Last Weeks program was presented by Rotarian Randy Bailey. Randy’s guest speaker was Brian Ellis with the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. Mr. Ellis is the Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Hillsborough county. Brian talked to the club about steps to take to “get your business “up and running” again after disaster strikes. The Planning Council represents 6 counties and produces the official hurricane planning guide for Hillsborough county. The tougher challenges of the 21st century require regional thinkers, conveners and problem solvers. Since 1962, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council has brought together local governments and gubernatorial appointees to coordinate planning for the Region’s future. TBRPC provides a venue for analyzing issues, resolving problems, and sharing solutions among the jurisdictions in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas Counties. Mr. Ellis purpose of his presentation was to “scare” us to realize what the impact of a disaster can have on a small business. After hurricane Irma, 40% of small businesses failed because they did not have a plan. Disaster recovery consists of 3 steps; preparation, response and recovery. Communication is the main component of preparation. Having a communication plan with employee’s, supply chain, vendors, etc. can have a huge impact in surviving a disaster. Responding to the crisis includes gathering information during the crisis and being able to adjust at a moments notice to the disaster. The main part of recovery seems to be dealing with insurance. Post-loss insurance is very important to rebuild your business or home. Contact your insurance company immediately after disaster strikes. Take pictures and don’t fix or repair things, unless it is necessary to prevent any further damage, until the insurance adjuster has a chance to observe the claim. Some things may not be covered. Prepare a detailed inventory list and only hire reputable, licensed contractors to do any repairs. If you are denied a claim, get it in writing and contact the Regional Planning Council if you believe it should be covered and feel that the insurance company is not acting in good faith to process your claim. We don’t really know when/where/how disaster will strike…be prepared! The companies that were successful after hurricane Irma were prepared well in advance. For more information contact the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council www.tbrpc.org
Long time Plant City Rotarian Alvin Futch passed away on April 16th, 2019. Alvin joined our club in December 1957 and has been an important part of our club since then. Alvin has influenced many members of our club and received a Lifetime Achievement Award for our club in 2001. Alvin's obituary can be viewed here. In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alvin Futch Scholarship Fund Inc., c/o Harmon and Peaslee CPA, 303 Warnell St., Plant City, FL 33563
Alvin’s visitation will be from 1:00 – 3:00 today, with Funeral beginning at 3:00 at St.Peters Episcopal Church.Sit on the south side of the church. Remember to wear your Rotary pin. Wear your Rotary shirt if you wish.
Last Monday Bud Brown became our newest member. Bud is a former member of our club that has recently moved back to the area. If you haven't met Bud, be sure to introduce yourself and extend a warm Plant City Rotary welcome!
It is our goal to have enough sponsorship from members
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appreciate our club having a presence on the website
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Boy's and Girl's Club Corn hole Tournament - May 4th, 9:30 to 11 am
Installation Banquet - Thursday, June 13th - Details to follow
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Program Chair
Kayla Drawdy is our Program Chair! Please notify Kayla of you upcoming speakers at 763-1821 or kayla@htitle.com
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Have any news you would like to share? Do you have a new position at work? Family news? Any news you would like to share with club members and bulletin subscribers? E-mail to Bill Wicker
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Orville and Wilbur Wright fine-tuned their airplane while observing birds in flight. The discovery that new memory neurons can arise in the adult brain was inspired by studies of birds learning new songs. And close to my heart, the revolutionary pedal drive used to propel Hobie kayaks was inspired by observations of penguins moving their flippers. We can learn a lot from birds, including how to succeed in leading Rotary clubs.
When migrating south, Canadian geese fly in a formation, which allows all but the lead bird to draft behind the others. As a result, they cover many more miles than they would flying out of formation with each bird confronting the wind head on. But even when drafting, the lead bird would eventually become exhausted if leadership were not rotated. This is done on a routine basis as they take turns dealing with the conditions up front. However, the rotation must be carried out in an organized fashion.
Before the transition, there’s considerable honking as the lead bird signals its intent to peel off. There’s also honking from the rear as those birds confirm they
understand. This process is repeated throughout the journey thereby insuring the work is fairly distributed. But efficient flight is only part of the formula for their
success. They also support each other.
If a goose becomes injured along the route, two geese will accompany it to the ground. They will remain until the bird can resume flight, taking turns drafting each other until they reach their destination. Should the injured bird be unable to continue, the two companions take turns leading as they resume their journey.
It won’t be long before leadership rotates at the clubs, districts, and in the offices of Rotary International. Rotary will continue to thrive at all levels if we continue to follow the example of a bunch of bird-brained geese. Leadership is only temporary, effective communication is the glue that binds us, and support eases
the effort no matter where the journey takes us.
Profile: A vine ideaHeidi KühnRotary Club of San FranciscoHeidi Kühn arrived in Utsunomiya, Japan, in 1975, a few months after the end of the Vietnam War. She was a Rotary Youth Exchange
