Saturday, May 30, 2009

2009 Rotary District Conference

Outside it was grey and overcast, but inside at the Yarrow Hotel in Park City, members of St. George Rotary Club, including Gil Trujillo, Ray Robinson, Ken Sizemore, Linda Baker, Linda Sappington, Jim Coleman and Allen Hilton found the Utah Rotary District Conference filled with high energy enthusiasm in the form of music and song, great speakers and lots of new ideas on strengthening Rotary throughout the state of Utah!

The conference, which began on Thursday afternoon and concluded on Saturday afternoon, was jampacked with an informative presentation by the Brazillian GSE team, an emotional presentation by Rotary youth exchange students from all over the world, an enthusiastic presentation by RYLA attendees from all over Utah, updates from Rotary program chair people and new ideas about the programs of the Rotary Foundation; building membership from PDG Jim Coleman; building literacy programs from PDG Wally Brown; and a tearful "farewell" from current District Governor Tom Powell. The nearly 200 Rotarians in attendance also heard a "state of Rotary" report from RI representative Bill Sturgeon from Phoenix, Arizona. There were also frequent references to next year's Utah Rotary District Conference, May 13-15 in St. George.

The purpose of the district conference is to advance the Object of Rotary through fellowship, inspirational addresses, and the discussion of matters of importance to Rotary clubs and Rotary International. The conference showcases Rotary programs and successful district and club activities. Many Rotarians have said that they were never truly enthusiastic about Rotary until they saw an inspirational presentation on Youth Exchange, Group Study Exchange, or Ambassadorial Scholarships at a district conference. Conferences all over the world are celebrations to inspire Rotarians and an opportunity for them to enjoy fellowship.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend next years conference. Watch for ongoing information about the 2010 Utah Rotary District Conference at http://www.utahrotaryconference.blogspot.com/ where there will be a new posting every Thursday until May 13!!!

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