Several years ago, a forward thinking group of Officers and Trustees came up with a “Vision Statement” for the Elks. “Vision” is a statement that helps define an organization’s overall purpose and what it wants to become. It is a big picture statement. A “North Star” if you will, designed to inspire team members and volunteers toward a goal much bigger than themselves.
So what is the Vision of Bismarck-Mandan Elks #1199? “To be the premier Elks Lodge which all other Elks Lodges strive to emulate.”
In some ways, we have already reached the goal. With two bars, a dining room, an event floor, large and small meeting rooms, a patio, a deck, and men’s and women’s fitness centers, we already have one of the largest and most diverse facilities in the country. And with roughly 4200 members, we consistently have the largest membership.
But your volunteer leadership and staff know there is always work to be done. Through countless meetings and conversations, we discuss, plan, implement, refine, and re-implement plans and ideas to improve the “Customer Experience,” the profitability, and the number of charitable efforts of the club and lodge. Many of these plans and implementations are borne out of member input.
One big change you will see in the coming months is an offering of Tap Beers in the Lower Lounge. We are excited about this upcoming addition! The objective here is to provide current members with more options, as well as encourage new and younger members to join and utilize the club.
Other changes and additions implemented in the last several months include a new and improved web site, and increased member engagement through Facebook and Texting programs. As the spring and summer moves on, stop down to the club to experience these and other changes we are implementing.
While “brand new” is good, we certainly haven’t forgotten the events and programs that have long defined who we are.
To that end, coming up on Sunday, May 3rd at 7pm, we encourage you to attend the Elks Men’s Chorus Camp Grassick Benefit Concert. Along with several other performers, the chorus will sing a mix of old time and contemporary gospel songs. The concert is FREE. However, a free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Camp.
Friday, May 8th finds two long-standing events. During the morning, dozens of area high school students will spread out through the Bismarck-Mandan area participating in the annual Student Government Day. At Noon, this group will gather on the Lodge floor for lunch and to witness 6 area High School Seniors receive $4000 in scholarships from the Elks. ND Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem will keynote the luncheon. Later on Friday, May 8th, the Elks will participate in the annual Band Day Parade. Contact the Elks office if you’d like to walk with the float along the parade route.
Lastly, one of our largest charitable fundraisers with be held on Friday, May 29th. The 10th Annual Elks #1199/Miller Lite 4-Person Golf Scramble will be played at Riverwood Golf Course. We are looking for hole sponsors and teams to play in the tournament. This great event features a fun day of golfing as well as door prizes and a wonderful Elks Lodge burger. Thousands of dollars have been raised for charities including Camp Grassick over the years. See you on the course!
It is my sad duty to announce the death of David Nordquist, Steve Nagel and Gordon Erbstoesser. May their virtues be written on the tablets of love and memory.