"Energize, Enterprise, Socialize"
Meeting Minutes for April 22, 2009
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A large group of Sunrise Rotarians gathered this bright Wednesday morning for our regular weekly meeting. President Chris Warden returned from a business trip, thanked Susan Cramer for leading last week's Club Assembly, and started today's meeting by leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The invocation was done by Shawn Rosscup, who read from a great prayer by St. Francis of Assisi. We were reminded that "where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy." And, perhaps most importantly, "it is in giving that we receive." Thank you, Shawn!
Sergeant at Arms David Bardwick introduced several guests and visiting Rotarians. Our visiting Rotarians included District Governor Nominee David Kinsey and Otto Koester (both from the Missoula Noon club). We welcomed back Gene Sterbis (after a winter in California) and the visiting Ruthmary Lovitt. David Bardwick also noted that Frank D'Angelo was back in attendance as was Gordie Campbell, now that tax season has ended. We were also joined by former Sunrise Rotarian and Past President Roger Munro and his guest Tatum Hoehn. Clyde Neu brought guest Ashot Oganesyan of the Republic of Georgia, who is now at UM finishing his MBA. We were also joined by Agustina, exchange student from Argentina.
David Bardwick then said that he was surprised that Chris Warden, being the "i" dotter and "t" crosser that he is, erred by calling Brett Felton "Brad Felton" in his email announcing the meeting. In payment, Chris spun the wheel and had to pay $2.00.
David then shared some humor (which he attributed to Carol Gaub) about some ridiculous requests made by elected officials when it comes to travel. One example: A congresswoman asked for an aisle seat so that her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window. This was on an airplane. Ba-dum-bum-ching!
Former Sunrise Rotarian Roger Munro then brought back old times, and auctioned off a tie he found in his "office archives." This tie was from Pfizer and had a print of "little blue pills." The auction benefitted Polio Plus, and the winning bid was $15.00 by Gordie Campbell.
Chris Warden then invited District Governor Nominee David Kinsey to report on the district. David Kinsey announced that Arlene Weber (current District Secretary) has been selected as District Governor Nominee following him. He shared that the district budget is $115,000 and that a $30,000 deficit has been turned into a positive $100,000 in just four years. David Kinsey shared that he is now Assistant Governor and this has been a three-year position. This position involves visiting all clubs in the area four times each year and providing a report to the district. The district is now looking for its next Assistant Governor. David invited all to the District Conference which will be held June 4-7 in Bozeman as a celebration of the last year. He said Missoula Sunrise Rotary will shine and that Chris Warden and Susan Cramer are thus far planning to go. Please consider attending!
Chris Warden announced that in June a GSE team from West Africa will be visiting. He said that a host committee (from Sunrise, Noon and the Centennial clubs) is being put together to focus on housing, travel and activities (both social and vocational). We have one person on the committee thus far and two or three more are needed. Please contact Chris if you'd like to volunteer.
Bobby Clay reported on the good turnout for last Saturday's outing with the Youth Homes to the Metcalf Wildlife Refuge. Photos were shared and a good time was had by all with a lunch, presentations and a hike. Many thanks to the Service Committee for putting together this event.
Chris Warden announced that we met our 1000 pound/dollar goal with the food drive, thanks to an anonymous donor who helped fill in the final $37!
Roger Munro then introduced guest Tatum Hoehn who is with the Culinary Team at the College of Technology. Tatum spoke about the Capstone Dinner for the COT, scheduled for May 2nd at the College of Technology. This event is the culmination of all the students have learned, is a celebration and a fundraiser. Entitled "The Elegant Side of Montana," the event will start at 5:30 pm (Saturday May 2nd) with a social hour with beer and wine followed by a five-course meal, silent auction and jazz music. Tickets are $80 and were available from Tatum at the meeting and at the Cashier's Office at the COT.
Jim Clark followed up on last week's announcement about the two Sentinel High School DECA students who have the opportunity to represent Montana at the national finals in California. The school district doesn't have the budget to support their out of state travel, and help is needed. If you can help with a donation, please see Jim!
Brad Miller announced that all money and ticket stubs for the Polio Plus golf ball drop fundraiser needed to be turned in to Brad at the meeting. (If you forgot to bring yours, please get them to Chris Warden at Washington Corporations no later than Friday morning.)
