With the name change, this will be the first time in 30 years there hasn't been a Jaycee organization in Paynesville. The Jaycees first organized in town in October 1969.
"We were paying high dues and all the money went to the state level and wasn't benefiting our area," said Karlene Gray, president. "We felt the dues were too high."
By breaking away from the Jaycee organization, the local club felt they could lower their dues to entice new members to join.
The Jaycees dues were $55 per person.
Membership dues have been changed to $30 per individual and $50 per couple for the new club. "This will be more affordable," said Ann Johnson, a club member.
With the money staying in the community, the group will not have to do as many fund raisers to finance projects.
The group presently does a lot of fund raisers but would rather use its time more wisely in the community, Gray said.
The club will be able to continue all of its projects with the exception of one, the SuperShot contest. The club will be organizing a Fourth of July fireworks; a punt, pass, and kick competition; a pedal tractor pull during Town and Country Days; and the Red Cross Bloodmobile, twice a year.
As the Paynesville Community Club, the purpose and goals of the group will still be the sameÉto serve the community, said Gray.
The club will have a legal charter as a not-for-profit group maintaining the rules and guidelines that they have as a Jaycee group.
The Paynesville Community Club has more than 20 members. It will continue to meet the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Paynesville Area Center.