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Doyle Blasingame, Spirit of Bossier,
Bossier City, LA
Doyle
Blasingame was elected Region 5 vice president at the 2003 national
convention, and was re-elected to the position in 2005. He served 23
years in the U.S. Air Force and received numerous military awards,
including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired as a lieutenant
colonel. Doyle is former general manager of the Bossier City Chamber
of Commerce and former executive director of the Bossier Council on
Aging
Doyle joined Exchange
in 1988 and has served in a variety of leadership roles at the club
and district level, including president of the former Ark-La-Tex
District Exchange Clubs in 1992-93. On the national level, he served
on the Recruitment and the Public Relations/Marketing Committees and
chaired the Awards Committee. He is a volunteer field representative
and helped build the Red River Area Exchange Club of Bossier
City-Minden, La.
Doyle is the volunteer coordinator for the local
Senior Olympics and has been involved with the Bossier Arts Council,
United Way and Holiday in Dixie. He also served his church as a
member of the parish council, lay Eucharistic minister and youth
group leader. He is a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of
Columbus. Doyle and his wife Jo Ann have three daughters and seven
grandchildren. |
Why are you running for office?
I am running for National President-Elect because I wish
to continue serving Exchange at the national level. My leadership training
and experience in the military, business community and civic organizations,
as well as Exchange, has prepared me to lead our great organization. I have
the desire, knowledge, leadership ability and time necessary to make things
happen.
What do you want to accomplish?
I want to continue moving our organization forward in
growth by recruiting and retaining new members, to strengthen existing clubs,
and charter new ones. I want to improve and enhance our Excel Club program
so we can introduce Exchange to more young people. They are our future. I
want to maximize our use of the internet for training, communication,
recruiting and retention. I want Exchange to become so well known that when
people hear "Prevent Child Abuse" or see a kid waving a flag, they will
think "Exchange." When they see our logo they will think Patriotism, Youth
Programs, Community Service and Prevention of Child Abuse.
What is the
greatest challenge facing clubs, and how can National help?
I think the greatest challenge facing most clubs is
leadership. Either their members do not have leadership training or their
members are not willing to take a leadership role. National has great
leadership training programs in place, we just have to motivate clubs to use
them. I think that those who take the leadership training will be motivated
to take on the challenge of a leadership role.
What should members of the board do for
growth?
As leaders of Exchange, board members should
always be recruiting. They may not "sign up" everyone they meet but they
should not miss any opportunity to talk Exchange. They should also be
willing to give assistance to any new club building project in their area.
As a board, they should work with and support the growth committees.
How can we develop the next generation
of leaders?
We must start developing our leaders as soon as they join. Put them on a
"working" committee, provide training and motivate them to take more
responsible positions.
Starting at the club level, how can we
build awareness of Exchange?
Recruit news media people for your club. They can help
you "learn the system." Publicize everything you do! Use the materials sent
by National. Make sure the public knows you are Exchange, wear Exchange hats and/or
t-shirts, have Exchange signs and/or banners; pass out Exchange materials. Have
information booths at every trade show, health fair or any event that will
give you exposure.
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Candidates for Office
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