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Acceptance Speech of Grand Commodore Richard H. Moore,
delivered at the Annual Summer Meeting on July 11, 2010.
Fellow
Commodores:
This is a
great honor for me to accept the leadership role in this
great organization that my father-in-law, Governor James
A. Rhodes, founded in 1966. Under the leadership of
Louise Hughes the Ohio Commodores has enjoyed a good
year. Louise, I commend you for your hard work and
dedication for the betterment of the Ohio Commodores.
Louise, I do not mean to insinuate that you have large
feet, but I do acknowledge that I have some big shoes to
fill. It is also worthy to note the important role that
Immediate Past Grand Commodore, Bill Morgan, has played
in our success over the past year.
The first
recipients of appointment to The Executive Order of
the Ohio Commodore, were told by Governor Rhodes,
during a ceremony held at the Perry Monument at Put-In
Bay, they were receiving Ohio’s highest honor. Governor
Rhodes had a clear understanding that economic
development leads to job creation and an abundance of
job opportunities for those seeking to enjoy the
American dream. Our founder created an organization with
a worthy purpose; to assist the State of Ohio in her
advancement in all areas contributing to the growth and
development of the State and greater prosperity of her
citizens.
Given the
current economy, the fulfillment of our founder’s vision
is needed more than ever. This is not a time for the
Ohio Commodores to be complacent; it is a time when we
must be committed. We must work to be part of the
solution to Ohio’s and our country’s depressed economy.
As is true of
all challenges, we have a great opportunity to make a
difference, to make a positive impact on the well being
of Ohioans. Toward that end, I will be assembling a
committee of members that will be given the charge of
preparing a report that provides suggested initiatives
to improve Ohio’s global trade and recommended changes
to further enhance our economic environment so as to
promote a vibrant Ohio economy. The findings of this
report will be communicated to stakeholders that can
have an impact on achieving the desired results. The
answer to a vibrant Ohio economy lies within the private
sector. Those in the private sector must lead the way in
finding solutions to our unacceptable economy. It is
government’s job to be supportive of an environment that
encourages economic development. Government must not
invoke disincentives to investing in Ohio businesses.
I am
confident that through cooperative efforts of those in
the private and public sectors we can and will be
successful in turning the economy around in Ohio.
I am looking
forward to this upcoming year. For the Ohio Commodores,
it can be a year of great achievement and meaningful
involvement in contributing to the solutions to Ohio’s
sagging economy. I look to our entire membership to be
fully engaged in helping this organization to fulfill
its purpose and thereby in some measure contribute to
the prosperity of all Ohioans. I want your input on ways
you believe we can be a better and more meaningful
organization. This will be most helpful to me as I firm
up our agenda for the upcoming year. If you are seeking
a leadership position I need to hear from you. It is
important that our Regions are active in finding and
supporting solutions to their local economies. There is
much to be done and therefore we have an abundance of
opportunities for members to be actively engaged in ways
that will ultimately make a difference.
Once again,
thank you for the privilege of leading this great
Association. Please join me in making this an historic
good year. |