Our Classification Talk was provided by Rusty Lockner who will serve as Advisor to the Board next year. F. Russell "Rusty" Lockner has been a Rotarian for 25 years. Rusty said his being a Rotarian has a lot to do with how he was raised. He told of his father who owned a restaurant when Rusty was young. His father had an employee named Freddie who was a dishwasher. Though Freddie was slow, Rusty said his father treated him right, and he believes that is what Rotary is all about. Rusty's classification is property investment/investment real estate. Rusty lived in Montana in the late 1960s, fell in love with Montana and moved here permanently in 2004. He and his wife Susan were married at Lake McDonald and honeymooned across Western Montana, settling in Missoula. Rusty has a daughter and two stepdaughters and six grandchildren. Rusty said he's "shy, reticent and reserved, though Lynda and Anne talk me into stuff." Rusty believes that his best character trait is the belief that you can do anything you set your mind to. Rusty is passionate about fly fishing and enjoys carpentry, reading a book a day, music, classic cars, road trips and spoiling his wife Susan. Something we might not know about Rusty? He has a PhD in Zoology and spent four months in the Antarctic studying penguins!
The Rotary Minute was provided by Bill St. John who told of a program in Colorado Springs that involves 9th graders tackling tough questions and topics using the Four Way Test as a guide. The program, held once a semester, involves groups of five or six students paired with a Rotarian in a discussion and readout. (Read more in The Rotarian, April 2009, page 19.) Thanks, Bill!
Chris Warden then introduced our program and speakers Brett Felton and Brad Cederberg with the Missoula Greenhorns. Brett, a fellow Sunrise Rotarian, is a dentist and partner of Dr. Terry Zahn. Brad is a financial consultant with DA Davidson. Several other Missoula Greenhorn board members joined our meeting as well.
Brett said that the Missoula Greenhorns began two years ago this May and was created by and for young business professionals in the Missoula area, and that from the beginning it has been the group's goal to provide networking and social opportunities for those Young Professionals (YPs) who are just starting out. Brett said the group was created because there were no networking opportunities for YPs and they have different needs and concerns than other groups. The Greenhorns are about energizing, enterprising and socializing.
The group is lead by a volunteer board that is task (and not hierarchical) based. The seven current board members include Brett and Brad as well as Andy Anderson, Julie Lynch, Sean Roberts, Ashley Sparano and Tyler Gernant.
Brett said the Missoula Greenhorns has 50 paid members representing over 20 industries in an age range of 23 to 50+. A complete list of all members is found at missoulagreenhorns.com. The group holds monthly meetings on the third Thursday from 5:30 to 6:45. This month's meeting is Thursday, April 23rd at Sean Kelly's, and Brett said all are invited. Annual membership costs are $200 for a corporate membership, $50 for an individual membership and $25 for a student membership. The group is seeking sponsorships with venue, event (advertising help) and prizes.
Brad Cederberg then completed out the program. Brad explained there is no official definition of Young Professionals; he said it is anyone post-college and pre-retirement. For academic purposes they are considered anyone between 22 and 40.
He explained that a like group in Great Falls called Pulse had done a survey about whether YPs matter in the community. An additional survey was done nationally in 2006. The Greenhorns are working on doing a survey in Missoula.
Brad shared the YPs are in fact important to our communities: in Montana by the year 2030 we are expected to have the second largest population greater than 65 years of age. With increased entitlement costs and a lower tax base and workforce, YPs are needed to maintain economic stability. Brad shared some other interesting statistics: 22.2% of the Montana population is between the ages of 22 and 40; in Missoula it is 25%. Seventy-one percent of Montana YPs are homeowners and have a $3.9 million dollar annual impact in each community.
Brad said the number one reason YPs seek networking groups is for social networking. The Missoula Greenhorns was created to foster a sense of community and provide an inlet into other networks (such as Rotary, Lions, the Chamber, etc.) He stressed that the Greenhorns want to reach out and to be liaisons into our community and its leaders.
Following the program, Chris Warden thanked Brett, Brad and the other Greenhorn board members in attendance, and said we are always looking for groups to partner with!
We then closed the meeting with a recitation of the Four Way Test.