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Group Study Exchange 2009-10 with District 2640 in Japan |
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D7150 2009-10 Team
Leader Application |
D7150 visit to
Japan & pictures |
D2640 Governor
& Flag |
D2640 Description
& Map |
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D2640 2009-10 Leader/Team
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D2640
visit to NY & pictures |
'09-10 GSE team
to Japan |
Applications/
Itinerary |
with District 2640 in Japan
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Follow the team's journey in Japan on their blog! |
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March, 2010 District 7150's GSE Team 2010 & Outbound Chair, Tom
Collins at airport departure
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I have been a member of the Rotary Club of Utica for 2 years and serve as a member of its Board of Directors. My passion has been the Youth Exchange. As a member of the Youth Exchange Committee, I have been involved with many of the activities for our Inbound and Outbound students. In addition, my husband and I have had the pleasure of hosting students from Hungary, Italy, Germany and Mexico. Last year, we sent our middle child to Germany on Rotary Exchange and another son is presently on exchange to Thailand. I am presently the Director of Human Resources for Mohawk Ltd., an industrial sales and service corporation with 65 employees. For most of my career, I practiced law in the areas of employment, corporate and intellectual property. I began my career as a lawyer in the legal department of the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My husband and I have 5 children (1 daughter and 4 sons) ranging in ages from 23 to 12 years old and our big family keeps us very busy. I love to travel and have visited England, Mexico, China, Ireland, Italy and Germany. My hobbies include tennis, gardening, art and skiing. I am truly honored to be this year’s Rotary Team Leader
to Japan and look forward to spending more time with the Team from Rotary
District 2640, who I met on their visit to upstate New York. |
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I am an award-winning journalist from a major
metropolitan newspaper. I currently serve as managing editor of the
Scotsman Press where I manage, guide and direct the news, photography
& design of more than 20 weekly newspapers in addition to 3 online
editions, a monthly magazine, and Website. I also serve as social
media administrator. |
I was born in Havana, Cuba and came to the United
States in 1996. I studied Computer Information System then transferred
to SUNY IT-Utica/Rome to continue a Bachelors Degree in Telecommunications
which I received December of 2002. In 2001 I started working at the
Utica Public Library and have been there since as an Information Technology
Specialist. I love what I do, there is a day that goes by without
learning something new, that makes my job very exciting. At the library
I also am Instructor/trainer and Web Designer. As an instructor I
teach a Computer Fundamentals course for our patrons and as a trainer
I develop training materials and courses for my coworkers. |
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David Binns, 27 years old, is a young business
professional from central New York. He has a degree in Mechanical
Engineering from Clarkson University. After college, he worked as
an Engineer and Operations Manager for Georgia-Pacific in Plattsburgh,
NY. Currently he owns and operates the Aurora Shoe Company.
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I currently work for The Hartford Insurance Company as a customer service representative. Our clients are small business owners who have many various needs, ranging from basic billing questions to advanced coverage concerns. In addition to customer needs, I have also assisted in training new employees. Our work environment is fast paced, and the most important part of training associates is to ensure their confidence in their abilities. I have also created various training aids that have assisted our department members with various job aspects. One of these became a company wide training aid. I currently live in Utica, NY with Bonnie, my wife of 10 years. Some of our interests include hiking, biking, and kayaking in the Adirondack Mountains. I also enjoy recreational fishing, pond hockey, and baseball. I am very excited about visiting Japan. I am interested in seeing how Japanese customer service practices and training methods compare and contrast to those of what we use at The Hartford. I am also excited about experiencing Japanese culture and seeing many interesting historical and natural sights. |
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November 2008: District 7150's GSE Team Leader selection committee
met on Sunday, November 8, and interviewed four candidates for Team
Leader of the GSE Team outbound to Japan in April 2010. All four candidates
