President's Message Oct. 12

Posted by Ron Searfoss 
on Oct 12, 2015
 
A familiar face to many, Mike Stershic, President of discover lehigh valley (dlv), brought Morning Star up to date on how successful dlv is and what a wonderful place the Lehigh Valley is. 
  
 
Hospitality and leisure have been the driving forces in the local economy for the last five years. When compared to national statistics for the industry, dlv has been more than 10% above the national averages. Visitors have been coming and staying because they are having great experiences.  They have been surprised and delighted! As the survey results show, they visit and return numerous times over the course of a few years.
 
dlv promotes the leisure market – meetings and small conventions; group tours; sports markets especially the youth areas (ask Mike why they prefer girls sports groups over boys!). Primary areas of support come from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and of course Pennsylvania. Significant is the average age is in the mid-40’s indicating a preponderance of families. The Sands has a positive impact especially in growing overnight stays. The real draw continues to be Dorney Park pulling in over 70% of its patrons from outside the area – imagine if it were open all year!
 
Mike has some interesting dreams for the Valley:
  • Enhance the historic perspective of facilities across the Lehigh Valley. The many opportunities would far surpass places like Williamsburg.
  • Convention center with over 100,000 square feet to accommodate much larger events.
  • Improve the tour services through enhanced training of local people.
You may not see much in local media since dlv continues to be very successful with their strategic focus to pull people in from outside. Come, spend and go home happy!
 
Preparations for Salute the Troops Concert, November 8, are full speed ahead. See Gary Hartney for your tickets.  Don’t forget to honor those who have served with an “In Honor Of” listing.
 
The 9th Annual Sipple Lecture, “Homeless and Hungry: Community, Nursing, and Health Care’s Influence” will be presented on October 21st at Moravian College, followed by MSR fellowship.
 
The Rotary Leadership Institute, RLI for our District 7430 is Saturday, November 7th in King of Prussia. Please consider attending – see the RLI story below. (Tuition is fully reimbursed by MSR, truly a solid endorsement of your Board as to the importance of this training!)
Your participation is needed and encouraged to make these events successful and help build the MSR club in our communities.
 
The Nominating Committee is ISO for candidates for the Board of Directors and Officers.  Anyone wishing to step up to a leadership role in helping the Club progress, please contact me or any committee member. You will enrich the club and your own experiences as a Rotarian.  Besides, we have FUN!
 
Hope to see you Thursday when Randall Forte, Executive Director will talk to us about the Lehigh Valley Arts Council.
  
 
“Be a Gift to the World”
President Ron