strong club and each has its problems.
Ditch diggers doing well with its mentors .
Money Masters is losing members. Lady of GC is good, but Speechmeisters is a difficult club to communicate with because they don’t like to get involved with anything.
Report:
Area 60 -‐ The North Delta Power Talkers remain to be a strong club. Solaris has laid off a couple of members and the others are reluctant to pay their dues until the re-‐structuring is finished. Former Division F Governor Jeff Galenzoski is working hard to get The Word up and running but there is much to be done. He has also offered to assist Pearl Tingle who is struggling with The River. Newton's Apple is a tight, dedicated little group, which seems content not to grow.
Area 64 -‐ The Surrey Club is President’s Distinguished every year and is considering splitting as they get so many visitors. Last Monday nine showed up. The new club, Ditch diggers, is doing well with its two mentors. Safeway Speakers has not met this year since being taken over by Sobey's. MoneyMasters has lost quite a few members this year. They have good meetings but need help with building membership.
Area 65 -‐ TaxMasters is definitely the strength of this Area involving themselves in events outside of their own meetings. The new club, Our Lady of Good Communicators, is doing well with 2 coaches and 2 mentors. Speechmeisters is a perennial challenge as they do not involve themselves in anything outside of their own meeting and are difficult to communicate with. The engagement of Surrey Business Friends seems dependent on factors such as company priorities and tax time for those who are accountants. Their numbers are low and they did not attend club officer training. Kwantlen Polytechnic has a membership challenge in that they have a constant rotation of students working through their educational goals. The brainstorming sessions promoting Toastmasters were very successful but they need to contact the school administration to promote their club more. Fraser Friends has been an insular club since its inception but a member who entered the contests and has made it all the way to the District level has had a huge impact on the club. Other members attended contests to support their champion and are starting to see value in what Toastmasters has to offer.
Division X: MARION GUSHUE-‐GEIGER DTM Present, read report May – in terms of movements, there have only been 2 movements. Roberta Smith – only because she lost her business. Brought in her son in law!
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Harneet as well but we will be fine with two months left. Thank you and this is a reflection of your leadership and hard work
Report:
Area 32, Moya Webb Area Governor
2/3 clubs with low membership, however they are active clubs. 1 clubs -‐no participation in contest and struggles to engage in club officer training.
New club in progress currently 13 members there is a good momentum to achieve chartering by June 30.
Westside Toastmasters club engaged with Youth Leadership, Young Ambassadors -‐ the group was so large they actually have it 2 nights per week. This is something this club takes on yearly and it is a huge commitment for 6 weeks, however the value is showcasing Toastmasters, their club and helping to develop future Toastmasters
Area Governor is engaged in leadership with all club visits completed as planned for March 31.
Area 37 – No Area Governor
Discussions with Area Governors and Realignment Officer regarding 3 clubs in Area 37 whether to amalgamate them into Area 38 or 39, how ever due to the geographic location of the West Kootenay to the Okanagan Valley it was decided to leave Area 37 intact.
Solution for Area Governor is to engage a Toastmaster from outside of the Area and use technology to link with the clubs.
Area 37 had 1 club fold and 3 who have done remote training successfully however no other engagement in DCP.
Club meetings are every second week.
Area 38, Jodi Bird Area Governor
We are experiencing a successful DCP Progress with 1/ 4 clubs of with strong membership, active clubs in Club Officer Training and Contest.
Other clubs 3 clubs struggling because of low membership and/or no interest in following DCP.
Area Governor is engaged in leadership with all clubs, visits completed as planned with very detailed feedback.
1 club folded due to continuing low membership.
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Area 39, Barry Johnson Area Governor
2/4 clubs are very strong in membership, DCP, club officer training and engagement.
1 club is a University Club and Area Governor has taken on the challenge to mentor this club and in doing so will continue to be a source of constant support for this club going into the 2015 – 2016 year. He recognized the pitfalls this club struggles with due to the University setting and wants to make a difference with them.
1 club has folded due to continuing low membership.
Several members of Kelowna Toastmasters club accepted 2 huge projects –
1. Annual Air Cadet Youth Leadership -‐ 1 week for 6 weeks this required 2 + members each night to coach the cadets for their upcoming speech contest. Kelowna Toastmasters Club has been supporting this initiative for over 20 years.
2. Youth Leadership held on Saturday mornings for 6 weeks, this required 2 + members each meeting.
These were again huge commitments for the Toastmasters who took the initiative to lead both of these projects.
Campaigning completed and Division Governor has been nominated for 2015 -‐ 2016.
Division X Club Officer Training is scheduled for June 20, at the Okanagan College, clubs have been notified and campaigning is currently underway.
12. ANNOUNCEMENTS The International Convention will take place on August 12-‐15, 2015 at the Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. May reminded all officers that they had been given luggage tags the last time that we all met! Let’s try to make use of those tags! Save your Starbucks and go to the International Convention – it is an experience of a lifetime! 13. TIME AND PLACE OF THE NEXT DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING: Meeting shall be on June 20, 2015. Location to be announced.
14. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business and no objections, the District Executive Council Meeting was declared adjourned at 4:15pm