East Cobb Rotarians at the 1999 District Conference - Follow Your Rotary Dreams. The 2027 District Conference in Asheville, NC, will also take us to the Emerald Isle.

One of my official visits this month was with President Ben Alper and the Rotary Club of East Cobb. Another awesome club that is making a lasting impact on their community! After the meeting, I had a very engaging conversation with Past President Phil Issenberg (1997-1998). He shared that September would mark his 38th year in this club. He said, “I can tell you from own experience, fellowship is the key motivator of building a service organization. I was every officer and served as a director of each avenue of service. The education was irreplaceable.” PP Phil said that the RC of East Cobb won many awards at the District Conference in 1998.

He noted that the theme for Rotary District 6900’s 1998 District Conference was “Follow Your Rotary Dream.” This theme was carried by District Governor Ann B. Henderson, who was the first female District Governor of a Georgia District and one of only 20 out of 527 worldwide for that term. The 1998–1999 Rotary International President, James L. Lacy, had selected “Follow Your Rotary Dream” as the global Rotary theme, and District 6900 embraced it with a strong focus on helping children through programs such as Character Education, AIDS Awareness & Prevention, and Literacy.

For the District Conference in April of 1999, members of the club dressed up as characters from the Wizard of Oz. According to PP Phil, they made a scene! Pictured from East Cobb: Pam Meyers, wife of Rotarian Gary Meyers, as Glynda, the Good Witch; Phil Issenberg as Dorothy; Dave Stahl as Tin Man; Steve Jezerniac as the Scarecrow; Mike Hart as the Wizard; Robert Schwall as The Wicked Witch; and Sam Ainsworth as the Cowardly Lion

He shared the attached photo with me, along with a note with many encouraging words, including, “28 years later, I believe you will have an awesome conference. It’s time to bring the fun back to Rotary. I believe it’s the key to retaining membership. When we are united in fellowship, service is simple & successful.” He loved the District Conference video!

For those of you who haven't seen the video yet, know we will be visiting Oz's Emerald Isle for our 2027 conference. Time to register for the 2027 conference. The registration fee will increase on January 1, 2027. Get in on the Early Bird special! Registration for the conference is open on the District website - click 2027 District Conference.

You can make your room reservations now using one of the following links to get our special group rate:

• Rotary Club - Embassy Suites Room Block
• Rotary Club - DoubleTree Room Block

Hotel reservations will include breakfast tickets (2 per each King-size bedroom and 4 per each Queen-size bedroom.) Breakfast tickets are valued at approximately $25 each.