It has been a little more than two months since I was installed as your State President and Denise and I are extremely honored to represent you and the Florida State Elks Association throughout this coming year. We began our journey with a trip to the Alabama State Elks in Decatur, Alabama. The following weekend, we had our first State President’s visit in the Central District at Aripeka Lodge #2520. We were able to witness the lodge’s flag ceremony and were quite impressed with all the volunteers who participated. It was very well done and moving. The Exalted Ruler of Aripeka Lodge presented Denise and me with a ceiling tile, which was emblemed with a copy of my State President’s pin, which Denise and I both signed, and it was installed in their lodge. This was a very special token and truly appreciated. Central District Vice President, Cindy Green, did an amazing job putting together an awesome weekend for Denise, me and our team.
We have just returned from the Grand Lodge convention, held in Austin, Texas, where we enjoyed celebrating with all the Florida Elks in attendance. It did our hearts good to see the excitement that Florida showed during the convention. I was honored to present the inaugural Robert Grafton Award to the highest-scoring Esquire, nationally, from the ritual competition. I also witnessed the Gainesville Lodge #990 ritual team perform during their national competition. Although they did not win, each contestant did an amazing job and did the Florida Elks very proud. I would be remiss if I did not take the opportunity to recognize and thank Carl and Theresa Seibert, Dan and Casey Masi, and Laz Suarez for the amazing work they did setting up and maintaining the Florida hospitality room and putting together one of the best Florida dinners we have ever attended. In attendance were 17 of the 18 Past Grand Exalted Rulers, the current Grand Exalted Ruler, the endorsed Grand Exalted Ruler and many other dignitaries, and their comments were extremely positive. The Florida Elks once again knocked it out of the park.
During my acceptance speech at the Florida Elks state convention, I laid out some of the milestones I would like to see our association reach during this coming year. The big one is having a net gain of 3,000 members. This can be achieved, but not without everyone’s help. As of this writing, we are sitting at just a little more than 16% in our lapsation. At this time in the year, we should be at 10% or below. Please, don’t just rely on your Membership Chair and committee, for it is the responsibility of us all to welcome back those who have yet to pay their dues. By bringing those members back into the fold and actively recruiting new members, we will not only reach our goal of 58,000 members by the end of the year but we will exceed that number. Remember, Florida is “Great at 58.” Together we can achieve this positive growth. It is our membership that is the lifeblood of our organization. If you are excited about what we do, others will want to experience that same excitement. Your State Chair, Jim Rodriguez of Pensacola Beach Lodge #497, and Vice Chair, David Clayton of Ocala Lodge #286, have shown the energy and innovative ideas to help retain members and bring in new members. They will be working closely with the District Chairs, who in turn will be working closely with the Lodge Chairs. But remember, we all have to do our part to make this happen. We all like a little competition, so I am working on initiating a new award, “The President’s Trophy,” to be awarded at the state convention to the district that has the highest percentage of membership gain during this year. You will have to work as a team within your district to win this trophy. Let’s see which district within the Florida State Elks Association can “Get ‘er done.”
I also set a goal of $1 million in donations and a total of 1,000 sustaining donors by the year’s end. By your donations, you become a part of what we do within our major projects. Our Florida Elks Youth Camp is reaching the youth of Florida with their programs, giving the children who attend building blocks for their future and developing in them the tools that will help them as they grow into true Americans, with the sense of helping others and their communities. These children are our future and your donations and support of the Harry-Anna Trust help make this happen. Our Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services provides something no other organization does. Florida Elks for Autism is a new program rolled out this year, which provides an opportunity for families of autistic children to receive a diagnosis so they are able to get the treatment these children so desperately need. The process for this diagnosis can take years and cost thousands of dollars for the families. We as Florida Elks bring these families to the camp and provide a place to stay, food and the trained personnel so these families can receive all that is needed for the children to get the treatment necessary. Your donations make all this possible. You as the Florida Elks make the difference in so many lives. By doing this, you are “Exemplifying Elkdom.”
We, along with our team, are looking so forward to the rest of this year. Our visits to your districts are an opportunity to encourage the lodges in these districts. It is my sincere hope that everyone continues to be excited about what we do.
Again, I want to emphasize how very honored and humbled Denise and I are to serve as your President and first lady, and we are willing to do what is necessary for an exceptional year.
Russ Smith
State President, 2024-2025
Florida State Elks Association