District Governor Keith Blankenship affixes the official badge of office to Putnam's incoming president. Terry Mathias is pinned as club treasurer. Laberta Salamacha is recognized by Keith Blankenship and Rick Slater as secretary of the Putnam Club. Mary Keely recognizes Rick Slater as Past President.

Blankenship calls for continuity, communication

June 27, 2006

"There's a new wind blowing through Rotary," District Governor Keith Blankenship told Putnam Rotarians today, "and the name of it is communication. Through communication, we find continuity"

Mary Keely is especially qualified to be president for the coming year, he said, by her track record as an organizer and a motivator.

Last year she chaired a group which developed a strategic plan which was adopted by the district and this year she was chairperson for planning.

"We came to call her 'the ant' because of her work and leadership style," Blankenship said affectionately as he handed her the presidental gavel of authority for the Putnam club.

The District Governor installed other officers and directors for the group, and reviewed their respective duties.

Bob Keely, Mary's husband, continues as sergeant-at-arms. "You will assist the president in every way," Blankenship admonished him, "and carry out her orders."

"I'll just continue as I have in the past -- twenty-four, seven" Keely responded waving his handkerchief as a white flag of surrender.

Also installed today were Terry Mathias as Treasurer and Laberta Salamacha as Secretary.

David Powell was named to the board of directors.

President Keely recognized Rick Slater for his leadership as president during the 2005-06 year.

An equity owner in Simpson & Osborne, A.C., Slater has been a state leader in tax and economic policy in West Virginia. He is vice-chairman of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, and a member of the West Virginia: A Vision Shared Leadership and Implementation Team for which he chairs the Tax Modernization Focus Group.

He is secretary/treasurer of the Putnam County Development Authority, an agency of county government with about $10 million in assets. PCDA is responsible for ownership and development of three business and industrial parks in the county.