Estes Park Rotary Spoke for Feb. 25, 2016 (Jan 17, 2016)

Thursday's topic: benefits of EP economic development

Jon Nicholas, President and CEO of the Estes Park Economic Development Corporation, will speak at the Rotary Club of Estes Park on Thursday, February 25, at their regular noon meeting. He will discuss how economic development benefits our community.

Formed in 2013, the Estes Park Economic Development Corporation seeks to build a stronger and more broadly-based economy and tax base, advise and assist existing local businesses to reach their full economic potential, and attract new businesses that create primary jobs and new employment opportunities. Members represent a mixture of private business, various business-related boards and associations, and multiple governmental entities.

Nicholas holds a B.B.A. from Washburn University of Topeka, Kansas, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago. He worked as an attorney in private practice in Washington, D.C., and Tokyo, Japan, and also, he worked as a campaign manager on political campaigns in Kansas and Michigan. Having lived in Estes Park for eight years, he served as the Business Resources Coordinator for the Estes Valley Library District, forming regional connections to resources for local business. In addition, Jon serves on the Boards of Visit Estes Park and Estes Valley Partners for Commerce.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 1.2 million Rotary members in 34,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Rotary clubs have been serving communities worldwide for more than a century. Rotary clubs, around the world, initiate projects that address critical issues such as conflict resolution, hunger, poverty, disease and illiteracy.

The Rotary Club of Estes Park meets Thursdays at the Park Village Theater, adjacent to the Other Side Restaurant. Visitors interested in learning more about Rotary and its programs are welcome to attend. Buffet is served at 11:30 AM, the Rotary business meeting opens at noon, and the program will begin at 12:30 PM

Photo highlights from Feb. 18 meeting

Kerrie Hill introduced the program on emergency medical services in Estes Park.

Mike Bielmaier, EMS director, leads a team of 30 emergency service technicians and paramedics.

Virgil Holtgrewe thanks members of the Estes Park Emergency Medical Services team for their critical role in the community.

Mike Bielmaier accepts a plaque on behalf of his department.

Rotary Quote of the Week

"Today on Rotary's 111th anniversary, I wanted to thank you all for your friendship, hard work, and commitment to serve your local and global communities. We truly have come together this year to Be a Gift to the World."

-K.R. Ravindran, 2015-16 President, Rotary International on Feb. 23, 2016, the 111th anniversary of Rotary's founding.