interviewed well; but the nod went to Rotarian Pamela Matt from the
Utica Rotary Club. Although a Rotarian for only two years, Pamela impressed
the selection board with her passion for Rotary, especially Youth Exchange;
her travel experience; her demonstrated energy and organizational ability;
and her composure and presence during the interview process. DG Fred
Cholet stated that he was extremely pleased with Pamela's selection
and believes that she will be a great representative of Rotary District
7150. Recognizing events do not always work out as planned, the selection
committee chose a worthy alternate candidate, Rotarian Alan Byrne, from
Syracuse Sunrise Rotary Club. Alan has agreed to work with selecting,
training, and preparing the Team Members for this outgoing team to Japan's
Rotary District 2640. - by Tom Collins - Rotary District 7150 GSE
Inbound Team |
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The future of the Rotary is in 10 hands - Five Central New York professionals head to Japan next month for a cultural and vocational exchange and the experience of a lifetime. The Group Study Exchange (GSE), through Rotary International District 7150, includes Pam Matt of Utica as team leader, Cammi Clark of Syracuse, David Binns of Aurora, Jason Fazio and Cira Foster, both of Utica. “This is an opportunity to share our culture and knowledge with Japan, all the while experiencing the Japanese customs and vocations,” Matt said. The CNY team leaves March 27 to ensure the team is in Japan
for their district Rotary conference in April. The four-week trip will
allow for the team members to totally be immersed in the Japanese culture,
customs and vocational fields. Each member will stay with a Japanese
family, experience landmarks, exchange ideas and develop personal and
professional relationships within their vocation. The trip will also
allow group members to meet up with those from Japan who were part of
a GSE team from Japan’s Rotary District 2640 to Central New York
last year. “Sharing a little bit of Central New York with Japan is as much a part of the exchange as us bringing a little bit of Japanese culture home to CNY,” Matt said. Group leader, Matt, is the only Rotary member on the team, the others are non-Rotarians, sponsored by clubs within the CNY district (Clark by Marcellus, Binns by Aurora, Fazio and Foster both by Utica) In late fall last year, calls for applications of young business people and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 were put out throughout the district and Clark (managing editor), Binns (company president), Fazio (policy service specialist) and Foster (information technology specialist) were selected. The Rotary fellowship is highly competitive and team members were selected through a process that included applications, essays, presentations and interviews. The group will also be visiting government establishments, cultural and historical venues, hospitals, farms, schools and more. “As a team we can only hope to offer as much in this exchange as the priceless and invaluable opportunity the Rotary has entrusted in our hands,” Matt said. “It’s an honor to be fulfilling the mission of Rotary.” |
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2009-10 District Governor Fred Cholet announced our Group Study Exchange District is with District 2640 in Japan.
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 Map of District 2640 in Japan - Group Study Exchange 2009-10 - Welcoming Japan's District 2640 to NYS's District 7150 |
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I have been involved in Rotary for four years since I took over for my late husband, Hiroshi, who was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Wakayama Southeast and served 33 years. My Rotarian record is not so long but I’m proud of walking with him as well as a Rotary Club. I serve there as SAA of this year. Our 2640 district has famous world heritages. We would like to fully utilize these hold charity road race or cycling at ancient road for the purpose of providing an opportunity for disabled children. My husband Hiroshi, an orthopedic surgeon who passed away four years ago, was twice presented decoration for helping disabled as well as development of medical science. We have two children. Our eldest son, Atsushi, works in the National Institute for Defense Studies which is the think tank of Japanese Defense Ministry. Our second son Akira, formerly a hospital physical therapist, realized his dream to now operate his own restaurant. From the date of my marriage in 1942, I supported my husband as a secretary, attended Paralympics as well as FESPIC several times, have contributed as a swimming coach for disabled children for more than ten years, and have worked as a business advisor for my second son’s restaurant. I speak both Japanese and plain conversation English. My favorite hobby is traveling abroad, having visited many countries. I love nature, plants, animals and birds, and enjoy dramatic art, cooking, trekking, swimming and aerobics. Presently, I take voice training for traditional Japanese song. |
