Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Register now for convention

Register today for the ND Jaycees OYND Convention at the Prairie Rose Inn in Fargo, ND. The event is May 1-3, hosted by the Fargo Jaycees.

Early registration is $60, and must be postmarked by April 18. Late registration will be $80 per person – so get yours in and save $20!

Also available are the children’s program, with registration set at $10 per child or $25 per family. Banquet meals alone are $30 per adult or $10 per child.

Please send your registrations to:
Connie Perkins
Management VP
103 11th St. NW
Mandan, ND 58554

Location: Prairie Rose Inn, Fargo
Rooms are $70 per night
Call (701) 235-3141 to make your reservations

The hotel room deadline is April 18, but we recommend you book SOON as there is a major concert being held in Fargo that weekend and the hotel will likely book up.

This is going to be a great event, you don’t want to miss out! Questions should be directed to Connie or Admin VP Jim Mueller.

Click here for the agenda

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

ND Jaycees seeking 75 years of history

The North Dakota Jaycees are seeking North Dakota Jaycee history and artifacts as part of a 75th anniversary reunion celebration. The reunion will be hosted August 14-16, 2009 at the International Inn, Minot, ND. All past, present, and future Jaycees are invited to participate. Jaycee chapters have been established throughout North Dakota in the past 75 years. For more information, log on to www.ndjc75.usjcisenate.org

Monday, March 9, 2009

USJCs hire new EVP

Here is a note from our national president regarding the hiring of a new EVP:

It is my pleasure to announce that Laurence A. Bolotin will join staff on Monday, April 13th as the Executive Vice President for the United States Junior Chamber.

Laurence has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Florida in Public Relations and a Masters of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Texas. He previously served as Associate Executive Director and the Director of Chapter Affairs for the Zeta Beta Tou Fraternity in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Laurence’s experience with a membership based organization will provide a framework to enhance the development of key areas for the future of the organization including membership growth, sponsor development, staff development and will serve as a strong executive who can help lead the organization by acting in a firm, confident and ethical manner. He has also demonstrated his ability to mentor staff and the volunteers with whom he has worked and through his leadership has been able to build a coalitions for success. He takes an organized and focused approach to issues and this is evident in his discussion of complex concepts and challenges. He is very personable and a good communicator. In addition, he isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves if the job or tasks require it. The U. S. Junior Chamber will be able to embrace these skills and utilizes his expertise.

Laurence will be able to relate to the age group of the members of the Junior Chamber. He is a contributor to the community and sought out a Jaycee chapter when he was in California. His experience and collegiate contacts were a major highlight as a way to increase the Junior Chamber visibility on college campuses across the country. His interaction with the fraternity community was also a plus and his contacts can provide opportunities for future sponsorships of restricted and unrestricted funds. He has progressive ideas on communication, leadership development and organization staff to uphold the financial integrity of the organization.

In late 2008, the EVP Search Committee received 135 resumes for the position. Eleven phone interviews were conducted in early January and four candidates were invited for face to face interviews. The committee set priorities that were important for the organization for the foreseeable future. Last week, the EVP Search committee brought forth the recommendation which has been approved by the Executive Committee. I received the signed contract today. Laurence will be unable to join us in Florida due to a personal commitment.

We look forward to working with Laurence.

Thanks,

John Weber, 2009 National President

The United States Junior Chamber

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Nominations sought for OYND

The North Dakota Junior Chamber (Jaycees) is accepting nominations for the Outstanding Young North Dakotans (OYND) honors recognition program. This prestigious honor is bestowed upon a select group of individuals who have demonstrated leadership and excellence within their local community or the state of North Dakota.

Nominees must be a United States citizen between 18 and 40 years of age, inclusive, and must be available for an oral interview and the awards banquet, May 1-2, 2009. The awards banquet is open to the public and will be held at the Prairie Rose Inn in Fargo, ND.

Up to three (3) individuals will be recognized as Outstanding Young North Dakotans. Young men and women in all fields or endeavors may be nominated. One or more nominees may be submitted by any individual, organization, association, institution, or Jaycee chapter.

Recipients of the OYND honors recognition will be selected by a group of independent judges; additional information and criteria is provided in the enclosed nomination form. The 2009 OYND recipient(s) will be forwarded to the 2010 Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) honors recognition hosted by the United States Jaycees.

The North Dakota Jaycees, sponsor of the OYND award program since 1948, is the organization of choice for young people ages 18 to 40, providing direction and leadership to our communities and nation. Its members encourage you to recognize those young people that continue to make a difference. For additional information, please contact Melissa Evans at (701) 527-3718 or email evansm@bismarckjaycees.com.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

From the chaplain's desk

If every American donated five hours a week, it would equal the labor of 20 million full-time volunteers.

US Jaycees,

Ask yourself how much time do you spend watching television in one week?

