When PDG Bruce Golden called me back in February 2017 to let me know I was the District Governor Designee I was thrilled.  I also thought to myself, July 1, 2019 is a long way away.  Well, it wasn’t that far away because we are here now.  A new Rotary year is underway.  My training as well as the training for all District and Club officers is over.  I was able to accompany PDG Jerry Chapman on over 80% of his club visits and met many of you at that time.  I am really looking forward to my visit to all of the clubs and meeting with as many of you as possible.  I am so excited for the year ahead and the things that we can accomplish. 
As you all know, Rotary is the only organization that changes leadership annually.  We have a great team of District officers assembled who are all here to help you in anyway we can during this year.  My door is always open to you.  My goal this year is to help transform all our members from not just being members of a rotary club but to being Rotarians.  The best way to do this is to understand not just what we do but understand why we do what we do.  If we can all do that then we should be able to accomplish the other goals the district and clubs strive to attain.  Once we all know why we are in Rotary, then that is our Rotary story that we can share with others.   
 
My commitment to you all is to do the best I can to help you accomplish your goals, give assistance when asked, help you navigate the business of Rotary and give you the tools to make this District and all clubs the best we can be.  I hope you all share in my excitement for this upcoming year and all we can accomplish.  Each of our clubs has their own culture and personality, but we all have the common purpose of making a difference and doing good in our communities and the world.
 
Rotary International President Mary Maloney selected “Rotary Connects the World” as his theme for this year. My true hope is we can all connect with each other, share ideas, dream big and try new things we have never done before.  We are only limited by our imaginations.  Remember, everything we do was once a thought, dream or idea of a Rotarian that was put into action. 
 
Please monitor the District Website for great stories about what we are accomplishing during the year.  Watch the district calendar for upcoming training and other events as we go through the year.  I look forward to reading your stories of success. 
 
Have a great year; discover the WHY of being a Rotarian.
 
Jim Henry
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