The 93rd Kiwanis International Convention in Orlando was A GREAT SUCCESS, with much fanfare and Excitement!
By Immediate Past Governor Bob Cressy

See Photo Album!

The 93rd Kiwanis International Convention held in Orlando, Florida, June 26 - 29th is now an exciting part of our history. The convention was held in the huge and handsome Orlando Convention Center. Flags, music, excellent audio-visuals, along with colorful, noisy, enthusiastic attendees applauded the performance of International President Dave Currie for his crisp management and sense of humor throughout the Convention.

The Capital District got to know President Dave and Eva through the year with Governor Art Riley's 'connections' to have them visit our District many times throughout the year and we were there in strength. On Dave and Eva's tour of the District this winter, over 1,000 Kiwanians and guests came out to meet them at different locations throughout the District. Thank you, Art and Vickie!

If you have been to KI Conventions before - San Antonio and Montreal, just to name the latest - you enjoyed them and this one, too. There were many "First Timers" in Orlando and they were recognized with a standing ovation. If you have never been, and especially if you are a club officer with the requirement to have two delegates per club attend, make plans now for the 2008-2009 Convention in Nashville, Music City on June 25-28. Mark your calendar.

I have given a first overview of the convention in the photos with the article. There was so much going on, it is hard to cover it all or really catch the excitement without having been there. Those who went know what I mean and they will be giving your club a report at a meeting. There were many, many well planned seminars and workshops where current and incoming officers and members can enhance their action plans for their clubs. You just can't get that level of interaction and personal experience without attending your KI and District Conventions. So, plan for the next District Convention in Richmond this August.

The Business of Kiwanis International - Delegate Business Sessions

Let me just summarize the key events in the first business session, the election of KI officers and trustees for 2008-2009, and in the second session, the amendments which were voted on.

FIRST BUSINESS SESSION - Elections

For International President - Don Canaday, Fishers, Indiana
For International President Elect - Paul Palazzolo, Springfield, Illinois
For International Vice President - the winning candidate of five running, Sylvester "Syl" Neal , Auburn, Washington, Pacific-Northwest District (lived and worked in Alaska)
For International Trustee - three candidates unopposed won

• William "Ed" Hutchinson, Cape May, New Jersey
• Jim Jennings, Green Valley, Arizona
• Garry Warner, Sikeston, Missouri

SECOND BUSINESS SESSION - Amendments

• Proposed Amendment #1 - Districts of Sponsored Organizations Change to not necessarily coincide with Kiwanis District geography - Failed
• Proposed Amendment #2 - Two Year Term Option for Club Officers - Passed
• Proposed Amendment #3 - Two Year Term Option for Lieutenant Governors - Passed
• Proposed Amendment #4 - Two Year Term Option for District Officers - Failed
• Proposed Amendment #5 - Club Option - Electronic or Paper Ballot Voting - Passed
• Proposed Amendment #8 - District Representation on the International Board - Failed - This pertains to a district having a trustee AND an International Officer at the same time, so as to not preclude a good person being elected as trustee due to being blocked in future
• Proposed Amendment #9 - Use of the Mark - Pertains to KI controlling, approving, perhaps selling the temporary use of the Kiwanis brand, logos and copyrights - Failed

Some Amendments were withdrawn without a vote.

Resolution #1 - "Celebrating and Fostering Diversity" - After much discussion from the floor, the Resolution was reworded to say "Celebrating and Fostering Inclusiveness". Passed - Note: I believe this is a good word change and is a more positive, 'inclusive' word. Interesting.

There you have it, in some words and photos. See you in Richmond, then in Nashville!