Could your energy and time be redirected in another direction?

So often we hear the excuses "I do not have time" or "the Jaycees take up to much time." When given this excuse next time remember with only a few hours a week the impact on your local community could be huge.

Thank You,
Erica Monk
2009 National Chaplain

Saturday, February 21, 2009

What to wear

Wondering what to wear when during the Florida convention this March?

Tuesday:
Competitions – business attire

Wednesday:
Competitions – business attire
Training – business casual
Party of the States – casual (there is often a theme for what to wear to this party, but I have not seen anything on that yet. I’ll let you know if I hear differently)

Thursday:
Silver Springs – casual – ONTO SHIRT
Pirate Costume Contest (we’re the president’s home state guys, let’s do him proud!)
Dance – casual

Friday:
Training – business casual – PRES. PAT’S 2008 SHIRT
Farewell ceremony – semi formal
Farewell party – varies, many will stay semi formal, many will change into jeans

Saturday:
Training – business casual – PRES. CRYSTA’S 2009 SHIRT
State dinner – formal
Inauguration – formal
Inauguration party – see Friday night.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Get excited to grow

February is a great month for North Dakota when it comes to potential for growth. As of this evening, we only need 11 members to hit that goal!

Excitement is contagious. If you are excited about the Jaycees, the people you meet will want to be part of it, too!!! Who have you shared your excitement with today?

Loss of a Jaycee

I was deeply saddened to learn a fellow member of my home chapter, the Williston, ND Jaycees, passed away while I was out of the country last week. Dawn Matze went to a better place on Feb. 10 at the age of 34.

The North Dakota Jaycees send their heartfelt condolences to Dawn's husband Kevin and the rest of her family during this incredibly difficult time.



"Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope, too,can be given to one only by other human beings." ~ Elie Weisel

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

From the chaplain's desk

Here is a note from the desk of our national chaplain...

The whole body, nourished and knit together through joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. (Colossians 2:19)

US Jaycees,

The body is like the local chapter or state organization. The group can’t be successful without the leadership much like nourishment, the board representes the joints, and the general member as ligaments. To be a vital organization you must work cohesively as one unit with the same drive and passion.

Thank You,
Erica Monk
2009 National Chaplain
www.usjaycees.org

Monday, February 16, 2009

Have you joined?

Have you joined the North Dakota Jaycees group on Facebook? Well, what are you waiting for?!!?

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=36857707148#/group.php?gid=36857707148&ref=mf

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Training at Year End in Florida

National President John Weber sent out the training agenda for Florida last night, check it out! There are some great opportunities here!

Wednesday Training
9:00 – Noon
JCI CSR
9:00 – 5:00 pm
Metro Training
JCI Admin Training
JCI Achieve Training

Friday Training
1:30 - 3:30 pm
How To Move Mountains - Trainer Past Nat. President Eric Seidel
Who should attend: Anyone wanting training on Membership recruitement and how to activate their members.
Insurance, Taxes, Incorporation OH MY! - Trainer NVP Bethany Huffman
Who should attend: Anyone wanting information how to handle taxes, incorporation paperwork and insurance for their chapter.
3:35 - 5:45 pm
Turning it Up a Notch! - Trainer Past Nat. President Eric Seidel
Who should attend: Anyone wanting to learn how to effectively market your chapter and how to hold effective meetings and enhance your attendance.
Colors of Personality - Trainers Ariel Jones and NVP Joanie Cramer
Who should attend: Anyone who would like to learn how to communicate better within their chapter, member to member, board member to board member, board member to member.
JCI Training with IVP Ariel Joachin Adjimon & Scott Kingsley, JCI UN Program Manager.
Who shoud attend: Anyone who would like information on JCI programs and who are interested in the United Nations program.

Saturday Training
9:00 – Noon
Local Presidents Training with Past Nat. Pres. Dr. Julie Metzger-Aubuchon
Who should attend: All local presidents. This class is designed to give local Presidents a forum to discuss issues of interest and to come up with solutions for common challenges and to establish goals and a plan for success for the year.
Local Chapter Officers Training - Trainer NVP Jeff Lank
Who should attend: All local chapter officers. This class is designed to outline the job description for local officers and work through goals for the year.
Expanding the Opportunity - Trainer Past Nat. President Eric Seidel
Who should attend: Anyone who would like to learn to successfully start and complete an extension.
RD/DD Training with Coach Joe Chandler
Who should attend: All DD's and RD's who would like to learn to be a successful DD and RD.
State Officers Training- Trainer Past Nat. President Sydney Ward Tomkins
Who should attend: All state teams from President to appointees. This class is designed to get them working as a team and to help them set a course for success for the year.

