Being an incoming President is stressful. For York's Jim Hodnett, the problem seemed overwhelming. He related this story when I asked for "most memorable Rotary moments."
Jim became President of the Rotary Club of York on July 1, 1995. He was getting married on July 16, 1995 and he simultaneously was losing his job at a local bank. Major stress. York was one of DG Jack Blasius' early visits. (DG's have a way of coming at the most stressful times.) Jack heard Jim's problems and said "I promise you that if you do your best as Rotary President, everything else will work out."
Jim was married on schedule. Shortly thereafter, he made up at a meeting in Rock Hill and sat next to someone that told him of another banker that had just moved to another town. Jim knew the banker, called him and eventually was selected as his replacement.
How many times is some small action or statement that we make and may not even remember have a profound effect on someone's life? DG Jack may or may not have known that Jim Hodnett was imminently marketable, but he had the wisdom to say "everything will work out." And indeed it did.
About the DG
George W. Fletcher
Governor, Rotary District 7750
2009-2010
George Fletcher’s Rotary experience includes President of the Rotary Club of Greenville, Assistant Governor, District Secretary and Chair of the Centennial Celebration in 2005. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of both the Bequest Society and Paul Harris Society and a Major Donor.
His real job is Executive Director for the SC Council on Competitiveness, a non profit created to implement a long term economic development strategy in the state. Prior to that, he was President of Fletcher Group, Inc. a group of engineering and environmental management companies. He is a professional engineer and a diplomate in the American Academy of Environmental Engineers.
He has been deeply involved in the community, having served as Chair of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair (with his wife) of the Greenville County United Way Campaign. He has served his profession as President of the American Council of Engineering Companies - SC. Over his career, he has served on some 15 Boards and Commissions.
He has been recognized as the SC Engineer of the Year in 1999 by the SC Society of Professional Engineers and as Greenville Business Person of the Year in 2000 by Greenville Magazine.
George and his wife Sarah have been married for 38 years. They have two children and three grandchildren.
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