2015 Lions MD19 Convention Tacoma, WA Summary

Soar Above the Clouds Lions Spring Convention

Note: Ken Rury has a lot of video and photos to share from the conference so check back often. He will add more here or create separate posts so watch the Index on the right side for more news.

What a success the Lions Multiple District 19 Convention was on Friday 3/13/2015 and Saturday 3/14/2015 at La Quinta Inn in Tacoma, WA, with 100 people on Fri and 150 on Sat.

It was Ken Rury's first Lion Convention who gave an Achievement speech on Poulsbo Lions Seeing and Hearing Program, who earlier in the week had lost his voice and wrote an article called "I Have a VOICE!". We got to hear some great speakers and attend some fantastic seminars. It was well worth the cost, effort and time, particularly as we learned more and creative ways to serve the community.

Ken Rury Achievement Speech

You see a sea of red at the convention even though the Lions colors are Gold and Purple. It represents the Sully Hat Measles Project "One Shot , One Life Lions Initiative"

Below the crowd of 150 watched the awards presentation and closing speeches. There were contests and awards for everything from club brochure, bulletin, website and scrapbook, to humorous story, environmental photo, convention attendance, and achievement speech.

Saturday night awards presentation at La Quinta Inn & Suites Tacoma, WA

At the Public Relations Session below we got to provide input on Social Media and other methods for getting the word out about Lions. Ken Rury got to share some of his experience with Social Media and the audience also got to share their ideas. Great presentation!

Our wonderful guest speaker, Lions International Director Dr Steve Tremaroli and his lovely wife, Marianne, made the long journey from New York to be with us this weekend. They presented this beautiful crystal "Big Apple" memento of their visit.

We had 250 registered Lions and guests at tour "Soar Above The Clouds" convention and our Convention Chairs, Patti Lovell and Karen Schrodt, performed spectacularly. Many thanks to them and the entire committee for making this a very memorable and special convention.
Congratulations to Zone Chairs Bonnie Manning, Zone Chair Patrick Bucknell and Past Zone Chair Dee and Jim McDermott for being recognized with the International President's Certificate of Appreciation.

And to top the awards list, congratulations to Past Zone Chair Donna Murr for receiving the International President's Leadership Medal.

Finally, congratulations to our newly elected incoming officers: District Governor elect Al Hedstrom, First Vice District Governor Elect Jan Weatherly and Second Vice District Governor Elect Ron Smircich.

Below are some of the speakers and entertainment. Help me out in comments with other names as I am new and don't know everyone yet.