President’s Challenge:
David Anderson

     Charlotte Rotary’s 2002-2003 year got started on a patriotic note (two days before July 4^th) with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by Charlotte native Jonathan Hair, a student at the Manhattan School of Music and part-time New York City policeman.

     New President David Anderson introduced his team and program of work.  “The long-term key to the vitality of any civic organization is membership,” he said.  “An organization is either growing or declining.  We’re starting the year with about 300 members, but we can’t just rest on our oars.”  President David and Membership Co-chair John Phillips, challenged each member to bring in one new member and each officer, director and membership committee member to bring in two new members.

     Pointing out examples of Rotary projects internationally, as well as right here in Charlotte, our new leader said this “reinforces why we joined; to make the lives of others better.”

     President David also noted that there would be several changes this year, not the least of which is a significant reorganization of the club’s committee structure, which was outlined briefly by Avenue Chairs Jim Adams (Club Meetings), Andy Zoutewelle (Club Management), David Zimmerman (Club Service), Luther Moore and John Phillips (Membership), and Programs (Jeannie Falknor).

      Other changes will be the use of e-mail (as well as fax and mail) to deliver a redesigned Rotary Reporter, more emphasis during meetings on what Rotary is and does, and where the club’s philanthropic dollars are spent.

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