What we discovered, or ought to have discovered, is that Rotary, or Houston Coatings Society- means far more than a small addition to the fabric of our lives. Rotary is perhaps the largest, certainly one of the most effective, networking organizations in the world today. It has 1.2 million members in 168 countries. Rotary uses the eight roles I have described in its everyday interaction with the world community. Rotary exerts influence through the positive endorsement of the values dear to each community where Rotary exists.
I submit to you that the Houston Coatings Society exerts influence in this regional area and beyond. Think of your individual members having influence in NACE and SSPC.
On a more personal level, becoming a Rotarian was a liberating accident. I admit that there was an initial challenge to being a woman Rotarian in that first year that women could belong to Rotary. The Rotary Club of Ione California broke new ground in Rotary International when we chartered with the first inaugural female president in the world. That was only 1987- not ancient history. Remember- I had competed in a traditionally male exclusionary style of work most of my professional life. It took ten years for my Rotarian father and Brother to begin to accept me as a fellow Rotarian. I bring this up because it seems that there are rites of passage as Rotarians… Some Rotarians still do not understand what the purpose of an influence network is. I had the same experience joining SSPC in 1985. There are individuals who just can not understand the elements of an inclusionary network. Vigilance is always required to prevent a negative attitude from taking hold in your organization. The same holds true for SSPC, NACE, and the Houston Coatings Society. Vigilance is always required to prevent a negative attitude from taking hold in your organization.
The Houston Coatings Society is our club house. We get to hang here. We eat the same food. We grow more alike. We understand one another and can discuss what this business is all about. I think that this business is all about- Pursuing your Destination. You can’t get there if you don’t know your destination.
Some of the best and the brightest are here today. Outside this room, you might hear fact, fantasy, or reality. As we meet each other face to face in these monthly meetings, we learn to trust one another and drop the mask that separates us. I urge you to Beg, Borrow, or Steal from each other’s Experiences to script your own adventure as you Decide What’s important to you. As you move on- set new goals. Have a new adventure. You can’t repeat an old adventure.
Each person here is on their own individual path. You choose whether you travel the path of leadership or followership.
That is your destination!
Is it what you can GIVE or what you can Get.
Do you choose to innovate, to imitate, or to Vegetate??
Where is your destiny taking you? What is your legacy? HAVE YOU GOT YOUR TICKETS YET? There is no refund on the ticket to YOUR DESTINATION!
I want to repeat something I said a few moments ago. Rotarians through service above self, through inclusionary networking principles, exert influence by seeking the positive endorsement of the values dear to each community where Rotary exists. Each member of the Houston Coating Society exerts influence by seeking the positive endorsement of the values dear to the common welfare of our industry.
We have to have the courage to move towards the public expression of what we perceive to be the Common Good. This is the pulse of our lives. Take this pulse and you gauge the strength of our community.
These values are described differently in every culture. Yet, no matter what the details of these community values are, the goals of peaceful coexistence, the general welfare, and individual security are still held in common esteem.
Your strength and enthusiasm and action of the 8,000 members of SSPC and the 14,000 members of NACE are about to be coupled to form an inclusionary network organization which is world-wide. What an immense opportunity for influence!!
Look around you at your neighbor. Who do you see?? I see people who embrace a search for excellence within themselves and within others. I see people I respect- people in action.
I am always invigorated when I come to Houston and see companions of many years and meet new professional colleagues.
You are the people I want to be with.
You are the people who are vigorous.
You are the people who are influencing the Future with Action and Vision as you enter and adopt an inclusionary network.
It’s been a great high working in and building an inclusionary network for the coatings industry.
It’s an honor to be here with the Houston Coatings Society and get to know your newest members as you build and leave your lasting legacy.
HAVE YOU GOT YOUR TICKETS YET? There are no refunds and no delays on your ticket to your destination.
Lydia Frenzel, Executive Director of the Advisory Council
