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NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
VISITS LODI FRIENDS OF SCOUTING EVENT
William F. “Rick” Cronk, the National President of the Boy Scouts of America, visited the Lodi Friends of Scouting event held at Wine and Roses Restaurant on March 29, 2007. This breakfast event was attended by members of the Lodi business community, local Scouters, and the professional and clerical staff of Greater Yosemite Council.
 The event featured a moving “Betsy Ross” flag opening and an invocation by local Boy Scouts of 49er District. Following a tasty breakfast, opening remarks were made by Tony Fuso, the Chairman of 49er District. He gave a state of the district address which filled in the audience concerning the status of 49er District. Chairman Fuso then called upon Council President Dean Andal, who discussed the health of Greater Yosemite Council, and asked the audience to financially support Scouting. They responded with many generous contributions to Scouting.
Chairman Tony Fuso then asked Rick Cronk to make the keynote speech, after listing some of his impressive biographical information. Chairman Fuso pointed out President Cronk’s current position as National President of the Boy Scouts of America, his service on the National Executive Committee, and chairmanship of the World Scout Foundation. Rick Cronk’s recent recently retired position as President of Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, the nation’s largest manufacturer and distributor of premium ice cream brands was also mentioned.
President Cronk gave an impressive speech about the directives that he was encouraging as President of the Boy Scouts of America. He discussed what he was attempting to do to help financially “upside down” councils throughout the country. He talked about the need for change that the Boy Scouts of America was faced with given the demographic change the movement was encountering in the United States. Mr. Cronk shared his views about the way that Boy Scouts needs to market Scouting to the many potential supporters the movement has from coast-to-coast and to bring their talent and resources out to benefit Scouting. The room was very attentive when he spoke about his involvement as chairman of the process of selecting a new Chief Scout Executive. President Cronk left the audience feeling informed and enthusiastic about the status of Scouting in the present and for the future. His speech received a well-deserved ovation as the meeting closed.
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