District Council Meeting

District Council Meeting July 14, 2012 First Lutheran Church San Marcos, TX 78666

Call to Order and Welcome Message -- The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by District Governor Sharon Brown, DTM. She recognized members who recently earned awards since the last DEC meeting.

Inspirational Message – provided by Area Governor M32 Kamphoy Sayavong, CC.

Reading of District Mission – Read by Division L Governor John Hastie, CC. The reading included the International TM and the District 55 mission statements.

Roll Call, Certification of Quorum – District Secretary Debi Christensen, ACB, called roll. 41members were present, and it was a sufficient number for a quorum (29 being required).

Adoption of Agenda – The agenda was unanimously adopted.

Secretary’s Report – The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report – District Treasurer Susan McClure, ACB, presented the Treasurer’s Report. The complete report will be filed on the District 55 website. McClure reminded everyone that we now use Randolph Brooks for banking needs, reimbursement through check, and do not pay taxes since we are a non-profit.

Approval of District Governor Recommendations for Appointed Officers—DG Sharon Brown, DTM, read the recommended appointed positions posted on the website for 2012 -2013. The recommendation was confirmed unanimously.

Approval of District Governor Recommendations for Contests – DG Sharon Brown, DTM, recommended that the Fall Contest consist of Table Topics and Tall Tales and that the Spring Contest consist of Evaluation and International Speech. Trey Peters, CC, ALB, made the motion and the motion was seconded.

Brown answered questions from the floor. Peters requested a reading from the contest book. Brown requested permission from the membership body to read the speech requirement. Permission was granted and Brown read the speech requirement for Tall Tales.

The motion for the Fall and Spring Contests passed unanimously.

1 Reports by Senior District Officers –

Immediate Past District Governor -- Linda Williams, DTM, recognized District 55 for its achievements: District 55 is #14 out of 84 Districts worldwide. She also recognized Sharon Brown, DTM, and Bill Greenham, DTM, for their work. The total number of distinguished clubs: 88 (51%). Clubs recognized in the drawing:

Drawing #1 Oak Hill TM Drawing #2 San Antonio Discussion and Debate Drawing #3 HEB Club Drawing #4 Business Professional TM Club Drawing #5 Today TM Club

Williams announced that 32/39 areas were recognized. She recognized Trey Peters, CC, ALB, for earning three education awards and David Borden, DTM, for earning the Golden Gavel.

Public Relations Officer -- Mike Johnston ACG, ALB, explained his background in media and thanked Dwayne Windham, DTM, for his work in this area last year. This year’s goal is to attract and retain members in TM. He will also place emphasis on developing club websites that are attractive, engaging, and stimulating. He will provide feedback and recognition for club websites.

Lt. Governor Marketing – Crystal Dyer, ACS, ALB, recognized the importance of club coaches and announced that the District needs many coaches this year. Her new initiatives include creating mobile marketing teams to visit and work with new clubs, creating a mentor committee to communicate with club VPEs and engaging in the Club Ambassador Program to encourage networking.

Lt. Governor Education & Training – Bill Greenham, DTM, showcased the value of using a permanent plaque to recognize club membership. He recognized Scott Graeshel and Linda Oliver for coaching their clubs to President’s Distinguished and recognized Laura Schleicher. He also recognized new mentored clubs for reaching President’s Distinguished. Thirty-one clubs met new member achievement awards.

District Governor – Sharon Brown, DTM, recognized that District 55 has been Distinguished for six years in a row and will continue the legacy this year. She challenged everyone to take it to the next level on leadership, communication and mentoring. The goal is to be President’s Distinguished this year. DG Sharon Brown, DTM, announced that 77 clubs have submitted proxies and three clubs have 100% of their proxies assigned. Proxies must be assigned before the International Contest.

2 New Officer Installation Ceremony -- Immediate Past District Gov Linda Williams DTM inducted Division M Governor Anna Jaworski, Division J Governor Nadia King, Division F Governor Alan McNamee. The Trio pinned the new Division Governors.

Linda Williams asked those not previously installed to stand; she installed 27 area and assistant governors, and Mike Johnston, ACG, ALB, as the District Public Relations Officer.

Williams got a commitment from the entire DEC to move the District forward to President’s Distinguished in 2012-2013.

Fall Conference Committee Report -- Jimmy Flannigan and Linda Oliver, ACS, ALB, announced that the Fall Conference – Mission Possible: Launch our Leaders will take place November 9-11 in Austin.

Division/Area Governor Reports --

Division M – Anna Jaworksi, ACG, ALB, recognized her team of Area Governors, invited everyone to come to their TLI on July 21 in Austin and presented best practices.

Division L – John Hastie, CC, and his team acknowledged the 2011- 2012 team for groundwork laid. Division L met the challenge to visit clubs before the new TM year began and will initiate a “Cascade of Projects” this year to engage their members.

Division K – Kay Hamaker, CC, CL reported for the absent Division K Governor Maria Lopez Sharp. Hamaker thanked Jean Ramsey, recognized the importance of focusing on member retention and meeting individual’s needs.

Division J – Nadia King, ACS, ALB, presented her team, and reported that adding fun will be a focus. Her Area Governors reported on initiatives that included supported members and maintaining accountability.

Division I – Phil Garcia, CC, CL, recognized the 2012 Division I team and especially Amy Espinoza, for work done. Member service is the theme, and they presented best practices.

Division H – Marie Pier Clarke, ACB, ALB, introduced her team of area governors. Their priority is to quickly visit their clubs and establish relationships, training officers, and form teams for council membership.

Division G – Mary Pat Johns, ACS, ALB, announced their division motto: “courage – we can do it!” Their division will build membership and will set and complete educational goals.

3 Division F – Alan NcNamee, ACS, ALB, commended the area for finishing President’s Distinguished, and he also recognized individuals who led the areas. He noted it is our job to train officers and members.

Conduct Quality Speech Contests -- Jerry Barrett ACS, ALS, presented Quality Speech Contests; the presentation will be posted on the website. He offered information on holding high quality contests, outlining key roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, identified additional contest resources and explained contest rules.

New Business – DG Sharon Brown, DTM, asked for new business. A request was made for additional training on team-building. TLIs were identified as the big June training that combines breakouts with officer training.

Announcements and Feedback-- DG Sharon Brown, DTM, thanked Debi Christensen, ACB, for completing the district directory.

The TLI Training in Austin (at Charles Schwab) July 21, 2012, is posted on the District website.

David Wayne Vickers won the Darren LaCroix Master Pack. Stanley Kolodzey won the free conference registration.

Time and Place of Next District Council Meeting: 9:00 a.m., September 8, 2012; San Marcos, TX.

Adjournment -- 2:04 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, (Signed) Debi Christensen, ACB, District 55 Secretary