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First posting for new member Randy Seaver. Marty Grohman sponsor.
Roland introduced Jess Muise the new Executive Director of Engine in Biddeford.
Apex Youth Connection introduced students who discussed Cocoa Loco a bicycle beverage cart they will use to sell refreshing drinks at various functions this Spring and Summers season throughout Biddeford and Saco to attendees.
Cocoa Loco is the entrepreneurial creation of Apex Youth Connection's Trek2Connect 9th grade cohort.
The group decided they wanted to start a business to help pay for the activities they do through Trek2Connect. (Trek2Connect is a mentor-based aspirations program starting with a cohort of youth in 7th grade and staying with that same cohort through high school graduation. At this time, there are cohorts for the Classes of 2025, 2026, and 2027.)
Last Wednesday, four members of the Cocoa Loco team presented to Club members about their roles in the business, their experiences starting it up, as well as the mentors that have helped them so far. Included in their mentors are two Rotarians, Roland Gagne and Matt Tuller. The youth shared their plan to take Cocoa Loco to community events like sports games and Music in the Park, as well as their availability for hire at staff appreciation events and/or other business gatherings.
For more information on Cocoa Loco, contact Apex's Trek2Connect Program Manager, Rebecca Cote, at t2c@apexyouthconnection.org.
At the end of the meeting the Club decided to award Cocoa Loco a grant to start up the program in the amount of $500.