April 8, 2014
BUSINESS MEETING SPRING 2014
PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS
What a great ride this past year has been for me, wife, Ruth, and our traveling companions Taco and Babe!
I visited all 75 lodges (Lee’s Summit was still active then.). It was an incredible experience. Throughout the year, we were treated with respect and hospitality. I wish to thank you all again for making us feel so very welcomed. Here’s hoping that you will count us among your friends too.
Since my position is being a cheerleader for Missouri, I want you to know that you should be very proud of our state and its members. Per Grand Lodge numbers, Missouri is the 8th largest state in Elkdom. We have over 30,000 members. Speaking with the State President from Tennessee and checking on Oklahoma this past weekend, I was told that Tennessee has 31 lodges – 8,280 members; Oklahoma has 38 lodges with 9,768 members. MO is bigger than both combined! Although our membership has had a little setback this year, I am confident we will come back.
In closing I ask that you please be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we help one another, everyone wins!
Thank you again for allowing me to be your representative for Missouri Elks this year!