Message from the President

The 2010-11 Rotary year was significant in many respects, and I am pleased to highlight a few of the achievements. Most noticeable in this annual report is the highly favorable financial report, which was assisted by sizable cost reductions and positive investment returns.

The RI Board worked diligently to implement the new RI Strategic Plan in an effective manner. More important, the Board improved the plan by creating forward-thinking goals to effectuate the three priorities. Several key proposals will be submitted to the 2013 Council on Legislation for changes in the RI constitutional documents.

The new Rotary coordinators started working with the district governors to help clubs become Bigger, Better, and Bolder. And the Rotary public image coordinators were established to work cooperatively with the Rotary coordinators and the regional Rotary Foundation coordinators. The 2011 convention in New Orleans was highly successful in attendance, motivation, and financial results. The search for a new general secretary to replace Ed Futa, who retired on 30 June, was completed with the employment of John Hewko, a highly qualified person with extensive international business experience.

All in all, the year produced a culture of innovation that will serve Rotary well as we continue to do what Rotarians do better than anyone else in the world, which is Building Communities — Bridging Continents!