Tellus360 played host to The Roses 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2017. This is an opportunity for interested parties to hear the current state of the club on several levels including participation, financials, provide new committee nominations and votes et al.

President; Eric Garman addressed a diverse audience including members of the past and present playing body.

The State of the Club

Overall, the current state of the club is healthy. Although there is still more that can be done in several areas that would assist in taking the club to the next level.

The Roses has seen an increased number of playing participants over the last 12 months predominately from people new to rugby with a smaller percentage coming from colleges or moving to the area.
The consensus of both President and Director of Rugby, Kevin LaPorte was that while it is important to attract people new to the sport, we need to continue to build better relationships with our current feeder colleges and high schools in the local area. To meet the ambition of the coaching staff, executive leadership and majority of the playing body we must continue to develop competition and depth within the first team squad. Considering our geographical challenges, it is imperative we attract experienced rugby players (High school and above) that have ties to the area. This must be done by creating a corporate social responsibility (field marshaling at the Frostbite Tourney), guest coaching, providing job opportunities and increasing media advertising.
In addition, the Roses are also looking to grow its executive leadership team and to increase its sustainability for a long-term future. This would mean having approximately 8-10 specifically non-playing members assisting with the operations within the club.

Finances

From a financial standpoint, the club is considerably healthy. Although, unable to provide specifics; Our residual income has tripled over the course of 12 months. This will continue to be a moving target over the next year as we continue to develop and build our organization structure.

Sponsors

The Roses would also like to recognize and thank its sponsors for their fantastic and unwavering support. The club continues to grow because of them and they have been able to provide some great services on and off the pitch. We'd also like to welcome Novacare to the Roses family. Novacare have been providing a trainer on match days which has been significant in our preparation. In addition, they have a great practice located on Granite Run Drive in Lancaster which is providing physical therapy and consultations.
We encourage players to utilize the services of all our sponsors. Please do not hesitate to ask anyone at the club how to contact any particular sponsor of the club.

Newly Appointed Executive Leadership

President - Eric Garman
Vice President - Kyle Lesher
Treasurer - Frank Bruno
Social Secretary - Barney Cannon
Old Boy Rep - Mike Deeley
Match Secretary - Brice Ohl
Youth Coordinator - Any Carroll

Congratulations to all newly appointed and re-elected committee members!

The Roses Annual Charity Gold Tournament

Last August, Mike Deeley successfully spearheaded the inaugural Roses Rugby Charity Gold Tournament. The club was able to turn a profit from the event and want to build on last years success. Key areas identified are;

- Partnering with another charity close to the local rugby community.
- Promoting the tournament to the public and local businesses to increase the participation numbers outside of former and existing affiliates.
- Aiming for over 100 participants.
- Set a higher sponsorship target to increase donations and sponsors.

Thanks for doing such a great job Mike. Looking forward to August!

Bryan Dewease representing the MAC

The MAC 2017 finals will be held in Richmond. VA.
Bryan wanted to reiterate that the winner of MAC Division II will STILL be promoted even though the league is one of the smallest and has lost a team due to lack of participation and failing to CIPP.
Once again, the league will be restructured next year and teams will be moved from an oversubscribed Division III to accommodate the very competitive Division II.
The club which unfortunately folded prior to the Fall 2016 season, Media RFC are reforming. However, they need to continue to meet all requirements from USA Rugby before being allowed to playing competitive matches.

Presidents' Award

Finally, the club would like to recognize Roses Old Boy, Don McKinney as the recipient of the Presidents’ Award. Don has been ever present with the Roses and continues to set an example to all members of the club. He exemplifies what it means to wear our patch and personifies Roses Rugby. His positive attitude and unwavering determination are the reasons why there has never been a more fitting recipient. Congratulations Don!