Presidents Message

Kenneth Kormendy President West Virginia Elks Association Bluefield Lodge #269

Message from the President

I would like to thank the West Virginia Elks Association, Bluefield Lodge #269 and all the lodges in the State for support they afforded me on my road trip to become the President of the West Virginia Elks Association. What a privilege to serve as your West Virginia State Elks Association President. Many of our members have provided guidance and mentoring on my journey to the presidency. To all – Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to serving our Association, lodges, and our State Elk members. I will strive to bring the good name and the accomplishments of our State as I visit lodges outside our border as an ambassador.

Our opportunity is now because our Nation is coming out of the Pandemic. Not to say it is over, but we have made great strides in combating this menacing pandemic. I am looking forward to visiting all our lodges and representing West Virginia both near and far. I ask that the lodges start thinking about scheduling my visits. I hope to have my scheduling calendar on- line.

A new era in Elkdom is at hand. We can begin to rebuild our organization. The Elks have always had a great foundation, it is up to us to build our Elk structure upon our solid foundation. It is time to solve problems and bring our fraternal organization back to the prominence we have experienced in the past. I am excited to be a part of this new era. As I have traveled around the State, I’ve listened to our individual lodges report on their activities. Individually, the Elks continue to perform based on our tenants of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. I want to unite their efforts to form a cohesive bond among all Elks across the State and Nationwide.

My theme for this year is a take- off on Nancy Reagans “Just Say No”. That slogan is so powerful and has been around for many years. I’ve decided that my slogan will be “Just Say Yes – To Elkdom”. In my mind this goes beyond becoming a member. I want it to mean that we take our obligation seriously and work to fulfil our four tenants. We need to come together as one. Instead of complaining and criticizing, I want us to solve our issues and work towards a common goal. The goal is to make the Fraternal Order of Elks the Best organization in our wonderful nation. We must us our time and effort to be Constructive – not Destructive.