Message from DG Ed Gibbons

First of all my utmost appreciation goes to PDG Mike McDonough for a great year as District Governor of 12N.  It has been a pleasure to serve under him this past year and I am looking forward to his leadership as State Council Chair.

When you read this article I will have returned from the International Convention in Toronto.  What an amazing experience in Lionism!  And, what an accomplishment for the Lions of Tennessee as we helped elect PID Bob Corlew as Second Vice President of Lions Clubs International.  This office puts Bob in line to be the Lions International President for the 100^th Anniversary of Lions Clubs in 2017.  As you may know, the State of Tennessee had the 50^th Lions International President and now we will have the 100^th President!

I saw a lot of hard working Tennessee Lions campaigning for Bob in Toronto – and they were led by our own PDG Wendy Cain.  Thank you Wendy!

Our Lions International President this year is Lion Joe Preston from Arizona.  Lions, we have a lot of work ahead of us this year as we follow International President Joe Preston’s motto “Strengthen the Pride”.  Take a moment to think about this motto and how you can apply it to yourself and your club.  We must all set individual goals and collective club goals in order to take pride in our club.  We MUST grow our membership in order to extend our service to our fellowman.  Don’t rely on another member – WE ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS – and we are all responsible as we strive to accomplish our goals.  District 12N – you can Strengthen the Pride!

I am excited to get the New Year started and I hope to see at least three or four of you from each club at the District 12N Cabinet Meeting on July 19 at 8:30 a.m. at Volunteer Blind Industries in Morristown.

See you there ~ DG Ed Gibbons