2013 is quickly coming to a close and my year to lead is also nearing its end. JCI Portsmouth has had an amazing year and I am so proud to have been part of it. We've doubled our membership this year, raised 63.3 kgs in donations for our local food bank, bought 20 bed nets for families to prevent malaria, hosted an Easter egg hunt for the amazing children of The Rainbow Centre in addition to raising £410 for the centre, engaged with local leaders to deliver 11 first class personal development/business events, hosted a regional event where members from all over the South came together to learn, give back and network. And our year was capped off when we were awarded the 2013 Best MDG (Millennium Development Goal) Project at the JCI UK National Convention in Leeds for our foodbank appeal.

I want to thank all the local leaders who have supported us this year, those who have recommended us and helped us spread the word about JCI Portsmouth and the great things we are doing in and around the community. I also couldn't have had such an amazing year if it weren't for my excellent council team. Local chambers are completely run by volunteers and there is quite a bit of work that goes into delivering the programs that we do for our members and the community.

And for our last few events of the year we are so excited to have James Potter, The LinkedIn Man, join us with LinkedIn: The good, the bad and the ugly. Very few professionals these days can get away with not being on LinkedIn. This is a rare opportunity to get such an expert to share his wisdom with us so don't miss it this Thursday 12 December at 6:30PM in our usual meeting place at the Holiday Inn Portsmouth.

Finally, join us to celebrate the festive season and all the achievements of 2013 on Friday 13 December at the Brewhouse and Kitchen. Anyone is welcome! We look forward to seeing you there.

I am confident that our 2014 President Natasha Buivids will take JCI Portsmouth to the next level. If you would like to join her team, please get in contact. There are lots of events already planned or in the pipeline for 2014 so keep an eye on the Events Diary. January will see the return of the £1 a day diet so there are still a few weeks to think of meal planning on a £1 a day budget.

Thank you so much and enjoy a safe and happy festive season.