Posted by Jim Hogge, Boise Sunrise on May 27, 2017
This will be my last correspondence as District Governor. 
 
I would like to thank all of you for an outstanding experience.  In the last three years, I have had the privilege to be immersed in Rotary.  The best and most enduring memory from this time will be all the Rotarians that have touched me in our District.  Your dedication and passion for helping others is inspiring.  Most importantly, you are all wonderful people.  Thank you!
 
We just completed the District Conference in Sun Valley.  Our conference theme, “Celebrating the Next 100 Years of Service,” was seen throughout the event.  We shared our service projects and were inspired hearing our RIM Talks (Rotary Inspires Me).   The Youth Exchange and RYLA students were fabulous.  Saturday morning is the time that we see how important and impactful our youth programs are.  I hope you enjoyed our speakers:  Steve Burns & Steve Merrill, Bob Lupton, and Greg Podd.  They each had a different, but important message for all of us.
 
For everyone who attended District Conference, the bumper sticker “Proud to Be a Rotarian” is a gift from me to you.  I hope you will put it on your car.  This is first bumper sticker I have ever used.  It adheres without glue and mine has made it through many car washes.  The goal is to make Rotary more visible in our towns.
 
I hope that all of you that attended the Conference will tell others in your club about your experience at District Conference.  It would be great for have more Rotarians there to share the experience.  I know Terry Jones will have an outstanding conference next year, so plan now to attend.  I was talking with a very new member in my club about the Conference.  He is in his early 30’s.  He told me that he was planning on attending next year based on his experience at this year’s Conference.  He learned much about Rotary and was inspired to do more.
 
Again, thanks for a wonderful experience and I will see all of you in the future,
 
Jim