Newsletter
 
  August 31, 2006 Meeting

 
Opening
 
Chip Lile “President in Training” substituted for Ward Holmes (vacation) and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance of Allegiance.  Jan Measles read a motivational piece on boldness and action.

Guests
 
Guest                                                    Representing                                                            Sponsor/Host
 
Jeff Dietch                                                                                                                                Burt Coleman
Joelle Riddle                                                                                                                             Pam Moore
Kimberly Bartel                                    United Way                                                                  Tim Walsworth
Joseph Laurent                                     Exchange Student/France                                              Justin Osborne
(He said a few kind words and said he likes his Host family – the Osborne’s)
 
Visiting Rotarians
 
Eric Christensen                                                                                                                        Burt Coleman
Loryn Kasten                                       DMR                                                                           Jen Simon
Earl Barker                                                                                                                               Jeannie Wheeldon
 

Announcements
 
Tim Matheson asked anyone interested in running for the School District Board, District A, to run (since Joel Jones moved out of that district).
 
Tim Walsworth announced the United Way Radio-Thon on September 8th.  He had promotional posters available (printed at no charge by Nancy Hammond – drew applause for Nancy).
 
Pam Moore reminded all that the Highway Trash Pick-Up day is Saturday, September 9th at 9 AM at the top of the hill by Durango West II.  Rotarians can meet at the Subway at 8 AM.   Remember to bring gloves, sunscreen, a hat and water!
 
Chip encouraged all to attend the District conference September 22-24 in Grand Junction.  The easiest way to register is on the District 5470 website:  $150 registration and $100 rooms.
 
Rick Routh announced that next week’s program is Paul Taber and that programs are booked through January.  If Rotarians have any ideas for programs, please them along to Rick.
 
Sgt. at Arms
 
Chandler Jackson was late so Mark Prouty took over.  Mark Donahue was fined for being in the paper and Scott Mathis was fined because he didn’t participate in the emergency preparedness drill at the Airport on Saturday and his wife did.  Mark Dold was given a break from fines because of the Labor Day motorcycle activities.  Mike Burns was fined for not showing up by 11:45 AM for the greeting table.  Member Birthdays included Nancy Hammond, Howard Poe, and Ellen Roberts.  Wedding anniversaries for Moni Bjorlin, Peter Marshall and Dan Morgenstern were noted as were Club Anniversaries for Angie Beach (3 yrs) and Norm Freemyer (19 yrs).  Chip presented Phil Bryson with his Paul Harris medallion and certificate (he was unable to attend last week) and recognized Frank Valen with his second Paul Harris pin.  We had a “whoops” at the meeting – no call for Happy Dollars!
 
Red Badge to Blue Badge
 
Jill presented a blue badge to Moni Bjorlin (Chandler Jackson Sponsored) and to Ted Weirather (Ted Robson sponsored– a comment was made about Big Ted and Little Ted and Ted W. was a good sport going through the process as he is a former District Lt. Gov).
 
Induction
 
Jennifer Simon presented Loryn Kasten as the newest Rotarian.  Loryn lives only two doors down from Jill Wark and is the Marketing/Communications Manager at Durango Mountain Resort.  She had researched the Club on the website before approaching Jen about joining.  She will make a great Rotarian and knows the Red Ball fundraiser through her work at DMR.  She’s a native to Colorado and has been in Durango 3 years.  Chip went through the induction ceremony and Loryn was welcomed with a round of applause.
 
Program
 
Rick Routh introduced Rod Barker, representing the Business Improvement District (BID) for Bob Kunkle who was unable to make it due to hernia surgery.  Rod gave the history of BID (formed 1997) and its 5 areas of focus for the downtown area:
 

  1. Further the conference center concept
  2. Create a strategic vision for the City
  3. Implement a strategic plan
  4. Communications plan (currently implemented a newsletter and website:  www.downtowndurango.org)
  5. Business Development & Branded Image plan (new logo has been introduced and uses some ties to the railroad).

 
BID capital improvement accomplishments include barriers used at Snowdown, concert staging, event tents, a kiosk (partnership with the Chamber and Fort Lewis College – next to Durango Coffee Company), and a new office on the 2nd floor, Bank of Colorado.
 
Rod made a “pitch” for the new conference center ($10 million investment) by building a strong coalition of supporters.  They also need an updated feasibility study, and he touted support of numerous special events BID was involved in. 
 
A short Q&A followed.
 
Closing
 
Here’s Bud" – This week Bud made a few comments about diverse ages and then told a tale about the New Orleans Saints.  
Chip wished everyone a great weekend and week and rang the bell to release us.
 
 
Respectfully Submitted,
 
Judy Heasley