Presidents-Elect from the six Districts of the Mid-North-East Rotary alliance joined a two-day Learning Seminar from the evening of 20 March to the afternoon of 22 March. This year the traditional PETS was renamed the Mid North East Presidents-Elect Learning Seminar (MNE PELS).
Mid-Northeast Presidents-Elect Learning Seminar (PELS) is a premier learning event for Rotary President-Elects and Assistant Governors. Mid-Northeast PELS provides the required knowledge to serve as Club President or Assistant Governor, as well as inspiration and motivation. Mid-Northeast PELS is a 6-District, 300+ clubs learning event, with the atmosphere of a mini-Rotary International convention. The 2025 PELS continued to be the in-person event it was in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The speakers, District Governors-Elect, educators, committee, and discussion leaders all had one thought in mind: equip and excite Club Presidents-Elect and Assistant Governors for their year of service.
The highlight this year was the presence of RI President Nominee Sangkoo Yun as a Keynote Speaker and Director Chris Etienne. Also present and speaking at a Plenary session was Past Rotary Director and Treasurer Drew Kessler. The Presidents-Elect had small group sessions on Planning the year ahead, Conducting effective meetings, Engaging club members, attracting new members, Preparing to lead, Public Image, Service in the community and Fundraising for the Rotary Foundation. The Assistant Governors has separate sessions on strategy, addressing challenges, and knowing the resources available. There were two panel discussions on membership and Public Image.
On Saturday, at the District meeting, the District budget for 2025-26 was unanimously approved. The budget held the line on per capita dues with no major changes. District Governor-Elect Garrett Capobianco spoke about continuing the successful strategies of the past years emphasizing the importance of membership growth.
On both days, each District had a decade-themed hospitality suite. The theme for D7230 was the 50s. All in all the 2-days were filled with learning, fellowship and fun.