Nelson Tapped to Lead Rotary Club of Youngstown
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The Rotary Club of Youngstown will enter its 110th year of service to the area with George Nelson at the helm.
Nelson was installed Wednesday as the latest president of the club by Elayne Bozick, Rotary district governor and a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway.
Nelson, a native of Youngstown who joined the Rotary Club of Youngstown in January 2017, is not usually the one in front of the camera. The Business Journal associate editor often uses his professional skills to help capture the club’s events and photos.
It was when the club celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015 and Nelson covered the event for The Business Journal that he became fully introduced to the club. That eventually led to his invitation to join, followed by his increased involvement over the next eight years.
But Nelson indicates he never intended to become the president. While spending time with his friends and helping the community, he was eventually asked to take on more leadership roles.
“I’m excited about it,” Nelson said of the upcoming year. “We have a good club with a lot of good people who are committed and that’s critical for any Rotary club’s success.”
George Nelson (right) was sworn in as the new president of Rotary Club of Youngstown by Elayne Bozick, Rotary District Governor, on Wednesday.
At the Business Journal, Nelson focuses much of his coverage on economic and community development. He also plans to emphasize economic growth as president of the Rotary Club of Youngstown.
“It’s also an area I’ve spent the bulk of my adult life reporting on and especially with the situation in downtown Youngstown, I think it’s appropriate,” Nelson told his fellow Rotarians in a speech following his induction.
He added he does not want to focus solely on downtown but on other projects throughout the area as well, including on the south side where he grew up. Nelson now resides in Niles.
Additionally, this year will have a continued focus on projects such as Operation Pollination, Operation Warm, In Our Nature, and the 2025 Beer Fest. Nelson is encouraging members to build upon the success of the club’s annual events and projects, while they “tweak them” to make them even better.
“This club is at its best when it has engaged members and I encourage all of you to find a committee or project that speaks to your passions and reminds you why you became Rotarians,” Nelson told the group.
Additionally, Nelson says the club needs to look at more ways to grow membership even for those who are unable to make the meetings and improve external and internal communications.
“Thanks for your trust, I’m looking forward to working with all of you as we strive to make our community better and have some fun while we are doing it,” he said.
Included in those attending Nelson’s installation at Wick Park was his wife, Ada; daughter, Beverly; and son, Curt.
Pictured at top: Newly sworn in board members and directors of the Rotary Club of Youngstown are front from left: Ellie Platt; Elayne Bozick, Rotary District Governor; Becky Davis, George Nelson, president Rotary Club of Youngstown; Aimee Fifarek, Stacia Erdos Littleton, Becky Keck. Back from left: Scott Schulick, Jessica Romeo, Troy Rhoades, and Don Foley.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
