Guest speaker last week and new member this week. Rob Mondi of Home Instead Services and Aurora Music Company became the newest member of the Rotary Club of Sycamore on Wednesday. Mondi turned in his application after enjoying his time presenting to the Club about remodeling a building in DeKalb to primarily manufacture guitars and provide space for lessons. He is shown here with a special welcoming gift from Club President Elect Tim Neubert (a Rotary-branded pint glass).
SAVE THE DATE!
Hula for Loota
Thursday, April 28, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Chapel in the Pines
15165 Quigley Road, Sycamore
DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) Executive Director Paul Borek updates the club on the latest business investments taking place. Borek spoke about significant projects underway as the DCEDC celebrates 35 years of service.
As the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) celebrates 35 years of service, Executive Director Paul Borek said growth in the past two years totals almost half of what happened in the entire first 33 years of the organization. By the numbers, Borek said the first 33 years saw about $2 billion dollars of investment and 10.8 million square feet of new commercial/industrial construction whereas the past two years saw $1.1 billion in investment with 5.2 million square feet under roof. These major developments are the Meta/Facebook data center, Ferrara Candy Company, and Amazon distribution center, all in DeKalb, and the Syngenta Seed Research Center in Malta. Borek said this expansion trend continues with 81 proposed projects in the pipeline from last year versus a normal 34 projects per year.
Borek pointed out that economic growth is occurring countywide. Among the various projects mentioned were purchase and expansion at the Sycamore Industrial Park by Innovative Growers, the new IBEW/NECA electricity training center in Genoa, and the Conserve FS Farm Service Center in Waterman. Borek thanked the multiple business and government partners who cooperated on these and other projects. He noted the importance of their support for the county Enterprise Zone tax incentive tool which helps standardize how new or expanded businesses receive benefits without needing to approach multiple taxing districts individually.
Borek said the DCEDC is embarking on a new website and social media focused campaign to build on the high level of interest in economic investment in the county. Called “Opportunity Unbound,” it blends in the elements of “quality of life” and lifestyle affordability with traditional economic development data to encourage businesses to look at DeKalb County when finding a site for new or expanded operations. It also focuses on attracting new workforce talent to the area. Details may be found at www.opportunityunbound.com. Borek also announced an in-person celebration of the DCEDC’s 35th anniversary with a reception and dinner on April 28th at Faranda’s banquet center in DeKalb. Featured speaker is Nicole Martin, a recognized Human Resources authority on talent attraction and retention. Details are available at their website: www.dcedc.org.
Posted by David Bills, District 6420 Governor on Mar 10, 2022
I have had several inquiries concerning club and member donations to aid the refugee crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. There is a real need in Ukraine, and in the countries accepting the refugees that border Ukraine. Let me add a caution for everyone considering a contribution. There are already several online scams being reported by law enforcement.
I recommend two very safe ways to contribute to the relief efforts in and around Ukraine. A few days ago you received an email from Rotary Foundation Chairman John Germ. Contributions to the Rotary Disaster Relief Fund in support of Ukraine can be made by going to MyRotary.org. The other very trusted source for disaster relief aid is ShelterBox USA. They have been a partner with Rotary for many years. ShelterBox is in Ukraine and the surrounding area providing tents, blankets, cooking utensils, and other necessary survival items. Information on ShelterBox and how to contribute can be found at www.shelterboxUSA.org.
The crises in Ukraine is heart-wrenching. As Rotarians, our desire to help the innocent victims of war is strong. I encourage our members to contribute to the humanitarian aid needed for the victims of this crisis. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Also, let me know if your club does anything special to support the Ukraine relief effort.
In response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, The Rotary Foundation has created an official channel for Rotary members around the world to contribute funds to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts and has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions.
To this end, The Rotary Foundation has approved:
Now through 30 June 2022, designated Rotary districts that border Ukraine and the Rotary district in Ukraine may apply for grants of up to $50,000 each from the Disaster Response Fund. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to provide relief to refugees or other victims of the crisis including items such as water, food, shelter, medicine and clothing.
During this same period, other impacted Rotary districts that wish to offer support to refugees or other victims of the crisis in their district can apply for $25,000 grants from the Disaster Response Fund.
Now through 30 April 2022, Rotary districts can transfer unallocated District Designated Funds (DDF) to support the Disaster Response Fund, directly supporting these Ukraine-specific humanitarian grants.
Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund in support of Ukraine can be made here. All funds need to be received into the Disaster Response Fund by 30 April 2022 in order to qualify for use in support of the Ukrainian relief efforts.
Although the Disaster Response Fund will be the main avenue for Rotary Foundation support, Rotary and Rotaract clubs are also encouraged to create their own responses to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
In addition to support provided through the Disaster Response Fund, the Foundation is coordinating with partners and regional leaders, exploring effective solutions to the increased humanitarian needs.
We are in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees – USA to prepare for and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries.
ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, is in communication with Rotary members in Eastern Europe to explore how it may offer support with temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies.
The Rotary Action Group for Refugees, Forced Displacement, and Migration is also mobilizing its resources to assist in this crisis.
A million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that number could grow to as many as 5 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families.
We will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Visit My Rotary and follow Rotary on social media to stay updated on how clubs can get involved and what actions Rotary members have taken and the impact it has had for people in the region.
For all other questions and to obtain more information, please contact the Rotary Support Center at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org.
Donations are currently being requested for the Sycamore Food Pantry. Bring a bottle of laundry detergent...or $10 for Julie Sgarlata to purchase one. Money is easier to handle.
Personal hygiene items (bar soap, shampoo, etc.) are also being sought.
March 8, 1971 – Billed as “The Fight of the Century,” undefeated heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier fought undefeated champion Muhammad Ali in Ali’s comeback bid following a government-imposed exile. Frazier wins in 15 rounds although Ali won two subsequent rematches.
March 10, 1862 – The first issue of U. S. Government paper money occurs as $5, $10, and $20 bills begin circulation.
March 11, 1918 – The “Spanish Influenza” first reaches America as 107 soldiers become ill at Fort Riley, Kansas. The worldwide death toll from the virus approaches 20 million by the end of the epidemic in 1920.
March 12, 1888 – The Great Blizzard of ’88 struck the northeastern U. S. The storm lasted 36 hours with over 40 inches of snow falling in New York City where over 400 people die from the surprise storm.
March 6, 1475 – Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet (famous for such works as a statue of David and the paintings adorning the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel) Michelangelo is born in Caprese, Tuscany .
March 9, 1451 – Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci is born in Florence, Italy. He explored South America and the Amazon River. Believing Vespucci discovered a new continent, a German mapmaker makes the first notation of the land as “America”.
March 10, 1903 – Politician, journalist, and playwright Clare Boothe Luce is born in New York City. She serves in the U. S. House of Representatives from 1943-1947 and becomes the first woman appointed as ambassador to a major country (Italy).,
March 11, 1952 – English author, screenwriter, and humorist Douglas Adams is born in Cambridge. His work “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” was originally broadcast as a radio comedy over the BBC in 1978 and was later adapted into novels, comic books, a television show, video game, stage shows, and a 2005 feature film.
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