1:00PM - 2:45 PM
Dissection 101 - Trainer Past Nat. Vice Pres. Lisa Douglass
Who should attend: Anyone from a local chapter who would like to brainstorm with other local chapters on how to overcome common challenges chapters are currently facing. Expanding the Opportunity (2nd class, same as the 9 - noon)

3:00 - 5:00 PM
State President Training with your coach Dawn Hetzel
Who should attend: All State Presidents who would like to discuss common challenges and solutions and who would like to program their year for success.
Working the Plan - Trainer your Blue Chip Chairman Becky Williams
Who should attend: Any local chapter members wanting to learn how to successfully complete and revise plan of action and make it work for your chapter.
And the Oscar Goes To - Trainer Cheryl Satterthwaite and the NAC team
Who should attend: Local chapter members wanting more information on ID competitions and the new CPG online system.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Florida

Are you ready for Crystal River?

It's time to get everything finalized for year-end convention in Crystal River, Florida. All of the rooms at the host hotel are booked, but Jaycees are starting to fill up the Days Inn around the corner, so you definitely won't miss out on the party!

Need more details? Contact the 2008 ONTO Co-Chairs...oh wait, that's me! Drop me an e-mail or give me a call and I will be more than happy to fill you in. We will be getting items for ONTO packets ordered very soon, so if you are planning to attend please let me know. They will be about $30, and include a shirt, pins and some other goodies.

If you have never been to a national convention, you should definitely make an effort to go. I can't even put into words how amazing the experience is - once you go, you'll be hooked!

If you have been looking for a way to impact your world through the Junior Chamber, this is it.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Parade of Chapters

The 2009 Parade of Chapters is posted to the website. There are some big changes to it, so please take the time to check it out. It is based on the activities that make a healthy chapter in our state, along with some things to help you push yourselves in the new year. Your board worked hard to come up with a plan that will benefit everyone!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Newsletter

Cory Hann of the Fargo chapter is working hard to put together a great monthly newsletter for the 2009 year. But he can't do it alone! He needs your content. Please e-mail him with information about what you and your chapter are up to. glycerinesw@yahoo.com

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Blue Chip

Congrats to the who turned in their Blue Chip submissions by the Jan. 31 deadline - Fargo, Bismarck, Garrison, Williston - and the East Region. You rock!!! You have taken the first major hurdle to a successful 2009, and I am very proud of your efforts.

For those of you not on this list - it is not too late to get your chapter, region or district off on the oh-so-important right foot. The exec team is more than happyu to help with the process. If you would like more information, please drop me a line.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Holiday

I am out of the country until Feb. 14 - on a holiday in New Zealand to visit family. If you need anything please feel free to contact "the appropriate department" via the 2009 executive committee. They'll be happy to help with anything you might need!

I will also try to check my e-mail every day, so if you need me, feel free to holler!

(Plus, if you want to see photos, link to my Facebook page - we'll take lots, and I will do my best to post them as we go.)

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Benefits of membership in the USJCs

Membership in The U.S. Junior Chamber has its privileges! Besides receiving the opportunity to impact your community, your annual membership fee entitles you to:

GOURMET FOODS -- Enjoy a great selection of wonderful gourmet foods, including Smoked Salmon, mouth-watering desserts, and Sleepless in Seattle Coffee. Simply go to www.gourmetfoodfundraiser.com and select the United States Junior Chamber or type in Code 1127. Browse the gourmet creations from the comfort of your home or office, order your favorites, and the USJCs will receive 40% of the purchase price. Funds raised will help support our next Local President’s Summit and you will receive delicious gourmet foods at the same price you’d pay at your usual shop!

ORBITZ -- is a leading online travel company offering consumers the widest selection of low airfares, as well as deals on lodging, car rentals, cruises and vacation packages. Orbitz makes finding low fares and great deals easier through a state-of the-art flight search engine that scans more than 455 airlines and the Orbitz Matrix Display that provides an unbiased and comprehensive listing of airfares and other rates. Orbitz also offers the largest collection of discounted web-only airfares and low-priced hotel web rates.

JAYCEE CREDIT CARD -- Everyone these days is getting inundated with credit card applications, but the one to choose is the The U.S. Jaycees Platinum MasterCard. The more Jaycees using this card, the more leverage our organization will have in negotiating discounts and benefits for members. This credit card has no annual fee, balance transfer options, and a 0% or low introductory APR for the first six billing cycles following the opening of the account. For an application, call 800.JAYCEES. Click here for the flier and more information.

HOTELS -- Choice Hotels International gives the Jaycees a 20% discount and has over 4,000 hotels around the world. If you frequent a Comfort, Quality, Sleep, Clarion, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, or MainStay Suites you need to be taking advantage of your member discount by using your Choice Hotels International ID 00800241. Advance reservations are required to take advantage of this discount, and the number to call is 800.258.2847.

