Suggested Installation Ceremony for Chapter Officers
The installation of officers is an important event, both for the individuals to be installed and the chapter. Because of its importance, the installation ceremony should be carefully planned and carried out. What follows is one way it might be handled.
The outgoing president says a few words about his or her term and what was accomplished and thanks the board and committee chairmen. He or she then introduces the installing officer. (The installing officer is generally the president who retired last term or sometimes the regional director.)
The installing officer steps to the podium and says “I am indeed honored to serve as your installing officer this evening . . . To the outgoing officers goes sincere thanks from all members of the chapter (he or she may add any particular achievements and then lead applause).
“Before installing the new officers, I’d like to introduce the directors who will be serving with them this year . . . Bill Lewis, who has one year to serve yet on a three-year term; Harvey Palmer, who has two years remaining on a three-year term; and George Parker, who was just elected to the board and begins his three-year term tonight (here lead applause).
“Now if the incoming officers will stand to my immediate left facing the audience . . . Do you, Don Bogus, agree to serve as secretary-treasurer of the High Ridge Chapter, to uphold the bylaws, support the chapter in a positive manner and carry out duties associated with this office to the best of your ability?
(I do) . . . Do you, Bob Smith, agree to serve as vice-president of the High Ridge Chapter, to uphold the bylaws, support the chapter in a positive manner and carry out duties associated with this office to the best of your ability? (I do) . . . You, John Carter, have been elected as president and upon you rests the responsibility of leadership and administration. Do you pledge faithfully to uphold the bylaws, plan constructively and support the High Ridge Chapter in a positive manner during the next year? (I do)
“Very well: I therefore declare you, Don Bogus, installed as the new secretary-treasurer . . . and you, Bob Smith, the new vice-president . . . and you, John Carter, as the new president of the High Ridge Chapter of the Electrical Apparatus Service Association. My congratulations to all of you, and to you, John (handing the president the gavel). Best wishes for a happy and successful term.”
At this point the newly installed president takes over the meeting.