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Team member Akiyo Aibata is the Head Administrative Manager at an English Education School. Her daily duties include running the school, training new managers, organizing schedules, taking care of students and aiding native teachers. Additional responsibilities include teaching English to beginner level students. A graduate of the Tenrikyo Language Institute, Akiyo is single and lives with her parents and an older sister. I am single. I live with my parents and a older sister in Kimino, Wakayama. I am extremely interested in visiting and observing kindergartens as well as elementary schools, and would like to study managerial tactics and American-style teaching practices, and would like to visit an immersion school or language school. My hobbies are spending time with friends and family, window shopping, watching movies, having picnics on a mountain or by a river and visiting coffee shops. I also like museums, aquariums and parks. I would like to visit interesting historical places, go to festivals, and see art exhibitions. I like places where I can enjoy nature. I have experienced teaching Japanese in Vancouver, Canada 12 years ago. And I stayed in Canada from Oct 2006 to Sep 2007. |
Team member Marie Ohara is an accountant who works with
her father. Her primary responsibility lies in preparation of tax
documents. She is also a tutor at preparatory schools, where she teaches
English to junior and high school students. Single, Marie has a Master's
degree in Law,and because of increasing international trading, she
believes we need to have a thorough knowledge of foreign tax and economic
systems. She would like to visit an accounting office to have an insight
into the general business contents, and would like to visit educational
scenes. |
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Team Member Kagumi Yoshida is an Office worker at Mitsubishi UFJ Securities Company. A graduate of a Junior College with a degree in Japanese literature, Kagumi has worked at a securities company for two decades, first in General Affairs, then in the Operations Department. Her duties include checking customer's account applications and monetary transactions, as well as training new staff and providing employee support for company rules. I would like to visit the operations section at different Securities Companies. I am interested in risk management regarding customer accounts and applications. If possible, I would like to visit Wall Street, the NYSE and the NY branch of my company. I would also like to understand more about women’s work environment in USA. I like cooking and would like to cook American traditional meals and sweets with host family. I would like to visit beautiful NYS lake or scenic places. A ‘wwoofer’ (Willing Workers On Organic Farms.) Hosts give ‘wwoofers’ accommodation and all meals in return for the wwoofer assisting the host. I am interested in organic farming. I would like to visit a field or a winery in NY State. |
Team Member Yuka Sunano is involved in the beauty salon business as the owner of her own Eyelash Salon, noting that total beauty has become popular in Japan. She also is involved in the IT industry through an overseas experience working for a nursing home and charity shop as a volunteer. This led her to thinking about what she could do for economic development projects in the area where she lives and works. Yuka notes that the penetration rate of the Internet has exceeded 75 percent of the Japanese population In March 2009. Born in Wakayama, which is very famous in growing mandarin orange and ume (Japanese apricot). My parents and my elder brother run our citrus and ume orchard together. I would like to experience a variety of techniques related to beauty, know what kind of service the customer in your area requests, and how you cooperate with local people and business. I would also like to find out how we use the Internet to market, and learn more about SEO SEM, and how to make high quality websites and design. Yuka likes playing badminton (practicing every day) and creating things like ornaments, hair styles, webpages, cooking and clothes. She loves to visit art museum's and libraries, and loves to travel - wandering around to see the kind of architecture in that area, understanding the climate history and people's taste from seeing it in person. |
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Yuji Murakami, Governor 2009-10 Governor of District 2640, his GSE team & the Japanese National Flag |
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The symbol in the centre of the "Hi-no-maru" (flag) is
the state "Mon" or emblem . It has been the state symbol of Japan
for centuries. The flag became the National Flag following the Meiji Restoration
in 1868. It is the sun on a white background (with no rays).
