GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE                     

“Make Your YES Mean YES in Service to Others”

Fellow Optimist & Friends,

I have had an ambition to be Governor my whole career as an Optimist for

45 years.  Thank you for allowing me to fulfill this ambition to serve as the Governor of this outstanding Optimist District.  I do not take the job lightly and will give it my all during my year.  What will make us successful is the OUTSTANDING TEAM we have and the wonderful group of Optimist & Friend Members we have in all the communities in Eastern North Carolina .  We will strive to achieve the words of our Optimist Creed, but especially “To think only of the BEST, to work only for the BEST, and to expect only the BEST”.  I look forward to serving with you.

We have had some outstanding leadership in Membership in the District but with the motivation that has been shown and very hard work, we almost lose as many members each year as we bring in; so the push on MEMBERSHIP must continue to keep us providing support for the CHILDREN and our communities.  There will be some incentives that are great and challenging.

The place we can show the most growth is in NEW CLUB BUILDING.  We have a team of New Club Building experts around the District and Tom Lamont as the New Club Building Team Leader. These, along with the entire Lt. Governors, Club Presidents, and Members/Friends can give us a very large team to do a minimum 6 NEW CLUBS in the 2011-2012 year.

We cannot forget that our motto is “FRIEND OF YOUTH” and everything we do is to improve and serve the YOUTH and help the people in our communities.  Together, we can do anything we want.

I want to use the phrase that Auston Pusey has made a household word: “Remember, Membership is an honor and privilege…so share it”.  I am here to help any way I can, so call on me anytime.  This is a privilege for me.

Yours in Optimism

Jerry M. Medlin

Governor – 2011-2012