Decatur, May 22 : Lions of Illinois, Multiple District 1 held their 92nd State Convention at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, Decatur, Illinois.  Past International President Clement Kusiak and his wife Jeanne were the guest of honor for the weekend.  This convention started on Thursday May 18th and ended on Sunday May 20th.

Main highlights of the convention were – plenary sessions, seminars, pin trading, silent auction, exhibitors, President’s Medals & Awards, elections, necrology service to remember all lions in the State who passed away this lionistic year and of course hospitality rooms.  State banquet was moderated by Council Chairman Terry Knollenberg.  Immediate Past International Director Dan O’Reilly introduced the chief guests.  Past President Clement Kusiak delivered an inspirational speech and praised lions volunteerism in their communities and worldwide.

District Governor Elects conducted interviews for various positions and selected their candidates as chairpersons for the coming lionistic year 2012-2013.  There were elections for State Council Executive Board and the following got elected for the positions: Paul Lindstrom – Council Chairman, Dr. Austin Prabhu – Vice Council Chairman, Rich Gordon – Council Secretary, Karen Johnson – Council Treasurer, Ruth Lyle – Council Chaplain and Leo Snyder – Council Tail Twister.   Dr. Austin Prabhu was the only board member who got elected unanimously.

There were 489 registrants and 364 delegates from 12 districts of Multiple District 1, State of  Illinois which is the first district in the world where lionism started in 1917 by an insurance agent called Melvin Jones.

On Sunday morning Lions of Illinois Foundation held their annual meeting and awards ceremony.  Also they had parade of pledges to announce club or personal donations to the foundation which is helping 18,000 plus needy people every year throughout the State of Illinois.