Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

Jim Brown’s message to the officers of this chapter and to the membership

When I first attended a Santa Barbara Ahepa Chapter meeting I saw a great potential in the members who were present. They seemed to be dedicated to the organization even though it appeared to me that this chapter was hidden in the shadows.
When I was elected as President of the Chapter it was, and has been my goal to have this chapter be the best in the district and to be the premier organization in Santa Barbara. I am proud to state that I believe that this chapter has accomplished a great deal and our fortunes have benefited not only our chapter but the greater community also.
We accomplished all of this by focusing our dedication to common goals as a team. Team work has been the key element in this success. We have discussed things, agreed on actions, and accomplished our goals.
Another key element is that we began each project by visualizing the end result-the end goal- and then working to achieve our expectations as a team-working together without dissention or ill-will.
Remaining true to our mission of “PROMOTING THE HARMONY OF GREEK CULTURE, SERVICE, AND COMMUNITY” the rewards have appeared as a by-product of our service. Every member has been a contributor to this success even if by only their presence at our meetings.
As President of this chapter I have seen my job as the one who directs in concert with the officers and membership the direction of the chapter…by thinking of long-range goals as we wish to evolve to a greater organization. Indeed I have held back ideas because other organizations need to accomplish their goals. I also have tried to support the various chairmen of projects and to let them do their work. No one has disappointed this chapter. This is a way for all of us to grow as individuals. I have tried to direct our meetings in a fair manner where all can express themselves to the subject at hand.
I wish to thank the officers I served with: Nick Kakis, Steve and Chris Compogiannis, George Papazacharioudakis, Jim Arger, and Dino Frangos who have always been there with their support and ideas All members of this chapter have given unselfishly to the enhancement of this organization. I know that this same teamwork will be given to our new President-Jim Arger.
It is my wish that this chapter never lose its basic goodness, its teamwork, its vision for the future, and that the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Order of Ahepa #243 continues to grow and flourish and become an even greater Avenue of Service for the Santa Barbara Community.

Respectfully,
Jim Brown, President (2004-2007)