CATCH THE TWELFTH DISTRICT FEVER!

Anyone who has ever been to an International Convention knows how pumped up we all get over the four days. Even on the plane headed home we are planning and plotting our Craftsman year with excitement and energy. Then, back at home and work—life happens—and eventually that enthusiasm wanes.

That doesn’t seem to be the case, though, in the Twelfth District. Those folks are on fire! I would love to find a way to spread that wild fire to all of the other clubs. With Richard Jones, the wild man himself—also known as the Energizer Bunny—as Governor of the 12th, and Governor-Elect Bob Donahue close behind, those guys can’t lose.

I was lucky to be able to join the Los Angeles Club for their first meeting and then travel to Las Vegas for the Charter Night of a brand new club! I would love to be able to participate in Charter Nights at many more new clubs during my tenure as your Captain.

Both meetings were energizing and enlightening; that was evident to all those present. What most people did not see were the hours of Craftsmanship and sharing of knowledge before the meetings, however.

I flew into LA on Tuesday night and Bill Leahy fetched me from the airport, took me home, where he and Susan fixed a late dinner. This was the second time I was the recipient of their generous hospitality. And their furry white bundle of joy—Cocoa—welcomed me, too.

Wednesday Bill Leahy arranged a tour with fellow Craftsman George Wolden, Vice President, Manufacturing of 

The Los Angeles Club had a great first of the year educational meeting, where a lot of awards were given out from the LA Convention, as well as some new ones. The educational program was on the NexPress and on-demand printing. Jim LoCoco ran a great first meeting as president. After the LA Club meeting Richard Jones took me home to his abode. Again I was treated to generous hospitality from a great Craftsman. 
Thursday morning, Richard gave me a tour of the Pasadena City College campus. Talk about impressive! PCC is the third-largest single-campus community college district in the United States and has 30,000 students. They offer Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees in 60 academic programs and 70 vocational programs. Doug Haines showed me around the facility. The printing classrooms and labs are integrated with a production facility so the students get real life experience and the school gets honest-to-goodness production.

And then there was the four hour car ride through the desert! Maybe that’s where the FEVER comes from. The knowledge, camaraderie and laughter that were shared on that trip are the essence of Craftsmanship. It is also the hardest thing in the world to explain to someone. That’s why it is up to each of us to take responsibility for at least one new member and bring them into the inner circle. Share the secret that was never meant to be a secret. Catch the fever and then give it to someone else.

I’d like to share excerpts from two e-mails I received recently that helps put into words this phenomenon that is Craftsmanship.

New Las Vegas Club President Allan Toma wrote:

“I'm sure that you have seen this many times before. However, for myself, I am now just seeing and feeling the excitement of watching so many people who just recently met and are at the beginning stage of forming new personal and professional friendships. These wonderful people pulled together, worked together and accomplished what was once a dream event. I feel that is pretty 

“We know that we have a lot to learn and much to accomplish. It is assuring to know that we have you and others standing ready and willing to help.”

IAPHC CEO and President Kevin Keane, who was also in attendance at the Las Vegas Charter meeting, forwarded Allan’s message to the IAPHC Board of Governors and added these accolades:

“... the Las Vegas Club of PHC, Charter night was quite successful from the standpoint of the Las Vegas members...but it was equally thrilling from the standpoint of folks who have been to many, many Club meetings over the years. This was simply a tonic!

What a great evening. Incredibly well organized, superb food, great venue, enormous supportive dedication shown by Bill Orr, Blair & Jean Dreyfus, Alan Krogness, Bob Donahue, Mike Patterson, Bob Mills, Jim LoCoco, Randy Guiboa, and Richard Jones who all made the time to attend.

But more than anything was the commitment to Craftsmanship exhibited by the new members. They like each other, they want to be involved, they are fun, energetic and curious. And they will grow from here -- Governor Jones reports that 18 more members will be inducted in October! After seeing the Phoenix Club rise again, and then hosting the fabulous LA Convention, and now encouraging the Las Vegas Club in its quest to become chartered, well, we wonder what else the 12th District has up its sleeve—and actually we can't wait to see!

It was a splendid honor to be able to witness a new club aborning. We salute them, wish them all the best, and we thank them for reminding us that it still matters to belong!” 

I couldn’t have said it better myself, except to add “Catch the Fever!”

Yours in Craftsmanship,
“Captain” Bill Orr