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The GSE Committee is currently accepting applications for GSE Team Leader for the District 7150 to District 2640 in Japan. Any interested Rotarians should contact Outbound Chair Henry MacDonald for information. Tel: 315-246-3603 or Email Mac Henry MacDonald, Outbound Chair, District 7150 GSE Committee * Email Tom Collins, Inbound Chair, GSE Committee Responsibilities and Qualifications of a GSE Team Leader The team leader acts as advocate, confidant, mediator, organizer, intermediary, consultant, colleague, friend, motivator, arbitrator, and protector of team members. As the only Rotarian on the team, the team leader is expected to assume complete control of the team and put its interest first. The team leader must be an experienced Rotarian, not be the current District governor, immediate past district governor, or district Governor-elect, remain with the team for the duration of the exchange, be willing and able, physically and mentally, to keep pace with the GSE team, and not be accompanied by a spouse, companion, or other relative or dependent. The team leader should help coordinate the exchange by facilitating the submission of pre and post departure documents, develop and conduct the team training and assist in the selection of the team. An ideal team leader is not more than 20 years older than the oldest team member, possesses outstanding interpersonal communication skills, has presentation and public speaking skill and is able to help the team prepare for speeches at Rotary clubs, and has the ability to imbue a team with a sense of mission. Experienced Rotarians who have an interest in developing their leadership skills above the club level, Rotarians who have traveled internationally, and Rotarians who have sharpened their leadership skills at the local club or district level make ideal candidates. Interested Rotarians in District 7150 are urged to apply for the all expense paid exchange to Japan. The native language of District 2640 is Japanese. Applications for Team Leader can be downloaded here Team Leader applications. Qualifications for Team Leader & Team Member
A team member must 1. Be able to participate in team orientations and take the four weeks away from work and family 2. Be non-Rotarian and not a blood relative of a Rotarian, 3. Be between ages 25 and 40 to insure maximum impact on long term career development, 4. Be a US citizen in good health, 5. Be neat in appearance, 6. Be articulate and able to speak before a group, 7. Have a sound educational and professional background, 8. Be enthusiastic about his/her chosen vocation, and 9. Be currently employed on a full time basis - engaged in that business or profession for at least two years. Team member applicants should be open-minded, tolerant, flexible and above all be able to live within and adopt a different culture during the exchange period. They must be willing and able to follow the direction of the Team Leader. An essay of intent is required from each applicant. A brief resume would also be helpful to the selection committee. There are many ways to recruit team members. Contact the CEO or owner of companies or establishments in your area. Contact your local government heads. Make them aware of the program and ask if they have an employee to nominate. Point out that team members return to work with an understanding of how a similar job is performed in another country and can potentially become better employees. Explain that the program expenses are paid by Rotary and that the employer needs only to provide four weeks off work using a method of his/her choosing i.e. vacation time, leave without pay, etc. Offer a copy of the RI GSE brochure and then followup. Encourage your club members to talk with friends and fellow employees to identify potential participants and then ask your Club's International Chair or GSE Chair to followup. As a Rotarian reading this, you can help find the young men and women who will make up the District 7150 outbound team. They may be someone you work with, or works for you. They may be your child’s teacher. They may be a friend, or a friend’s child. They may be a neighbor, or your neighbor’s child. We need the help of every Rotarian in District 7150 to identify and encourage young people to apply for this wonderful all expense paid vocational adventure.Download Member applications & the GSE Brochure. Qualifications for Team Leader & Team Member
A team member must 1. Be able to participate in team orientations and take the four weeks away from work and family 2. Be non-Rotarian and not a blood relative of a Rotarian, 3. Be between ages 25 and 40 to insure maximum impact on long term career development, 4. Be a US citizen in good health, 5. Be neat in appearance, 6. Be articulate and able to speak before a group, 7. Have a sound educational and professional background, 8. Be enthusiastic about his/her chosen vocation, and 9. Be currently employed on a full time basis - engaged in that business or profession for at least two years. Team member applicants should be open-minded, tolerant, flexible and above all be able to live within and adopt a different culture during the exchange period. They must be willing and able to follow the direction of the Team Leader. An essay of intent is required from each applicant. A brief resume would also be helpful to the selection committee. There are many ways to recruit team members. Contact the CEO or owner of companies or establishments in your area. Contact your local government heads. Make them aware of the program and ask if they have an employee to nominate. Point out that team members return to work with an understanding of how a similar job is performed in another country and can potentially become better employees. Explain that the program expenses are paid by Rotary and that the employer needs only to provide four weeks off work using a method of his/her choosing i.e. vacation time, leave without pay, etc. Offer a copy of the RI GSE brochure and then followup. Encourage your club members to talk with friends and fellow employees to identify potential participants and then ask your Club's International Chair or GSE Chair to followup. As a Rotarian reading this, you can help find the young men and women who will make up the District 7150 outbound team. They may be someone you work with, or works for you. They may be your child’s teacher. They may be a friend, or a friend’s child. They may be a neighbor, or your neighbor’s child. We need the help of every Rotarian in District 7150 to identify and encourage young people to apply for this wonderful all expense paid vocational adventure. |
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View 2008 team from Brazil
View 2007 team from India
View 2006 team from Scotland
View 2005 team from the Philippines
View 2004 team from Peru
View 2003 team from South Africa
View 2002 team from Tawain, R.O.C.
View 2001 team from the Philippines
View 2000 team from England
View 1999 team from Colombia
View 1999 team from Sweden
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