What Did You Miss at Rotary October 21, 2025?
Doug McMillan
Bill Hamilton chaired the club meeting with 55-60 members and guests present.
After O Canada, Franco Savoia gave the Invocation emphasizing that Rotarians should work together with open hearts and minds guided by the Four Way Test.
The Front of the House volunteers were thanked (Diana Aspe-Ayer, Anne Logan, Bob Taylor and Rosemary Crawford). Happy Bucks did not attract a lot of input (I had left my wallet at home and my brother, Allan, had to bail me out on parking fees).
Bill provided information related to nominations for election of Club Directors for the next Rotary year as below:
Announcement – As per by-laws the period for nominations for election of Directors for the next ensuing Rotary year is open, the number of Directors to be elected, and that:
- The nominating committee for Directors will be meeting for the purpose of nominating a slate of candidates for Directors to fill the number of vacancies anticipated on the Board, and requesting any eligible members of the Club who would like to be considered for nomination to advise any member of the nominating committee for Directors of their interest.
- The nominating committee for Directors will advise the Club of their nominees for election to the Board at the last regular meeting of the Club during October of that year.
- Nominations for election of Directors from members of the Club may be made to the Secretary of the Club at any time prior to the close of nominations. Nominations shall close at 12:00 noon on the day of the second regular meeting of the Club in November of that year.
Joe Fras introduced Heidi and Kimball Lacey as new members (see article following).
Madeleine King and Barb Young presented a plaque from the Rotary Club of Quetzaltemangu, Guatemala to Fire Chief Steve Duckworth in recognition of donation of “Ferdinand the Fire Truck”.
Presentation with Guatemala club's photo of the fire truck arriving in their country Photo taken during COVID when fire truck was donated to our club
The October 2025 edition of the Rotary Employment Partnership E-Blast was on all tables reminding us that October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. Benjamin’s role as a part time porter with the Calgary Stampede is highlighted – connection having been made through our club. Members were reminded that our role is to think of any business or organization we know that might provide employment to one of these deserving clients.
A QR card was also present on each table to get tickets for “Rotary Remembers” Nov 11, 2025 at the Carriage House. It is an outstanding annual tradition, and members are encouraged to attend. Reservations close Oct 30, 2025.
Opportunity to participate in the Rotaract Mentorship Program close the end of the week. Interested members were asked to contact President Bill.
Guest Speaker, Sharmin Suraini, with Calgary Economic Development spoke on “Building Calgary’s Adaptive Workforce”.
Sharmin Suraini, with Calgary Economic Development presenting
The interactive session focused on 4 areas. This includes a diverse group of talented people in business and innovation related to: agriculture, aerospace & defense, life sciences, energy, transportation, digital media & entertainment and entrepreneur technology.
An additional 180,000 new jobs in Calgary are projected by 2034.
The goal is to ensure that Calgary has a robust skilled workforce as "talent attracts investment". Learning from the unsuccessful attempt to attract Amazon headquarters will facilitate future growth in Calgary which has the highest proportion of working age population among Canadian cities.
The future is bright presently with a 14% increased growth in the technology area per year. Partners such as Bow Valley College are important contributors to this development. Scaling up activities requires involvement of Calgary Economic Development with many Calgary agencies and programs. Stay tuned for an announcement in November related to opportunities for youth aged 15-24.
The following question and answer session was discussion including connecting across borders, linking business and academic institutions with future job opportunities, attracting investment and the potential impact of artificial intelligence.
Sharmin Suraini was thanked by Roy Boettger.
Rob Brookwell had the winning ticket for the 50/50 draw but, alas, could not find the correct marble. Chocolates may not be a suitable alternative to a big win - with the odds better next week.
President Bill reminded all of the importance of being at the Club assembly Tuesday October 28, 2025 where topics will include presentations from the Foundations Committee and Membership Committee.
PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND THIS IMPORTANT MEETING – October 28.