TECHNOLOGY SERVICES -- If you are heading back to college or setting up your own business, one of the Jaycee's new Member Benefits may be just the ticket. Expetec Technology Services give U.S. Jaycee members a 15% discount on all technical sales and services. Call them at 1-888-297-2292 for hardware or software issues, if you need a new printer or fax machine, or a telecommunications or security system. For the location nearest to you, visit their website at: www.expetec.biz. Be sure to mention savings code #USJCEXP to receive your discount.

CAR RENTALS -- Use your AVIS Worldwide Discount (AWD) number (T306000) when calling 800.331.1212 to make reservations to take advantage of our 10% member's discount. Reservations can also be made directly from a special JAYCEES only section of the AVIS website. Click here for more details.
If you prefer to rent from Alamo, call 800.354.2322 and be sure to use our Alamo ID #390733 and Rate Code "BY" or "A1" for weekend rates.

MOTOR CLUB – The annual membership fee for Jaycees joining The TVC Plus Motor Club is only $45.00. Features of this motor club include emergency towing service, emergency road service, reimbursement for emergency travel and living expenses, customer maps and trip routing services, travel services, National car rental/interrent discount, a registered key medallion, and new car pricing and referral service discounts. Other features of this club are payment of theft rewards, law lists for motorists, special personal auto accident insurance, payment toward ambulance services, and payments toward several lawyer's services. To find out more specifics about this plan, call 800.350.1911.

Have ideas for additional benefits? Contact the National Service Center at 800.JAYCEES or e-mail executivecoordinator@usjaycees.org

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Website redesign

The new website is up! I know there are still kinks being worked out, but I hope you have all had an opportunity to check out the new site. Webmaster Justin Parkinson worked very hard to turn my abstract ideas into a wonderful bit of reality!

Because I know some of you will ask...the files/forms section is a work in progress - there are a couple of things there that are still getting attention. Things will be updated in the next couple of days as we get those things fixed. We plan to have fillable forms ready for our chapter presidents to submit their January paperwork, so be on the lookout for that!!!

There are now photos to check out, and our members are able to add their own.

Of course, as always, we are looking to you for content! I would especially like to expand the areas with cpgs and competition materials. Do you have anything to add? Please drop me an e-mail and I'll be happy to share your items.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Convention

Wow, wow, wow!

I am so excited, so proud, so inspired. The North Dakota Jaycees had an amazing convention weekend as we said good-bye to 2008 and rang in 2009.

First, I want to say a huge thank you to the 2008 team for all of your support and guidance. President Pat Groce was a terrific leader, and we are all very happy to have worked with you and for you over the past year.

Second, I can't even put into words how lucky I feel to have the people on my 2009 Executive Committee on my team. The North Dakota Jaycees have a great group of dedicated members leading them this year - 2009 is going to rock beyond belief!

The team includes:

Management Vice President Connie Perkins of Bismarck
Administrative Vice President Jim Mueller of Bismarck
Membership Vice President Sandra Anderson of Mohall
Community Vice President Pamela Johnson of Fargo
Individual Development Vice President Brenda Jo Gillund of Grand Forks
Executive Secretary Charity Stegman of Cavalier
Treasurer Lisa Weber of Mandan
East Region Director Abby Hanson of Fargo
West Region Director Justin Parkinson of Williston
Northwest District Director Cassie Nettleton of Des Lacs-Burlington
Southwest District Director Leif Olson of Bismarck
Northeast District Director Jessica Wald of Grand Forks
(The Southeast District Director position is open!!!)

Thank you North Dakota Jaycees for an amazing and memorable weekend. We have an awe-inspiring challenge ahead of us. I'm ready to take it on. The exec team is ready to take it on. Are you?

Monday, January 12, 2009

State Presidents' Retreat

Thanks to the North Dakota Jaycees, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Tulsa this weekend for three TERRIFIC days of training, mentorship and interaction.

This is the first year the State Presidents' Retreat and the Leadership Academy have been combined into one event, held in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This meant is was not only an opportunity to interact with other state presidents, but also to get to know three of my chapter presidents better. Jessica from Mohall, Cindy from Williston and Pam from Fargo joined me for the weekend!

The ND team had a great time getting to know our NVP, Travis Ahlquist from Minnesota! On Friday night we ran all over downtown Tulsa on a photo scavenger hunt, and on Saturday we went out to a great dinner and had some wonderful conversations.

As always, the trainings were wonderful. National President John Weber did a wonderful job of putting together strong and useful programming. All of the NVPs, along with our State Presidents Coach and the national service center employees, gave terrific presentations from all areas of Jaycees. I definitely left feeling inspired and informed.

Of course I also made some great friendships with the other state presidents! Who needs sleep when you've got terrific company, right?

There was also a challenge from Raj, the Foundation President...my members will definitely be hearing more about that!!!