Our own PDG Bruce Golden began his presentation by describing the qualities required and the path followed to become a District Governor, without a doubt, a full-time job. To fill this position one must bring a deep desire and a great passion for Rotary to a two-year preparation for the work. A candidate announces his desire to serve as a DG to his club which then must formally nominate him and present his name to a Nominating Committee. The committee of 10-12 Rotarians from different clubs meets the 3-4 candidates, listens to their testimony, interviews them in more detail, and then votes by secret ballot. Their selection is the DG Nominee. The DG Nominee spends a year visiting the 64 District clubs (a total of about 3000 members) and attends a Zone meeting/training event where he begins to realize how big Rotary is: about 60,000 at the Zone level. The following year, as DG Elect, he/she shadows the DG and attends an International Assembly for intensive training with over 500 other DG Elects from around the world who together represent about 1.2 million members. Currently, the United States is gradually losing membership, while the Far East is rapidly growing in membership. Then, as DG of 60+ clubs, this carefully trained leader and staff (DG Nominee, DG Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Lieutenant Governors) manages the many activities of the District through 30 different committee chairs. Go to rotarydistrict5870.org and take a look at the extensive list of programs carried out through the leadership of the DG’s staff. You will see some faces you recognize! When Bruce was DG, his emphasis was on Membership, PR, and The Rotary Foundation. Each DG has his own personal interests or perceived needs and yet, membership seems to be the critical issue for all. Bruce reported that currently our District has a total increase of 18 members; we can only hope that in the 8 months left, 36 more members will be listed and that our retention rate can also improve. Thanks, Bruce for an introduction to the DG that was personal, engaging, and informative.