Meeting Recap for October 7, 2013
Nearly 20 years older than Rotary Club of Sacramento, the Metro Chamber has quite a colorful history according to RCS’ guest speaker Roger Niello, the current Chamber President & CEO. Founded in 1895 (the Chamber, not Niello), the Chamber’s first board president was Joseph Steffens, prominent local businessman and father of muckraking reporter Lincoln Steffens. Niello, former three-term State Assemblyman and county supervisor and member of the family that owns multiple local auto dealerships, was introduced by Chair of the Day, Jim Carpenter.
“The Chamber was formed at the urging of the Sacramento Bee and Sacramento Union,” Niello said, “for the purpose of fostering economic growth and prosperity.” “The major issues of the time were flood control, irrigation (clean drinking water) and creation of an international port through construction of the deep water channel. Things haven’t changed much.” Citing the long relationship between the Chamber and RCS, Niello pointed out that the first meeting of the club was held at the Chamber’s offices.
Today’s chamber is focused on growing membership (and clout), supporting events and implementing the Next Economy five-year plan to diversify and grow local business “organically.” “We have to act locally but think regionally in order to compete globally,” Niello said. “We need to be a neighborhood of communities, not just a bunch of neighboring communities.”
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President Thom began Monday’s meeting at the Red Lion with a memorial moment, informing the club of the passing of three individuals in the past few days:
Red Clark, a club member since 1987 and one of our own Rotary Rooters; Elmer Haskin, Jr., club member since 1995 and Robert Schachterle, father-in-law of Rotarian Diane Schachterle.
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President Thom also announced that Past-President Ken Noack, Jr., had agreed to replace Katrina Salazar on the Rotary Foundation board (and to chair it for the rest of the year). Katrina, having been named Executive Director of RCS, becomes the Foundation Secretary, a non-voting position.
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Dana Jones was introduced to the club by Dick Noonan and sworn in by President Thom as the newest member of RCS.
Jones, District Superintendent of State Parks, is a veteran Rotarian—having been a member of the Eureka club for over 10 years.
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Bill Knowlton from Next Move asked Rotarians to bring old suits, ties and shirts next week to be donated to participants in Capital Region Employment Connect—a program to help job seekers dress for success.
President Thom likewise reminded members of the Wednesday morning monthly President’s Breakfast at the Red Lion.And Bruce Hester and Paul Kucharski reminded Rotarians that we still need 21 new members to top “Beat LA” and have more members than the Rotary Club of Los Angeles by December 31.
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There was lots of “Roast, Boast & Toast” activity at Monday’s meeting: Brad Towne was toasting his son’s wedding and his 28th wedding anniversary with wife Susan. John Swentowsky boasted about his 30th wedding anniversary with wife Barbara.
Jim Relles was boasting that Relles Florist was again chosen #1 by Sacramento Magazine readers and celebrating his successful hip replacement/replacement (his 4th surgery in the last 2 years). Barbara Thompson was toasting the marriage of her son Ben and birth to her daughter Chryssa of her first granddaughter, Layla. More recognition soon, Barbara’s second grandchild should occur before next week’s meeting….LUCKY.
Past-President Tim Pinkney was toasting the success of the weekend’s air show at Mather and Crowned members Heidi Hershenhouse and Carolyn Carr Princesses for their involvement in the event. Jeff Stone presented another check to the club on behalf of the Rotary Rooters in recognition of Red Clark, the heart of the Rooters for the last 30 years.
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Gilbert Associates, Inc., CPA’s and Advisors, was the meeting sponsor. President Thom invited fellow shareowner Dave Ljung to inform the club about the firm and its 30 year history of service to the community.
Dan McVeigh sponsored the pre-meeting wine reception and Dick Osen led the club in singing “My Country Tis of Thee.” Jim Craig provided the poetic final thought.