Rotary Club of Jackson, MS

R O T A G R A M

FEBRUARY 6, 2012

NEXT MEETING FEBRUARY 12TH … Hu Meena, CEO C-Spire Wireless

TODAY’S MEETING… Bill Latham, Chairman and President of the State Restaurant

Association of MS, told the club that there are more than 4,000 restaurants in Mississippi, with 80,000 employees, paying $250 million in sales tax. Their greatest competitor is the local grocery story because once somebody decides to buy groceries, they are not going out to eat. The failure rate is low when compared with other entrepreneurs. Latham currently co-owns with his partner Al Roberts, Babalus and Table 100 Restaurants and the Five Guys Hamburger Franchise for Mississippi along with other restaurants across the Southeast. Thanks to Mark Fields, Viking Investments for introducing the program.

HEAD TABLE… sitting at the head table today were: Rodney Chamblee, The Chamblee Company, joined Rotary in March 2000 and is a member of the Program Committee; Vaiden Clark, M & F Bank, joined Rotary in June 2011 and is a member of the COG and Golf Committies; Harvey Little, Harvey Little Associates joined Rotary in September 2008 and is a member of the Christmas Nursing Homes and the Rotarfest Committees.

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS…has approved the following membership proposal. If no objections are received within seven days, she will be introduced as a new member:

Bridgett Kellum-Moore (Bridgett)

Executive Director – Clean Water for Malawi

Proposed Classification – Associations

Proposed by: Victor Smith

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS… Carolyn Meyers, President – Jackson State University, proposed by Tony Mawson; Tyler Harrison, Project Manager with Brasfield and Gorrie General Contractors, proposed by Jamie Chustz; and Brian Anderson, President – Tenax Aviation Holdings, proposed by Tom Johnson.

ROTARY DUES STATEMENTS…. we still have about 50 members who have not paid their dues. Dues are now past due and a $5 late fee should be added to your payment.

ROTARY CLUB MIXER… Monday, February 27th 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Danny Williams with Woodridge Capital and incoming District Governor will be the featured business speaker. He will speak about 15 minutes and answer questions; It will be a great networking opportunity – free food – cash bar.

SPRING ROTARFEST BEING PLANNED…for Monday, April 23, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at the Heritage Building at the Ag Museum. The Rotarfest Committee led by Gib Ford and Richard Nickles are planning great food – shrimp and crawfish and all the trimmings – great fellowship and a great time to invite prospective members and spouses. No program and no extra cost to you! Save the date and plan to be there!

DISTRICT CONFERENCE SET… for April 20-21, 2012 at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama. All Officers and Board Members are encouraged to attend. A representative from Rotary International will attend and there will be informative sessions each day.

UPCOMING MEETINGS…

Feb 20 NO MEETING - PRESIDENT’S DAY HOLIDAY

Feb 27 Lee Lampton – ERGON

Mar 5 Rick Cleveland – Sports Writer – Clarion Ledger