Presidents Message for July 2008
 
Welcome to the homepage of our wonderful website and welcome to the New Rotary Year.   Each year we renew the entire leadership of Rotary which includes the Club President, the District Governor and the International President. Along with these changes come new energy, new ideas, new goals and an opportunity for each of us to renew our commitment to the Ideals of Rotary. 

The work of Rotary is done when Rotarians at the club level becomes involved to Make Things Happen.  Our club has a very rich history and is known for the wonderful work it’s members have done the past 72 years in our community as well as internationally.   It is membership that makes it all possible.   Rotary Clubs in our District and in Districts around the world struggle to attract and retain members. Membership is our biggest challenge and one that we must all address in this New Rotary Year.

The number one goal of any business is to “attract and retain” customers. Members are the customers of a Rotary Club, so just like a business we must be able to attract and retain our customers (members).   Business attracts new customers by advertising, and making their brand known and hopefully becoming the icon or household name of their industry.  If we are going to be successful in attracting new members to our club we must also advertise.  We advertise by publicizing the activities of our club, our district and of Rotary Clubs around the world. Local newspapers are very happy to publish articles about our activities, i.e. projects, new member induction, guest speakers, etc. And, we have all heard of “word of mouth” advertising.  It is very effective, there is no cost involved and it’s enjoyable.  All we have to do is talk to our friends, family and business associates about Rotary. Let them know what you do in the club and how it has changed your life.  Rotary is contagious, but the potential new members must first be exposed!

The other aspect of membership is retention, and just like a business we must be able to retain our customers.  In business this is done through “marketing”.  Marketing is customer service, marketing is making the customer feel special and marketing is getting the customer involved with your product and services.   We market to Rotarians by getting them involved -- Involved in the weekly meetings, involved in community and international service projects, and most importantly involved in learning about Rotary. Members that become educated about Rotary are members that become involved and become leaders at the Club level, District level and International level. Members educated about Rotary are also Rotarians that are retained!

As this New Rotary year begins and we reaffirm our commitment to Rotary we all need to be aware that our continued success depends on our ability to grow our membership. I challenge us all to Advertise the wonderful works of Rotary, and to Market Rotary to our membership.

Aloha,

Ricky E. Price, President 2008-2009
Rotary Club of Wahiawa/Waialua