RCB President Gordon Martin Kicks Off 2023-24 Rotary Year
RCB President Gordon Martin with his family following the first meeting of the 2023-24 club year.
Rotary Club of Birmingham President Gordon Martin called the first meeting of the 2023-24 year to order on July 12th. Club members welcomed Martin with a standing ovation, per the club's tradition at the start of each new President's term.
Martin reflected on the leaders who have preceded him and shared that his grandfather, Hugh Martin, Sr., was an active member of RCB at the turn of the century. Martin thanked Alan Martin and Mac Beale for endorsing his nomination to join the club and he showed appreciation to Alabama Power for supporting his Rotary involvement prior to his retirement. Martin introduced members of his family and friends attending the meeting, as well as his daughter joining virtually.
Martin thanked the RCB board members serving the club this year and offered appreciation to Rotary staff members. He thanked Immediate Past President Chuck Redden for his excellent leadership throughout the 2022-23 year.
Martin shared his excitement for the year ahead. He thanked the Programs Committee for an outstanding job lining up first-class speakers. He highlighted opportunities for members to serve within the club and in the community as well as fellowship gatherings. Martin affirmed continued support of the RCB Foundation led by Lee Weathers and announced donations will continue to be made in honor of each week’s speaker to support the Foundation’s scholarship fund. He highlighted the club's strengths in membership and service and enduring focus on implementing strategic goals established in 2022.
Martin discussed Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInally's theme “Create Hope in the World” and RCB's continued work to create hope through cervical cancer prevention and treatment, disaster relief and peace-building efforts.
"For 110 years, we have been bringing together civic leaders in our community to learn, exchange ideas, and take action to solve critical community problems in Birmingham and beyond,” said Martin. “I very much look forward to working with all of you to improve the community through service, education, and fellowship under the Rotary motto of Service Above Self."
