Executive Notes
By June Davis, F158928
National Secretary
June 2003
In March 2000 at the FMCA convention in Pomona, California, I promised the members of the Nominating Committee that if I was elected FMCA’s national secretary, I would serve all three years allowed by the FMCA Bylaws. To King deBord, F16686, who was chairman of the committee then, and to the other members of that committee, I can say I have kept my promise. Thank you for your confidence in my ability to serve as FMCA’s national secretary.
I also want to thank the members of the Governing Board from all over the United States and Canada who met during the summer 2000 convention in Brunswick, Maine, and voted me into office that first year. Charlie Bonaventure, F87229, chaired the Nominating Committee prior to my re-election at the summer 2001 convention in Redmond, Oregon, and I was re-elected at the 2002 convention in Hutchinson, Kansas. Words fail me when I think of how to thank all of you who voted for me, supported me, critiqued me, and argued issues passionately with me. I appreciate every discussion. However, my term as national secretary will end next month at the FMCA convention in Buffalo, New York.
Max Durbin, F76454, chairman of the Governmental and Legislative Affairs Committee, it was a pleasure to serve on your committee. I thank you for the opportunity to prepare and present the “How A Bill Becomes Law” seminar at various locations on behalf of the committee.
To the area and chapter secretaries who attended the many workshops I presented at area rallies and international conventions throughout the country, I say thanks for your candor, your suggestions, and your thoughtfulness over the past three years.
To Dick Sherman, F130225, chair of the Risk Management Committee, I say thanks for keeping my husband, Leonard, busy as your “national safety officer.” The same goes to the spouses of the Executive Board members for keeping Leonard occupied on the Member Recruitment Committee. He’s quite fond of all of you.
FMCA president Jeff Jefcoat, F118344, the absolute epitome of a Southern gentleman, may you be completely well soon. R.G. Wilson, F21025, senior vice president, a man of vision, integrity and service; may there always be a person like you on our board “” someone who really cares about the bottom line and reads the fine print on our contracts. Your leadership and good stewardship of our assets keeps us poised for greatness. Treasurer Connie Pool, F140306, you are a distinct asset to the board, as you are knowledgeable, decisive, and fair. You are a proven leader and keep us all informed of fiscal matters that need our attention. I thank all three of you for being willing to put some of your personal lives on hold in order to serve FMCA. All three of you have a servant’s heart and contribute your time and talents in many other arenas. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to serve with you.
Leonard, my husband of some 45 years, your unwavering support has been invaluable the past three years. You have been so much more than a husband, driver, dog sitter, and assistant. I really appreciated you hauling my charts and meeting materials and saving me time and energy. I even valued your advice, though I didn’t always follow it. I owe you a year of golfing whenever you like. Hugs and kisses always!
Leonard and I have traveled to area rallies in all 10 FMCA areas, all international conventions, and numerous FMCA committee meetings, but nothing compares with chapter rallies. Chapters are the essence of FMCA. If you don’t belong to one, run, don’t walk, to join a chapter that represents your interest. The camaraderie and the joy of working together to produce something for others to enjoy is the true basis of FMCA fellowship. Don’t just join, either “” volunteer to serve on a committee or as an officer. You aren’t just tolerated “” you are needed. I extend many thanks to all of the people in the chapters that invited us to their rallies, happy hours, installment of officers, etc. You are loved.
Last, but certainly not least, thanks to the superb staff at the FMCA national office in Cincinnati “” particularly the Chapter Services Department, headed by Loretta Buob. I appreciate your dedication and work on behalf of FMCA. You all deserve medals.
There are so many more people to thank, but space does not permit further reminiscing. Leonard and I will thank you personally the next time our paths cross. May God bless and keep you until then.