It seems like spring is finally here. With spring here, we will soon be getting into the busiest time of the year for Jaycees. One of the first big projects of spring should be Diamond Skills. You should have just received your kits to run this program. If you’ve never run this project before, I strongly encourage you to do so. It is very easy and the kids love it!

I am extremely happy to say that the Northeast Region grew again in March! That’s three months in a row and we’re getting stronger all the time. Yes, I’m always talking about membership, but that is exactly what Jaycees is about – PEOPLE! The more people we bring in to our chapters, the better chapters we become! Congratulations to all the growth chapters and districts in March!

Growth Districts

Becky Kranz +10 & Alice Hammer +5

Growth Chapters

Brookings +9, Garretson +5, Colman +3, Humboldt +1, Hartford +1

Keep it up! All the hard work will pay off for you and your chapters! We have a big month in April so start early with your retention and new member recruitment! With that said, I have some incentives for you. Every 20 member extension completed in April will receive two "Northeast Thunder" t-shirts (one for the extending chapter and one for the District Director in charge). Every extension completed with 30 members in April will earn three t-shirts!

Thank you to Brent Lindemann and the Garretson Jaycees for hosting the 1^st Northeast Regional Rally. Everyone that attended had a great time. If you didn’t make it, try harder to make it next time! It is very important to get to every out of chapter and state event that you can! It will greatly improve the effectiveness of your chapters. It is also a lot of fun and you get to meet so many great people with common goals and interests.

On April 6,7, & 8, the North Central Institute (NCI) meeting is in Deadwood. That’s this weekend! This event doesn’t happen in South Dakota very often and is a great opportunity for all of us. If you’re interested in attending this event, ask your DD or call me.

There are several important dates to note in the Calendar of Events. That list will continue to grow through the year. Mark your calendars now! Again, keep up the good work and always strive to be your best. Thank you, all of you, for your commitment to the Jaycee organization this year. That commitment will enable you to go far in your personal and business lives.

In Jaycees,

Todd J. Weber

NERD