The Rotary Club of Kirkland held its regular weekly meeting online on October 5, 2020.
Attending were James Nevers, Dave Aubry, Gary Cohn, Joanne Primavera, Rick Ostrander, Steve Shinstrom, Rich Bergdahl, John Pruitt, John Woodbery, James Meneketti, Tricia Stromberg, Brandon Honcoop, Kristin Olson, Mike Hunter, Dave DeBois, George Anderson, Rick Walter, Amy Mutal, Terry Cole, Scott Becker, Joe Getzendanner, Dan Bartel, and Monica Fratita. Let me know if I missed anyone.
President James Nevers rang the bell at 6:17 p.m.
John Woodbery recited the Pledge of Allegiance, while the rest of us stood, mostly mute, in order to avoid ‘out-of-sync-problems’ with our audio.
Guests were Ann Hess, publisher of Kirkland Living magazine, introduced by Scott Becker, and Paul Reyes, financial advisor and potential club member, introduced by Amy Mutal. Mr. Reyes was involved with Woodinville Rotary as a high school student.
Announcements: Bill Woods is recently out of the hospital and doing well after a bit of pneumonia. Gary Cohn needs volunteers to help interview Student of the Month candidates. It looks as though we are moving ahead with meeting again at the Woodmark, with meetings also streamed on Zoom.
Joe Getzendanner of the Club Service Committee gave us an exercise derived from the latest Rotary Magazine. Club members did reasonably well, but perhaps we could all become more familiar with the magazine each month. Joe also sounded out Club opinions about doing a virtual wine tasting – generally favorable. He will send an email to get a head count.
Our speaker is Chapman Fina, current owner of Via Lago boutique clothing store on Lake St. Ms. Fina grew up in Kirkland and has worked at Via Lago for about 20 years, the last 12 as owner. Via Lago is the oldest store in Kirkland. Its sales (before COVID) are about $1 million per year. She spoke to us about the challenges in the retail business when customers stay home, shops are closed, and sidewalk traffic is low. She is now the only employee and has adapted by engaging with social media and by making designer face masks. Face masks and selling hand sanitizer have allowed her business to be classified as ‘essential’ and so made it easier to reopen and to stay open.
She drove home the point that relationships are critical – with suppliers, customers, the Chamber of Commerce, her accountant, and with her banker. She has managed to pay her bills by rapidly adjusting to the market – she has been open every scheduled day, with herself as the onsite person. She even got her children involved by having them deliver products to customers. She impressed Rotarians with her drive, energy, and resourcefulness.
There were several questions from Rotarians. Designer and custom masks have proven popular and profitable. She has shifted to purchasing inventory for near-term sales only, rather than ordering ahead. She has used a credit card to pay suppliers so that they never have to worry about her credit-worthiness.
Finally, she stated the she is considering applying to become a Rotarian – a thought quickly encouraged by many members.
We adjourned at about 7:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
David Aubry - Acting Scribe