This Week at Rotary
We Meet at Noon on Thursday
October 14, 2021
HOLIDAY CENTER BALLROOM
(Also Via Zoom)
Plated Meal Served
(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)
Mary Tennis, Executive Director
St. Louis County Heritage and Arts Center
Jessica Lind Peterson, Development Director
Depot Foundation
The Depot Foundation and the Depot
A Legacy of Support
The St. Louis County Depot is much more than a beautiful building. It is a center for story. A pillar of artistic expression. A walk back in time. A glimpse of the future. Join Mary Tennis and Jessica Lind Peterson as they walk you through the history of the unique partnership between The Depot Foundation and The Depot, and share their exciting vision for the future.
Highlights from Last Week’s Meeting
By Al Makynen
Before President Chana Stocke could ring the bell she had to arrange for more chairs. The crowd was overflowing. It was the place to be. Dave Fulda provided the Rotary Reflection to embrace change with optimism. As we found out with our Rose Sale this year, necessity in the mother of invention. First we lost our rose source, then because of a nimble response, we had a new vendor at a lower cost.
The 50-50 Gang, Jack Seiler, Gary Melander, Dave Fulda
The fellowship report had a cross-section of items. Past President Al Makynen placed $10 into the Golden Can in recognition of Captain James T. Kirk (Star Trek 1966) finally making it into space when William Shatner, age 90, will go up next week aboard the Blue Origin Rocket Ship. Bob Reichert was pleased to be back in person at Rotary after having received his COVID booster and having completed cancer treatment. Paul Helstrom was all a buzz about it being “Drive Electric Week” and having participated in an electric car rally with some really cool sports cars! Dick Swensen will need to write a check for the Golden Can in celebration of his 60th wedding anniversary to Cecile, commenting that since retirement she has always encouraged him to get out of the house to attend Rotary. Jon Ohman was not able to be present due to a COVID infection. He is doing well at home. President Chana Stocke stated the Club will continue its current COVID protocols of fewer people at each table, sanitizer and masks available at registration, and the use of Zoom. We had over ten members, guests, and our speaker, on Zoom.
Bob Reichert thankful to be back in person at Rotary
Dick Swenson celebrating 60 years of marriage
Another milestone on the return to normal was the restart of the Junior Rotarian Program. Noah Holland, a new member to the club and a brand new Chair of the Committee brought forward three Junior Rotarians and their liaisons. Tom Young introduced Sophia Swanson from Proctor High School, Jena Evans introduced Ilee Smith from East, and President-Elect Barb Perrella introduced Annabelle Soderberg from Denfeld High School. All of the students are extremely active in their schools. A comment was made that it was a wonder they were able to find time to attend class! When these students are at your table, make sure to engage them in conversation especially if there is a vocational match!
Jena Evans with Junior Rotarians Sophia Swanson, Annabell Soderberg, Ilee Smith with Noah Holland
Renee Mattson, Chair of the Day, introduced our speaker Matt Baumgartner, President of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. Matt is a native of Duluth, with an MBA, and 90 days on the job leading an organization with a 150-year legacy. Being from Duluth and having a family (including an identical twin) and lifetime friends – he has a lot of sidewalk superintendents advising him of what the Chamber should be doing. And having been a general manager at a Grandma’s restaurant, he knows how to manage a business with stagnant revenues or explosive growth. The Duluth Chamber is “fully built out” with a variety of programs developed, in place and successful, with over 40% of the area businesses as members (25% is a national standard) and alternative revenues greater than dues.
Duluth is a revitalized industrial city. The Chamber is focused on creating an even better community with a focus on workforce development, increased housing, and access to childcare. Initiatives are tied to responsible taxation, responsible economic development, and an improved construction permitting process. To accomplish its goals, the Chamber meets weekly with the City Council President. Staring soon is an expanded construction task force comprised of city staff, Chamber staff, and local design professionals. Matt Baumgartner is an energetic addition to the Chamber leadership team. He is a young father with an observation about his own children applicable to his new role. Children live in the moment. They are resilient and do not take no for an answer!