I hope you are planning to attend our 1st meeting of the year this Wednesday for our Annual Award Ceremony and Installation of 2013 Officers and Board Members. It is going to be a very special meeting.

2012 has been a remarkable year for the Southside Business Men's Club, a year of our 80th Anniversary filled with accomplishments and new milestones.  Looking back to name a few, our success began through the work of our diligent golf tournament committee who, for the first time in years, retained the title and corporate sponsorships; and built a momentum that led to the largest grossing tournament we have ever had raising over $20,000 for our Youth Achiever Program.  As some of you know, our club is actually 2 organizations - the SBMC and SBMC Charities.  With the success of our club, the board made the decision to donate $20,000 from the SBMC to the SBMC Charities in 2012.  With the addition of our strong fund-raising events throughout the year, the SBMC Charities had a record-breaking year in raising $50,000. 

In addition, for the first time in the last decade, we took a leadership position in the community and urged our local leaders to improve the economic development programs in Jacksonville through an unanimous club resolution.  A month later, we voted unanimously again on a resolution to encourage the renovation of our deteriorating Southbank Riverwalk.  In November, for the second year in a row, our newest Charity, the Veterans' Independence Project, showed Jacksonville how much fun the SBMC can be with our annual Salute event at the Jacksonville Landing. 

This year, we have shared our love for the club with others by inviting them to join us in making a difference in our community.  As I said many times in the past, Membership is the heart of our Club and the source of its success. With the strong and committed Membership, we are able to pursue greater dreams and carry out programs and projects that will address significant concerns of our community.  It is why last January I asked for your support of our Membership growth and you responded!  Unlike many local and national organizations, we grew in attendance throughout the year, which led to the welcoming of 116 new members, the first time over 100 since 2008! 

It has been an amazing year for the SBMC and these successes would not have been possible without the help and commitment of our Officers, Board members, and most importantly our hardworking and dedicated members.  Every hour volunteered, every dollar spent in sponsorships has led to the record growth of our club, as well as added value to our membership. The club has brought us together for opportunities to exchange business, make a positive impact in our community, do the charitable work and, of course, to have a wonderful time together.  It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your President this year.  I want to thank you for your support and I look forward to growing all the great friendships I have made.

Wishing you and your family a very happy and prosperous New Year! 

Galina Schott, 

2012 SBMC President