The year 2013 saw a 10-year low in Rotary International's global membership.  It has since rebounded, getting back over that key benchmark of 1.2 million members.  Unfortunately, membership in the United States is still down.  The same holds true for Japan, England, Australia, and Canada.  

So where did the increase come from and how was it done?  

Impressive growth has occurred over the last decade in countries like India, Korea, Germany, Taiwan, and Brazil.  When asked about what they attribute their success to, they all share a similar theme.  People are joining Rotary because theyfind connections to projects and undertakings that are important to them.  In Africa they have found that "clubs are relevant and vibrant, and support the belief that it is an honor and a big deal to become a Rotarian." 

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Note the design of the new business card that we will be distributing amongst ourselves and sharing with the community.  We emphasize the difference Pekin Rotary makes.  We share our success and invite others to be a part of the impact we have.  Prospective members want to join something worthy of their time and bigger than themselves.

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Our Rotary Social, to be held at Mashie's on April 21, will give us the opportunity to share with others who we are and what we do.  We all need to bring at least one guest who hopefully would become a member.  But it is just as important to invite people to hear our story.  Please make an effort to be part of that evening.  All of us are the face of Pekin Rotary.  Let's be there in strong numbers and make sure our visitors know that Pekin Rotary "Makes A Difference." 

Remember, there will be a special drawing for those in attendance and for whoever brings the most guests.

It will be fun!

Gary Gillis

• Business professionals who are willing to put service above self
• People who desire a better community
• Individuals looking to build lasting friendships
• Someone just like you!

Jerry Tupper

This month's Member spotlight is somewhat magical.  Not only is Jerry Tupper our resident Magician, I would venture that he is perhaps our most educated club member.  Born in Toledo, OH, Jerry was raised in Peoria.  He graduated from Peoria Central High School and then proceeded to pursue his undergraduate degree at Yankton College in Yankton, SD.  He carried a Double Major in Philosophy and Religion with a Minor in Speech and Drama.  From there he went to Hartford Seminary to earn his Masters Degree in Histories of Religion.  While in Hartford, Jerry also produced and directed theater at Hartford Seminary.

Continuing to add to his diverse background, Jerry was involved in the financial planning and insurance field for 25 years through his father's business known as Gerald Tupper & Associates.  He followed this path while also working with area churches.  His call mostly involved working with what he refers to as "problem churches"--those congregations needing help or assistance in getting pointed in the proper direction.  He was often recommended to them to provide that needed guidance.

This landed Jerry in Chillicothe, IL where he served a church with transition problems that led to a 19-year tenure.  During that time he earned his Masters Degree, followed by his Doctorate, in "Use of Technology in the Church in the 21st Century."  As Jerry told me, "I spent a lot of money on education."

After a long, storied career, Jerry was planning to retire.  But, one of his church superiors told him that he has "too much energy to retire," and directed him to Pekin Congregational Church.  This proved to be our gain because it brought a 16-year veteran and Past President of the Chillicothe Rotary Club to us.  As many of you know, Jerry has always had an interest in a Rotary Water Project in Haiti.  He has traveled there and seen this beneficial project come to fruition.  This has provided him, and us, valuable experience in working with the District and the International to obtain funding for our possible participation in such projects.

When asked about Rotary's appeal, Jerry claims that he has always been impressed by the impact of Rotary on the international level, from Polio Plus to his pet water projects.  "It generates a common bond throughout the club and organization showing what we can do together," he told me.

Finally, Jerry points to the value Rotary provides in helping people new to the community.  There is a great benefit in getting to know the leadership in town and connecting with people of differing backgrounds who bring their own expertise that can be of help to members.  "Sometimes I need guidance from someone who can give it to me in a given area," he said.  "Rotary has real solid, quality people."

Well, Jerry, it takes one to know one.  We're glad to call you a fellow Rotarian. 

Gary Gillis