Joe Wilson: “more than 40,000 business and professional leaders from 150 countries have come together this week to attend Rotary…”

“more than 40,000 business and professional leaders from 150 countries have come together this week to attend Rotary International's Centennial Convention led by President Glenn Estess, Sr., in Chicago. During their first 100 years, Rotary International grew from a small club established by Paul Harris in Chicago to a diverse international network of community volunteers who are dedicated to building peace and goodwill in the world. Today, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 Rotary Clubs in 161 countries. Rotarians are carrying out humanitarian projects in their own neighborhoods, promoting youth exchanges, and raising money to eradicate polio worldwide. As a former Rotary Club president, I am proud to recognize the organization's distinguished record of volunteerism and thank all Rotarians who contribute to the success of this vital organization. I also appreciate my district director, Butch Wallace, as president of the West Metro Rotary Club; and my chief of staff, Eric Dell, as president of the Capitol Hill Rotary Club. In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11. ____________________”