State Sponsor

We had a challenging year and responded with vigor. As always, we responded to opportunities and continued our mission. Many people rose above the call and kept the Florida State Elks Association (FSEA) on a successful path. With much hard and focused work, we finished in the top 10 states in membership and I am anticipating we will improve even more this new year. Our Membership Committee and our lodges worked diligently to finish strong. We were LOUD delivering our
message, PROUD with the results and VISIBLE in our order.

We had some opportunities to respond to in the FSEA and dealt with them as needed. We all should keep in our prayers the well-being of our State President, Danny Tabor, and his wife, Rachel. We all need to show our thanks to VPAL, Joe Cooper, BOGT, and his wife, Allie, for stepping up and leading the FSEA as acting State President during the year. What a great organization this is to be involved in.
All of the officers stayed focused as we achieved success for our association.
All of us owe them our gratitude for their service.

Carl Seibert, COO/State Secretary, and his staff continue to keep us on track to accomplish our goals without friction. Please make sure you share your thanks when the opportunity arises. Colleen Gallant, FECTS Director, and her staff continue improving the lives of children and families throughout our state, providing
therapy services to more than 600 children per week. Nick Miller, FEYC Director, and his staff had a great summer camp and continue to host youth groups weekly. Both of our major projects are optimizing the resources helping others. Rachael
King, Editor and Publications Manager, continues to put out the premier magazine in our order. The Smith Center utilization continues to grow in large strides. Be happy and get active.

We look forward to our state convention May 25-27 in Orlando, Florida. Come learn and enjoy fellowship with others and check out the workshops during the convention. Our Elks national convention is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this year and our hotel is the Grand Lodge location and will be very nice. Make plans and enjoy your membership.

Best wishes to all of you for happiness and good health. May God bless us all and the USA!

Michael F. Smith, PNP

State Sponsor

Florida State Elks Association