Here's What's Happening at East Polk Rotary

Last week East Polk Rotary featured Mike "soft pitch" Hamilton as Sgt. at Arms who asked members to answer his questions with relative ease.  It seemed everyone rather enjoyed a round of correct guesses for a change as the traditional "I'm gonna stump you before 8:00" approach took a one-week leave of absence.  In fact some members were observed answering in the affirmative while not even bothering to look up from their breakfast plates.

Paul Cornelius was the Rotarian of the Day and introduced Leisa Fox from the Association of Business and Industry.  She gave an inspired and impassioned talk about the skills gap that plagues ABI's members--many manufacturers around the state.  Leisa spoke about how many companies battle the now-incorrect assumption among the public that manufacturing jobs are scarce, or undesirable or offer low pay and weak benefits.  The reality, we learned, is that most of these "middle skill" jobs pay $60,000 to $80,000 with little more than an 18-month certificate in welding or other field from a community college.  Leisa also spotlighted a new website and state-wide initiative known as Elevate Iowa (www.elevateiowa.com) that intends to raise awareness of manufacturing opportunities within the state. 

However, the most exiting news for the club is that she is a tremendous connector between ABI, their member companies, East Polk and the Iowa Tech Expo held each Spring at SE Polk High School.  At the end of her talk Mike Hamilton suggested a couple of ways that ABI could get in front of school administrators to spread the message of work opportunities and further strengthen the state's labor force for the future.  We deeply appreciate her willingness to speak to our club.

We'll see everyone tomorrow morning.