President Doug's message:

Every year a new leader is chosen for the Rotary Club of Elk Rapids, and this one is no exception. As I reflect on past presidents and club accomplishments for my term as president, it is an easy exercise to identify the difference the club has made to both the local community, and to the international initiatives we participate in. All of them directly benefiting not only individuals, but often groups of people, for long periods of time. This is the essence of Service Above Self. At the Rotary leadership conference several months ago, the Rotary International President spoke of many things, and his common theme was to explore ways to increase our impact or significant affect. This can be done in many ways, whether through the sharing of our personal or collective resources, our time, knowledge, leadership, or simply our motivation to help others.

In the coming year, I hope to continue the momentum this has club has achieved, provide a "nudge" in one direction or another, and to support the ideas our many members have to create the desired impact. We are a very gifted and varied team. Working alongside our dedicated members will not only continue to accomplish what we set out to do, but continue to strengthen me personally in possibly unexpected ways.

I wish to proactively thank everyone for their efforts in the coming year toward our common goals.