June 15, 2004

NEXT MEETING, JUNE 21… our speaker will be Walt Grayson, with WLBT television.

LAST MEETING, JUNE 14… Andy Bourland, with the Mississippi Gaming Association, gave us some insight into the gaming industry in Mississippi. Only ten years old, the industry ranks third in the nation in revenues now, behind only Nevada and New Jersey. The reason, Andy says, is that this was done in the right way – with a firm but fair regulatory climate, a pro-business stance, and free-market licensing. The industry employs 40,000 people state-wide, and contributes $320 million to the state in direct taxes, and a half-billion in direct and indirect. The tax rate is 12%, taken from gross revenues. Andy also talked about home-grown leadership in the industry, about the question of state colleges teaching gaming management, and about the use of Mississippi and minority vendors in the industry. Thanks to Bill Allison for arranging and introducing this program.

STATED YOUR COMMITTEE PREFERENCE YET? If not, there’s still time (although just barely!). Dig out that sheet, or look at the committees on the back of this Rotagram, and let us know which you want to serve on. You can phone the Rotary office (352-8500) and leave your message on the voice mail. Do it now!

AND DON’T FORGET THOSE DUES… which are due on July 1. Why wait? Pay them now you won’t have to worry about forgetting (or about the pesky ten-buck fine for being late!). It’ll also make the Rotary office staff very happy.

THE ROTARY SPOTLIGHT… at our last meeting shone on John Laws, of Laws Construction. Directing the spotlight focus was Ann McKee. Congratulations, John!

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS… has approved the following new member proposal. If no objections are received within seven days, he will be introduced to the club as a new member:
•Jonathan Lee, President, Mississippi Products (and son of recently deceased member of our club, John Lee). Jonathan was proposed by Gloria Johnson.
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PRESIDENT’S CORNER…Congratulations to Barbara Dorr on the beautification project at Isable Elementary School. We had an ample workforce for the job, and the entrance to the school that was previously barren is now lined with boxwoods and has a nice flowerbed between the sidewalks. Thanks to all the Rotarians who assisted. Also, we just completed the annual joint board meeting of our club, and you have a lot to look forward to with President Danny and the incoming board.– Haden