WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO PETS?
PETS 2 leadership training, for many years, used the MDPETS model and was delivered in Scarborough at the BMO IFL learning Centre – a world-class training facility. This was a one-day Saturday training event with a lead-in Friday evening event with a keynote speaker and involved an overnight stay.
In the fall of 2019, the District 7090 training team launched a comprehensive review to have the training repatriated to the district. The core reasons centered around ensuring district clubs receive relevant training that will not overlap PETS 1, provide greater control over training content, reduce commute time and expenses for presidents-elect given the distance and traffic congestion in the Greater Toronto Area, reduce the cost to each club and provide for alternating training between CAN/USA for fairness to clubs on both sides of the border. The decision was to launch the US side first given US presidents-elect had for many years been asked to drive to Toronto.
Of primary importance was ensuring the location would have highway access, central to the district and meet the standards of a four-star venue with excellent audiovisual, meeting room space, parking and hospitality. Given the district was leaving the BMO IFL Centre, the District 7090 team wanted to ensure that future presidents-elect would still enjoy an excellent leader experience delivered in a great venue.
The current training program scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2020, delivers the same training hours including two keynote speakers to reflect MDPETS while saving money and time. The budget process began with a review of three sites to gauge if we could meet our goals and not overly burden the district with a potential loss. There were several variables to contend with in establishing the per club cost which included potential speaker fees and travel costs, venue and other startup costs such as printing, lanyards, signage, etc.
As it stands now, clubs are paying 30 percent less than last year which translates into a $100 per club savings. The concept and fee structure was reported on and discussed at District Council earlier this year and the feedback was positive and constructive.
The District 7090 training team will have a much better understanding of the actual costs at the conclusion of the training. And, should there be an opportunity for additional cost savings, future PETS budgets will reflect those savings to the clubs.
For presidents-elect, if you have NOT registered for PETS 1 and or PETS 2 please do so NOW. It is both an expectation of Rotary International and District 7090 that all presidents-elect avail themselves of this mandatory training.
Your District 7090 training team has and is working diligently to ensure a great learning experience, which will prepare you for your exciting role in 2020-21. Let's get this show on the road! Register HERE.
Frank Adamson,
District Governor Elect
Al Lutchin,
Chair, PETS Training