D/ C Al Hess, AP
Acceptance Speech,2008 Spring Conference

As your new Commander, it is my responsibility to meet head on the challenges that we face in the coming year. This is what I would like to briefly focus on here tonight. At the top of our list of course is the recruitment of new members. For the past several years, as you know, our membership has been declining. We, as a District, are currently under 1100 members. National has given us a goal for a 10% increase in membership. That means with 8 squadrons we have a tremendous challenge ahead of us, but you know what, we can do it. With each squadron doing their greatest potential, WE CAN DO IT. With creative ideas to attract new members, we should be able to achieve our goals.

I can hear the rumbling already. "We have tried everything in the book",and it just seems we keep batting heads against the wall. Well, let me tell you, there are ideas out there that we haven't scratched the surface yet. Let me just share with you one idea that Columbus is doing. They have contacted marine dealers around Columbus and are holding seminars and classes in these facilities. Vessel Safety Checkers, get your name out there. The more you do, the more people you meet, the more potential members. Place a flyers in the marinas or on the boats. Let them know when you'll be back or make an appointment to do an inspection. Set a goal and achieve it. Hold more classes. Teach 1 extra class. Again, get some flyers out. Check the results. You never know when you might sign up a Squadron Commander.

Now I have said that to say this. Member involvement is member retention. Organize a telephone committee and start calling your members on the telephone. Personal contact is a great tool and it works better than anything. The more people you get involved, the less work you have to do.

Well I want to keep this short, so I am going to leave you with this. To help motivate you with membership and member involvement, we are going to have a contest. This contest will be based on a whole year's attendance starting with the next Summer Council Meeting, and ending with the Spring Conference in 09. The District will be offering a prize, such as a lap top computer, projector, or the winner will have a choice of an educational award valued at $750.00. Details will be sent to all Squadron Commanders soon after the conference is over, so you can get prepared to be the winner. I will clue you in a little bit, to give you something to talk about. As I said, it will be based on a whole year's attendance for both the Winter and Summer Council Meetings, and Fall 08 and Spring 09 Conferences. There will be points given for attendance. It won't be easy but attainable.

I cannot do the job alone. But together, we can make a difference.

Together, ---- we can do great things!

Thank you,
Albert Hess, District 29 Commander