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| Claude W. Carmack,
Mechanicsville, VA and Glen Allen-Richmond, VA |
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Claude W. Carmack served as national treasurer from 2003 until 2007.
Previously, he served four years as Region 11 vice president. A
Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner™, Claude
is the owner and president of Hanover Financial Services, Ltd. and
The Carmack Company.
Claude joined Exchange in 1979 and has served in various roles on
the club and district level, including president of the Virginia
District in 1992-93. He helped build four new clubs, recruited new
members, and is a volunteer field representative. On the national
level, Claude served on a number of committees, including Personnel,
501(c)(3), Technology, Convention Site and Planning, and Strategic
Planning. He is currently a member of the Budget and Finance and
Investment Committees.
Claude received
the Virginia District’s Exchangite of the Year Award in 1997
and 2003. He served leadership roles with Boy Scouts, Friends of
Hanover, Small Business Administration and the Greater Richmond
Chamber of Commerce. Claude and his wife Frances have three children
and two grandchildren. |
Why are you running for office?
I want to be elected
national president-elect and become the national president because I believe
in the programs of Exchange and the impact they have on our communities. Two
programs that are especially important to me are Americanism and Prevention
of Child Abuse. This country is a great place to live with untold resources
but there are still many individuals who need help. Secondly, I
want to introduce and develop concepts that I have in the areas of education
and leadership development that will strengthen clubs. We need leaders at
all levels and I will concentrate on programs that will identify and foster
leadership.
What do you want to accomplish?
We have great
training programs that have been developed nationally, in the district, and
at the club level, but we have difficulty delivering them to Exchangites.
Methods need to be developed to make the training accessible when and where
it is needed. Whether introducing new members to Exchange or training club
officers, the training needs to be available to fit the schedule of
Exchangites. I also want to make sure National improves its communication to
the clubs by making it more timely and concise. This allows clubs to plan
for successful activities and increased community awareness.
What is the greatest challenge facing
clubs, and how can National help?
The greatest challenge
facing clubs is the lack of consistent, strong leadership. Quality
leadership is needed to build a club that delivers a quality program of
service in a way that builds excitement in the club. Leadership is a task
that takes not only hard work, but an understanding of the responsibilities
of the position. The first step is to carefully select the club leaders and
then provide great training. The training has been left to a method of
delivery that is haphazard and inconsistent. National will need to develop a
program that will deliver consistent quality education.
What should members of the board do for
growth?
Lead by example!!
They should attend all of their district’s conferences, conventions, board
meetings, recruit members, and conduct educational programs for districts
and clubs. They should be active participants in a club building or club
rebuilding program. The board members need to earn the respect of the
districts in their region and become a resource from national to districts
and clubs.
How can we develop the next generation
of leaders?
The next generation
of leaders will come from our current members and individuals who are
presently outside of our membership. Current members can be challenged to
lead if they feel the success and excitement of the club. Additionally,
clubs need to look outside of their current membership for individuals who
are current leaders in the community and invite them to join Exchange.
To achieve this, the club itself must have a clear purpose and be successful
in meeting the purpose. A strong club will attract the next generation of
leadership. It is National's responsibility to provide the tools for club
success with training, innovative programs, national recognition, and
support for growth.
Starting at the club level, how can we
build awareness of Exchange?
Awareness must be
built at the national and local level. To assist clubs, National should
grant free national membership to club members who can support the awareness
of the club in its community. For example, the first year membership fees
could be waived for newspaper or other media personnel. On a National level,
we should continue programs such as Believe in Blue, where the clubs will be
seen as providing a valuable service to their communities. We will design a
national program for Exchange identity.
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Candidates for Office
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