President Diane rang in the meeting at 12:10pm.
Neil MacMullan (FARO Consulting Solutions) offered a Thought for the Day encouraging us to seize the day (which we, as Rotarians, embraced and got busy doing).
The club observed a moment of silence in honor of long-standing and stalwart member Mead Kibbey following his recent passing.
Past Emperor Wes Yee (Yee Dental Care) unveiled our club’s newest honoree to be welcomed into the hallowed Sacramento Rotary Fellow-ship. As his description delved into the honoree’s background at least one face reddened continuously. After an impressive recitation, Wes announced Steve Huffman’s (Huffman Strategy) name, at which time the crowd erupted in a standing ovation and an impressive collection of Huffman relatives emerged from the wings.
Meeting Sponsor Brian Turner (Law Office of Brian H. Turner) donated his time for an update on the Sac Century. Event chair Past President Susan Sheridan (retired-law) gave an update on stats — 840 riders thus far, accounting for $63K (target is $75K), and ‘Challenge Champions’ have raised an additional $43K (target is $50K). Susan says we’re a short ride away from our targets, with the aim of netting $100K for the Crisis Nursery program at Sacramento Children’s Home.
New Members! Jim Relles (Relles Florist) introduced and welcomed Joel Hockman, owner of Pucci’s Pharmacy; and Jackie Kirkwood (Goodwin Cole Company) introduced and welcomed Maggie Hopkins (Capital Premier Lending and Premier Realty).
Let’s Educate Someone:
President Diane shared the wonderful news of Norm Marshall’s (Headwaters Construction) wedding to longtime partner Francy. To make it Rotary-official, Past President Dan McVeigh (Downey Brand, LLP) presided over an impromptu ceremony with the happy couple and pronounced them Rotarian and Spouse.
Margo Fowkes (OnTarget Business Consulting) shared lovely photos and anecdotes of her recent anniversary trip to the Greek Isles, and she presented trip souvenirs to President Diane.
President Diane asked Jack Bowker (retired) to rise to be recognized for his approaching 96th Birthday. Jack also noted that he has been in the club 53 years. Bob Cole (Goodwin-Cole) then took the mic, acknowledging his long friendship and making a gift to the Rotary Foundation in Jack’s honor.
Chair of the Day Becki Roberts (Central Valley Community Bank) introduced keynote speaker David Lichtman, publisher of the Sacramento Business Journal.
Mr. Lichtman shared how the media has changed with the rise of social media and the incremental decline of traditional print media. The Sacramento Business Journal has carved out a niche by focusing largely on small business and providing “local market intelligence,” so small businesses can compete more effectively. Mr. Lichtman suggested that “hyper-targeting” has power and that broad targeting can lead to potential challenges, as no organization can be all things to all consumers.
Next, Mr. Lichtman shared noteworthy facts about the Sacramento market:
· Millennials are moving to Sacramento – largely based on the climate, cost of living, and lifestyle (among which one finds craft brews…).
· Fitness Centers are growing – in keeping with the push in commercial sites for “experiential” businesses.
· Downtown Sacramento has a strong market appeal – new eateries and bars continue to pop up in the central core, with the Yard House among the newest entries. He notes, however, that this may be nearing a tipping point, as owners cite availability of labor and labor costs as growing concerns.
· 11 of the area’s top 25 projects in the Sacramento area are for housing. Companies from outside the region are coming to Sacramento for development opportunities.
Mr. Lichtman noted that bloggers and social media contributors do not feel bound by journalistic ethics/integrity, and can publish uncorroborated statements, hearsay and opinion as though these were fact. He emphasized that the Sacramento Business Journal was committed to journalistic integrity.
Our speaker next week will be Mike Testa, CEO of Visit Sacramento.
Along the way, President Diane offered thanks to Jack Anderson (Dick James & Associates) for piano entertainment; greeters Dennis Cook (Cook Brown, LLP), Jim Streng (Streng Bros. Rentals, LLC), Past Emperor Wes Yee (Yee Dental Care); Pulse Reporter: John McIntyre (Mercy Foundation); photographer John Swentowsky (Swentowsky Photography); and wine reception sponsor Ed Wright (Martensen Wright, PC).
As always, thank you John Swentowsky (Swentowsky Photography) for the photos!