State Sponsor

What a great time it is to be an Elk. We are coming off two solid years of positive membership growth and tracking for three years. I am confident that under our guidance of our State President, Joe Cooper, and his wife, Allie, along with his talented support group, we can make “Florida Elks Shine Bright.”

We had an opportunity to attend the 60th Florida Ladies of Elks conference in September and it was not only well done but inspiring. These ladies contribute so much to the Florida State Elks Association and ask for nothing in return.

Our summer camp was a huge success thanks to our Camp Director, Nick Miller, and his competent staff. Our Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services Director, Colleen Gallant, and her quality staff continue to grow our number of children we serve. Please welcome the Smith Conference Center manager, Jeff Begley, and his wife, Chanelle, to our organization. Jeff will oversee all aspects of the SCC.

We are hosting our midyear convention in St. Petersburg in early November and we hope you will plan to come join the fun and learning experience. We will have our Grand Lodge Secretary and COO, Bryan Klatt, and his wife, Sue, joining us. While you are making arrangements, mark you calendar for our February quarterly to participate. We will host our Grand Exalted Ruler, Randy Shook, and first lady Wanda to our camp and general offices.

On a business note, please assist your lodge in reinstating your delinquent members and bringing some new members into you lodge. We need EVERYONE focused on helping the Florida State Elks Association be a leader in our order. The Grand Lodge Insurance Subcommittee is working weekly to try to find relief on the insurance rates. A couple of options were distributed in September to all lodges.

As the FSEA continues to improve, we need to recognize our COO/State Secretary, Carl Seibert, and his incredible staff for all their guidance and assistance. They stay ready to respond at all times and we need to show our appreciation.

PNP Bob Grafton, Sandra and I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving season. May God bless us all and bless the United States of America.

Michael F. Smith, PNP

State Sponsor

Florida State Elks Association