VOL. 61, No. 34, June 7, 2007

It was good to have Pres. Sidney Sandridge back with us today after several weeks absence, however, he didn't preside. This was handled by VP Byrom Goodwin. Byrom called on Duane Plank for the prayer. Then Byrom led us in the pledge of allegiance. We had one guest today, Nelson Peddycoart. Sidney said he was a potential mafia addition. Al Renz reported that the club has submitted an application to the Chamber of Commerce's competition for recognition as the community's outstanding non-profit organization.

Even though Pres.-Elect Connie Gipson made arrangements for today's speaker, she (Connie) was unable to attend. Al Renz introduced Sarah Savage, Executive Director of Leadership Huntsville/ Madison County, a Chamber of Commerce Foundation. In her youth she proudly claims to have been a member of the Junior Optimist Club in Dothan, AL. The Foundation's mission is to identify, educate and inspire leaders to serve our community; and its vision is to develop emerging leaders to enhance future growth and prosperity. The speaker's enthusiasm nicely reflected these goals. After a high quality DVD presentation, Sarah provided additional insight during a Q & A discussion. The DVD was prepared for Leadership Huntsville/ Madison County" 20th anniversary meeting held recently at the VBC with Cohn Powell, featured speaker. The DVD included statements by a broad cross-section of young community leaders. It was just a super program. `Thanks, Connie. Of particular note to our members was the Foundation's Youth Leadership Program for grades 9 through 12, just right for our JOOI Clubs. Interested students should contact the Foundation in order to apply for admission to the program. The student's cost is $215 (I think this is for a year), however, this is much less than the actual cost to be expended by the Foundation per student.

Connie also has next week's program. I don't know who the speaker will be on the 14th, but I'm sure it will be another good one. Come - and bring a guest! Zack won today's drawing. Before we closed with the creed Byrom reminded us that we should be thinking of our role in the District Convention to be held in Huntsville (Gov. Tom Casteel's home city) in August. One thing we need to be thinking about is collecting various door prizes.

CALENDAR

June 12		Tuesday		4:00 pm		1st Commercial Bank		Board Meeting
June 14		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		TBD by Connie
June 21		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
June 28		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Tom Cunningham Huntsville City Engineer
Carl W.