Feb 10 2015 - Rotary Forum
Posted by Dick Dannells
Program for February 10, 2015-Michael Manchak - “Economic Vitality Forecast” ¶
By Dick Dannells
Pres. Michael Boyer opened the meeting at 12:32 PM and called upon Montesa Phelan-Lopez to introduce our speaker who had to leave early.
PROGRAM: Michael Manchak - “Economic Vitality Forecast”
Michael is the head of EVC, i.e., Economic Vitality Corporation, a nonprofit SLO Corp. that provides economic development services and business resources throughout the County. He began by stating that the infrastructure of the U.S.is the systemic issue of the day. SLO’s spotlight is on tourism that takes up 66% of the private sector. The county had a 2013 gross domestic product of $12 billion. Agriculture, government and education comprise the other major employers; 11% are self-employed, 19% are government employees, and 56% are employed by corporations having 1 to 4 employees. The challenge is to attract employees outside of the region, which has a deficiency of the number and types of industries. The median income is lower than the rest of California. This challenge becomes increasingly evident when you consider that the county has the highest cost of living, one of the least affordable housing, and healthcare benefits less than the neighboring counties. He emphasized the importance of SLO County Airport which is doing better than its neighboring small airports. There is currently an effort to try to obtain flights to Denver and more flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles. EVC did a work force housing assessment and found that 58% of the housing in the county has between 1 and 2 people and 79% of the employees were college graduates. 88% said it was very difficult or somewhat difficult to find housing. 97% preferred single-family dwellings that are the traditional detached houses with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a two-car garage within a 30 minute drive from work. The industry in this area is challenged to find a solution to this problem.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Karen Bolger of Jack’s Helping Hands (assists special children with unmet physical, mental and medical needs within SLO), sponsored by Chuck Anders, received a community giving check. Also receiving such checks were YMCA of SLO and George Moran of the SLO Vet’s Center sponsored by Linda Osty. Kyle Anderson of the SLO Rotaract club would like to meet any of our members having employees in the 18 to 30 age range. Paul Jones came forward to present a eulogy for Paul Toms who passed away on Saturday, February 7 at the age of 90. Paul moved from Boston at the age of 75 in 1994. Paul Jones introduced him to Rotary and he became a member on February 15, 2000. He often spoke to us on the philosophy of Rotary. A memorial service will be held in the Grace Bible Church sanctuary at 2 PM on Wednesday, February 11. Paul will be sorely missed by our club.
THE DAY BY PAUL JONES:
“Remember the guy that gave up? Nobody else has."
Program for February 10, 2015-Michael Manchak - “Economic Vitality Forecast” ¶
By Dick Dannells
Pres. Michael Boyer opened the meeting at 12:32 PM and called upon Montesa Phelan-Lopez to introduce our speaker who had to leave early.
PROGRAM: Michael Manchak - “Economic Vitality Forecast”
Michael is the head of EVC, i.e., Economic Vitality Corporation, a nonprofit SLO Corp. that provides economic development services and business resources throughout the County. He began by stating that the infrastructure of the U.S.is the systemic issue of the day. SLO’s spotlight is on tourism that takes up 66% of the private sector. The county had a 2013 gross domestic product of $12 billion. Agriculture, government and education comprise the other major employers; 11% are self-employed, 19% are government employees, and 56% are employed by corporations having 1 to 4 employees. The challenge is to attract employees outside of the region, which has a deficiency of the number and types of industries. The median income is lower than the rest of California. This challenge becomes increasingly evident when you consider that the county has the highest cost of living, one of the least affordable housing, and healthcare benefits less than the neighboring counties. He emphasized the importance of SLO County Airport which is doing better than its neighboring small airports. There is currently an effort to try to obtain flights to Denver and more flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles. EVC did a work force housing assessment and found that 58% of the housing in the county has between 1 and 2 people and 79% of the employees were college graduates. 88% said it was very difficult or somewhat difficult to find housing. 97% preferred single-family dwellings that are the traditional detached houses with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a two-car garage within a 30 minute drive from work. The industry in this area is challenged to find a solution to this problem.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Karen Bolger of Jack’s Helping Hands (assists special children with unmet physical, mental and medical needs within SLO), sponsored by Chuck Anders, received a community giving check. Also receiving such checks were YMCA of SLO and George Moran of the SLO Vet’s Center sponsored by Linda Osty. Kyle Anderson of the SLO Rotaract club would like to meet any of our members having employees in the 18 to 30 age range. Paul Jones came forward to present a eulogy for Paul Toms who passed away on Saturday, February 7 at the age of 90. Paul moved from Boston at the age of 75 in 1994. Paul Jones introduced him to Rotary and he became a member on February 15, 2000. He often spoke to us on the philosophy of Rotary. A memorial service will be held in the Grace Bible Church sanctuary at 2 PM on Wednesday, February 11. Paul will be sorely missed by our club.
THE DAY BY PAUL JONES:
“Remember the guy that gave up? Nobody else has."