Hello Everyone,   Well, here we are, it's now October and Terror at the Fair is already underway.  I know it's said time flies when you are having fun, but it seems like I was just holding our first planning session last December a couple months ago.This past year has been a great year for our local organization.  This year we have had membership growth greater than we have seen in recent years and we weathered the storms during the festival season.  All in all, we can be proud of what we have accomplished so far.    We have done well and for that, I must thank everyone, but as National President Jeff Lank reminded us during the local presidents meeting at convention we have to finish strong.  We are now heading into the busiest weeks of Terror at the Fair, and we have a lot of great projects coming up.  Following Terror at the Fair we have elections, our annual Washington Park decorating and Thanksgiving socials are coming up, Toys for Kids and our Holiday Social.  Yes, we have much to look forward to this year yet.  This is also a great time to look at our membership.  Our chapter has had great growth, but this is a time we can really shine and use our programming to invite others to our organization.  Past President and Chairman of the Board Bret Tuley said during Past the Gavel in January, the Junior Chamber should not be the best kept secret in Dubuque and I agree.  So with that, I am extending a challenge to everyone which we accepted at State Convention.  Our goal for the year is to end membership at 160 members, which means we need to add approximately 25 more people to our roster.  When we reach this goal the reward is great.  National President Jeff Lank has said he will come to Pass the Gavel Year End Banquet on January 7th.  In addition, I thought I would also set a reward for the entire chapter, and when we meet this goal, I will personally cover the first $500 during cocktail hour at Pass the Gavel (thank goodness for my Christmas club.).  Finally, the top recruiter (starting now) will receive a gift of Dinner and a Movie for two from the Chapter, dinner will be at a very nice local restaurant.  Our second and third place recruiters will also see some nice prizes come their way.   So, is finishing the year at 160 aggressive, some might say yes, but I say no.  We all know a co-worker, friend, or family member who can benefit from being a member of the greatest young professional organization; it's time we bring them in and finish strong.   Thank you again for everything this year! Chris Puetz 67th President Dubuque Junior Chamber