Minutes onf May 1, 2017
Minutes of May 1, 2017
In the scheduled absence of Prez. Bob B, Bill Brillant demonstrated that he hadn’t lost his touch, ringing the bell and calling us to order promptly at 07:15 and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Ron McLaughlin followed with a nice invocation, calling us all to serve others through Rotary. Bill then ably reminded us of Rotary’s key precepts by leading us in reciting the four way test.
After welcoming guest speaker, John Pavan, Bill called upon Fred Burgess for Happy / Sad dollars. Russ had a happy dollar for completing a 10K race, taking 3rd in his age group. Joel had a happy dollar for being able to get outside, even if only for yard work. Tom gave a brief recap of his just concluded trip “down under”, including visiting several Lord of the Rings filming sites throughout New Zealand. Pastor Ron chimed in with a happy dollar for his enjoyment of those films. Bob Davis had a happy dollar for our guest speaker, John Pavan. Bill Brillant had a happy dollar for a good week at work last week. Gordon had an unusual Presidential question. Which president worked as a model. Guest speaker John chimed in first with ex-football player Gerald Ford.
Under announcements Bob Davis reminded us of the following schedule:
No meeting, Monday, May 8 – Club Service Day
May 15 – Curt Dale Clark – Maine State Music Theatre, always a highlight of our spring speakers.
While still a ways off Bob encourage full attendance for a special speaker on Monday, June 12 on Ocean Ecology Systems.
Bob then introduced guest speaker, John Pavan of Pavan Enterprises / Altezza Advisors. John briefly outlined his education as a Civil Engineer and early work experience developing and constructing purpose built senior housing, transitioning to the financing and capital sourcing for those projects. He then transitioned from financing and capital development for senior housing to more venture capital for new and emerging entrepreneurial companies in niche markets, including aquaculture and solar industries. He said he looks for several attributes in companies he is considering supporting including:
Solid management skills
Technical knowledge
Reasonable size potential
Niche market
He gave several examples of small companies in Maine that he has backed including a land based aquaculture company specializing in high value fish for Sushi and baby ells and a company manufacturing solar powered greenhouses.
Thanks again Bob for arranging for such interesting speakers.
I hope to see everyone tomorrow.