FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:   August 19, 2008

To: News Directors, Assignment Editor

From:  Michelle Mazzei, Communications Director, the National Exchange Club, 800/924-2643, mmazzei@nationalexchangeclub.org, Web site: www.nationalexchangeclub.org

Santa Rosa Resident Elected National Exchange Club Regional Vice President

Ray Carlson, a member of the Exchange Club of Santa Rosa, California, and the Wine Country Exchange Club of Sonoma County, was installed as Regional Vice President, Region 1, at the organization’s 2007 National convention in Portland, Oregon. He was Assistant National Regional Vice President, Region 1, from 2003-2004. Ray is the President of Ray Carlson & Associates, a Land Surveying company that he started 1976 in Santa Rosa in 1976.

Carlson joined the Exchange Club of Santa Rosa in 1982, serving on its Board of Directors, including President in 1986-1987. During this time he received the Outstanding Club President Award and achieved 100% club growth. He also served as Chairman of various projects including Project Graduation 49er Basketball, Crime Prevention Dinner, Soul Patrol National Tour (only California stop on the 1995 National Tour), and Co-Chair (new club builder) of the Wine Country Exchange Club in 2005. In the Sierra Pacific District Exchange Clubs (Northern California and Nevada-area clubs), he served as District Director, Division 6, in 1988-89, earning the Outstanding District Director Award. He also served as President-elect and President of the district. He was honored by the Sierra Pacific District with the Lifetime Achievement award in 1999. He also received the Exchangite of the Year Award from his club in 1995 and 2006, as well as the District award in 2006. For the National Exchange Club, Carlson is a member of the Growth and Program of Service Committees. Previously, he served on the Leadership Development Committee. Carlson has served as a National Volunteer Field Representative since 1997. 

 Active in his community, Carlson has been involved in the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce since 1976, serving on the board of directors 1985-87 and many committees; Burbank Housing Development Corporation board of directors Vice President 1983-87; Habitat for Humanity; Routes for Youth Advisory Board; Kid Street Theatre board of directors President, and Red, White and Boom Santa Rosa’s 4th of July Celebration. In 2007 he was recognized as one of 22 by the City of Santa Rosa with a Merit Award for his work with youth in the community.

 Carlson is a Licensed Land Surveyor in four states, California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. He is a member of the California Land Surveyors’ Association, and has held both State and local level positions. He was named to the International Who’s Who of Professionals in 1995 and 1996. Carlson and his wife Linda have six children and eight grandchildren, and they reside in Santa Rosa, California.

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