Visiting Western States

I was priviledged to be able to visit with the Jaycee members and leaders of the Great Amercia Institute states (Washington, Montana, Colorado, California, Arizona, Hawaii, Oregon) for a couple of purposes.  I was representing President Travis as his Political Advisor and the rest of the Mid America Institute states.  I had the opportunity to discuss issues that are affecting all Jaycees states…looking at ways and ideas for enhancing our organization.  As a candidate for Minnesota Junior Chamber State President, I also was able to have some 1-to-1 conversations with sitting State Presidents and share ideas on what is working and what is not working for them.

This was a great opportunity to gain some new insights that I look forward to sharing with you over the next few months.  It also solidified my belief in our organization and then I do look forward to the opportunity to be your State President.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

The Power of Truman Jaycees…

I was excited to be able to visit with the Truman Jaycees during their recent chapter general membership meeting.  Brandi Weihe and the rest of the Truman Jaycees were very hospitable and willing shared their ideas for how we can make a positive impact not only their chapter but as a state organization.  I was able to share a part of my vision with them, but I feel I took more than I left through their ideas and confirmation of the vision of developing the avenues of utilitizing today’s technology to power the organization and increase our overall leadership development capabilities.

I also would like to thank Barb Kubly for assisting and sharing thoughts and ideas.  I’m always invigorated to touch base with Jaycee members that I’ve known for awhile and have seen grow through our organization.  That is one of the reasons I look forward to the opportunity to serve as your State President for 2009…assisting others to grow beyond what they thought was possible.

I’ll see you on the road soon…till then, keep the Jaycee spirit in your soul and air in your tires!

 

Jason Gadd, 2009 State Presidential Candidate

Minnesota Caucus – Opportunity for Ideas

First, I want to thank the St Cloud Jaycees for hosting the 2008 Minnesota Jaycees Caucus.  I had a great time and enjoyed the opportunity to share my ideas with those in attendance.  Thanks to Jaunita Beachamp, Elections Chair and Ketti Green, Minnesota Junior Chamber Administrative Vice President for asking questions and organizing a very smooth caucus program. 

I especially want to thank Jim Renner of Hopkins and Robin Groetch of St Cloud for introducing me.  Both presented very well and I was honored to have you be a part of the presentation.  I was humbled to hear what you had to say and it helped to solidify my presentation to the group present.  I was able to share ideas about what our organization has done for me and why I want to become State President to facilitate that believe in the organization to all our members.  Two items I’ve learned over the years is that leadership is a learned ability provided by the Junior Chamber and that by believing in the Junior Chamber, you will begin to believe in yourself.  When that happens, you begin to accomplish not only your dreams, but achieving new heights that you hadn’t even thought about prior to being apart of the organization.  I am anticipating the excitement in seeing you reach beyond what you thought was possible.

Congratulations to Jason Benton for reaching for the knowledge that comes with announcing for the Community Development Vice President.  I’m excited to see people starting to talk about what they would like to learn from our organization.  I look forward to hearing more from Jason and also encourage others to take the initiative as well.  If you are considering reaching for a Vice President, Program Manager, or Regional/District position, I encourage you to ask questions and to get your name out there.

Feel free to call me and we can talk about options/idea/assistance…

See you on the road!!

 

Jason Gadd

Adventures on the road…

One of the exciting things about traveling and meeting with members from around the state is that you never know who you may run into.  This past weekend is one that won’t be soon forgotten.  

On Friday, I was thrilled to have numerous Hopkins Jaycees to travel with me to Rush City to help the Rush City Jaycees at their Beer Garden during the Chisago County Fair.  What we didn’t know is that we were heading for an adventure.  Just as we arrived at the fairgrounds, they were being evacuated by the County Sheriff’s office because of a Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warning.  We ended up waiting the storm out across the street standing under the front awning of the church that was locked.  We found out later the church we should have headed to was 1/2 block over…It will be an experience that was exciting but not wanting to relive.  After the storm past, we were able to visit with the Rush City Jaycees and had a great time despite the weather thanks to Joe and Darcy and the rest of the members.

Saturday I was honored to assist the Saint Paul Jaycees with the Basilica Block Party event.  I’m always impressed by the events that Saint Paul helps with and the coordination of Tara Broker was great to see.  Thanks to President Spencer for having a very hospitable chater.  We even passed the underage decoys the police sent around…it sure kept us on our toes all night.  I was also able to have some great discussions with the Lake Elmo Jaycees and the South St Paul Jaycees….thanks for your questions.  We finished up listening the the Gin Blossoms play…great night, great questions and great music…

See you on the trail…

4th of July Travels…

I have enjoyed my first weekend of traveling and spreading the news of my desire to become your next Minnesota Junior Chamber State President.  This was one of the best traveling weekends I’ve been a part of recently.

First we visited with the Bemidji Jaycees during their 64th Annual Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival.  President Crystal Hegg, along with chairs Will & Carolyn Fisher, organized a great event.  I was able to help serve the visitors from a variety of taps.  Never let it be said that Bemidji does not offer options for beverages.  It was also great to be able to spend time talking about connecting with new members and how important it is to get them out to assist with projects and make them feel a part of your chapter.  Thanks Sam!  A very heartfelt “Thank You” to Tonya Sandbo for opening her home to us to catch a few hours of sleep before continuing.

Next we stopped at the Brainerd Jaycees Corn Feed.  I was able to help finish shucking the corn (brings me back to my childhood on the ranch) and then assist in handing out the great sweet corn to the crowd.  President Sara Thompson was very welcoming and made us feel a part of the group.  It provided an opportunity to visit with members such as Chris Nelson and learn more about them.  It is amazing to see how fast the corn was handed out…I look forward to working with such an exciting group.

From there we traveled to St Cloud to help with the Glow Stick sales for the fireworks.  Chad & Robin Groetsch had such great organization to the process that it was a lot of fun to work the crowd.  I was impressed to also see them start a new relationship with the Becker Drumline as they helped sell in one of the parks.  Creating relationships with other organizations will only make us a stronger organization ourselves.  Another great fireworks were on display in St Cloud. 

On Saturday I was excited to stop in Delano and help with their Softball Tournament.  Martin “Toon” had a well-organized event.  Even with the Jaycees coordinating 5 different booths this year.  President Jodi Baumgard should be proud of what her chapter was able to accomplish.  There was a number of great questions and discussion during the shift about the focus of next year.  I was able to receive some great feedback on ideas that they feel need some focus. 

The day ended in Austin at their street dance.  I want to thank Chair Jackie and President Danielle Nesvold for allowing us to partake in this fun event.  I am truly impressed by the Austin Jaycees and the member turnout for the event.  When you get that many members together, including ensuring the newly signed members feel a part of the group, it feeds on itself.  Others see the fun of the large group and want to be part of it and look for a way to join.  Once again I enjoyed meeting a lot of you and hearing your ideas for our organization. 

I thank everyone who helped make the 4th of July weekend a great traveling experience…it just reinforced within me the impact that our great jaycee State has within our communities and for our members.  I look forward to seeing more of you soon.

–Jason