R Steve B introduced DG Iosif.
Iosif (iosef) Ciosa MA. MBA.
Iosif joined Rotary in 2012 at the suggestion of a former member who recognized in Iosif a commitment to, and a passion for, the values for which Rotary stands. In the years since, Iosif has truly embraced the “Service above Self” motto by serving in many capacities across Rotary.
In 2014, just two years after joining, he became the 64th President of the Rotary Club of Toronto Forest Hill. At the District Level, he has served on multiple committees and, as Assistant District Governor, supported the Rotary Clubs of Bay Bloor, Toronto West, Parkdale High Park Humber and Toronto Danforth.
In late 2015, the Rotary Club of Toronto Forest Hill presented Iosif with the Paul Harris Recognition. More recently, he served on the board of Boxing Ontario in the role of Director of Marketing. Currently, he is honoured to have been asked to serve as President of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke in the year the club is celebrating its 90th anniversary.
Iosif’s academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, a Masters in Diplomatic Studies from Leicester University in England and a Masters in Business Administration with a focus on International Business and Marketing from both the University of Nottingham in England and the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Germany.
In his professional life, Iosif is a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Consultant, agile in seizing opportunities that drive growth and revenues. He is an innovative thinker who identifies new and better ways to drive business growth while managing the delicate interplay among strategy, marketing, relationship management and sales.
Iosif lives in Etobicoke with his better half Maggie, a staunch supporter of his work with Rotary. Maggie has joined Iosif in numerous hands-on projects, including the Beaujolais Nouveau Fundraising Celebration (now in its 10th year), and Toronto Ribfest. Together, they enjoy cooking, travelling and long walks. For the past few years, they have made an annual pilgrimage to the home of Maggie’s parents in Poland.
Iosif, is humbled to have been chosen to serve as District Governor in our great District 7070 in the 2022-23 Rotary year.
A little extra we learned was that Iosif immigrated to Canada with his family in 1981, when he was 14. Originally from Romania and while the family spent some time in Italy, because he was good with languages, he worked as interpreter.
Iosif's power point presentation is attached to this Service Wheel.
Iosif's presentation is about the Year Ahead.
He first provided an overview of the District Leadership Team. As DG he serves for 3 years on the Leadership team, a year as DG elect, a second year as DG and third year as past DG.
There are several leadership committees including a new one 'Strategic Directions' who's primary function is to make sure decisions are implemented.
This year we also have a Disaster Response team chaired by R Michael Parker from the Cobourg Rotary Club.
Iosif described the 'Imagine Rotary' theme logo for this year, designed by an indigenous artist from Australia. The circle with 7 dots around representing Rotary's 7 areas of focus. The dash under it represents a digging stick or to get things done. The purple colour for Polio eradication, the green for the environment and white for peace.
RI President Jennifer Jones wants clubs to partner with other service clubs.
Rotaractors are new 'Rotary Clubs' this year. In D7070 host Rotary Clubs are being asked to cover Rotaract Club district dues to transition into the full costs over a few years. Rotaract Clubs minimum age is >18 but no upper age limit unless club decides. Rotaractors have the same rights as Rotarians.
Rotary is growing, now over 1.4 million world wide. Also looking at 'cause based' clubs such as teachers or families. Also hybrid clubs with members in person and via zoom.
Strategic Plan for D7070 highlights:
encourage clubs to add a 'join us' buttom on their website.
looking to make a $2.5 million impact locally in the District
Clubs encouraged to collaborate
Setting up a club dashboard on website
Foundation fund raising goal is $1.17 million Canadian
Establish Diversity and Equity / Inclusion committee in clubs
Be creative!
Important Dates
Sept 18 and 19 President's trip to Chicago
Sept 25 Foundation Walk in Whitby
October 14 to 16 District Conference with great speakers - We Have A Dream. Prices just went up.
RI convention in Melbourne Australia May 27 - 31, 2023
Thanks for Making a Difference.