Wednesday, July 21st the Wagner Rotary Club members received a pleasant surprise when they entered the meeting room. There was a fresh coat of light grey paint on the walls, the piano had been moved across the room to be under the Smart TV, and there was a new stand for our American flag. The room was much lighter and welcoming. Bryan Slaba, Jerry, and Kathe Henke had been terribly busy putting on a coat of paint over the old gold color that was many years old. Jerry had also given the kitchen a thorough cleaning. Thank you, Rotarians, Bryan, Kathe, and Jerry. Your efforts are much appreciated.

President Bryan welcomed our distinguished guest for the day which was our 5610 District Governor Doug Lind from Rapid City, South Dakota. A prayer was offered by Rotarian Bill Heermann who gave thanks for the beautiful day and asked the Holy Spirit to be with us and guide us.

Rotarian Laurie Kidd led the group in singing Daisy and Smile! Everyone sang as loudly as they could to impress our honored guest.

Rotarian Ken Cotton gave the Membership Minute on Rotary’s Area of Focus.

Craig Krsnak gave his Secretary/Treasurer report: There is $839 in the Queen of Hearts drawing. Becky Brunsing’s team has perfect attendance and Rachel Woods Team has three misses. Amanda Bechen held the lucky ticket for a chance to draw the Queen, but she produced the nine of Clubs.

President Bryan announced that this coming Friday is Rotary’s turn to serve Brats at Super Foods and he asked for three volunteers. Bill, Craig, and Ken volunteered. Ken Cotton was announced as next weeks Program and Meal Chairman. Bryan also announced that Rotarian Roger Wiltz was resigning from Rotary due to the distance between Wagner and his Wisconsin home. The Wiltz’s have children and grandchildren in the Wisconsin location. We will miss you, Roger! Come and visit anytime!

District Governor Doug Lind was our program. He gave the club a short bio: He was born and raised on a farm in central Clay County South Dakota. He also graduated high school and college from USD in Vermillion. His original intentions were to attend law school, but he and his brother took over their father’s excavating service business which is now celebrating 50 years in business.

Governor Doug has served as a club president in Rapid City Rushmore Club and has been active in many Rotary committees; served as an assistant District Governor; and been a member of two Friendship Exchanges to Japan and Sweden.

Doug has a vision for our district to develop a system of “Intentional Retention.” He believes there is power in numbers and even more value in quality and integrity of the members. It is a proven fact that it takes about three new members to replace one quality existing member.

The Governor believes that “engagement” with new members is vital to keep them interested in the club.

Member Tracking is important. Once a member starts missing meetings they should be contacted and made to realize they are important, and their membership is valuable.

Creating a culture of respect and caring and always displaying our club brand is important.

Governor Doug complimented the Wagner Club on their obvious display of engagement, respect, and fun by the Wagner Rotarians.