Welcome to June and the start of summer! 

Our weather may sometimes have made it feel a long-time coming but for JCI UK the summer season has been kicked off in sensational fashion at the third of JCI’s 4 Area Conferences – European Conference - which was held in Istanbul, Turkey last week.
 

 
I had the privilege of leading a delegation of 39 JCI UK members and Senators to the Conference for 5 days of fun in the sun where many amazing memories were made.  I'm sure most of you will have kept up with the corresponding posts on Facebook & Twitter.  Lots of action-packed days and great nights were had with the JCI UK delegation making the most of the many opportunities, throwing themselves into every activity and ensuring they had lots of fun along the way.
 
The Conference commenced with the Morning Show where JCI Barnsley, JCI Bradford and JCI Sheffield were all recognised for completing ‘Project Impact 100’ initiatives which had each impacted over 100 people in their local communities.  More details about ‘Project Impact 100’ can be found at http://www.jci.cc/100years/impact100 and don’t forget to get in touch with your local Chamber to find out about the projects they are running.
 

 
Topping it all off, the JCI UK delegation experienced an exhilarating final night at the Farewell Gala and Awards Ceremony witnessing our best haul of European awards in a very long time and winning more than any other National Organisation in Europe – a truly sensational achievement! 
 
JCI UK won 5 main awards with 4 other entries being short-listed (making the Top 3 of their respective categories).  If that wasn't ernough we also had a win in the First Timers Competition AND were recognised with a Gold Award from the UN Foundation for our Nothing But Nets fundraising! Details of our achievements are listed below:
 
Awards Won
 
Most Outstanding Local Project - JCI Sheffield (Time to Rise)
Most Outstanding New Local Organisation - JCI Canary Wharf
Best Local Economic Development Programme - JCI Sheffield (Time to Rise)
Best Local Personal Skills Development Programme - JCI Sheffield (Be Better)
Best National Growth & Development Programme - JCI UK (Chamber Taskforce)
 
First Timers Awards – Heather Ransom (JCI London)
 
UN Foundation Gold Award – JCI UK (Nothing But Nets fundraising)
 
Shortlisted Entries (Top 3 placing)
 
Most Outstanding Local President - Ben Hawley (JCI Barnsley)
Most Outstanding Member - Ryan Pilkington (JCI Sheffield)
Best Local Personal Skills Development Programme - JCI Rotherham
Best Local Growth & Development Programme - JCI Manchester
 
Many congratulations to all of the Chambers and members who won awards or were short-listed.  2015 is our year in which to Feel Proud and I can’t tell you how proud these achievements have made me feel.  They are testament to the hard work of JCI UK members throughout 2014 and 2015 and I hope you are equally as chuffed to bits about them as I am!

Drew Charman
2015 National President - JCI UK National Board
Senator #73605

Tel: +44 7730 594408
Email: drew.charman@jciuk.org.uk
Twitter: @JCI_Drew