September 30, 2003

NEXT MEETING, OCTOBER 6…we’ll hear from Steve Browning, with Mississippians for Economic Progress.

LAST MEETING, SEPTEMBER 29... the Mayor of Jackson, Harvey Johnson, brought us up to date on goings-on in our city. A lot of those things are very good: the new city budget calls for a decrease in spending, but an increase in the pay for police and fire personnel, as well as an increase in their number. The Mayor mentioned that he has three proposals for the King Edward Hotel, and that plans for the new Parkway and for various downtown buildings are exciting. (He stressed the need for a Convention Center for the city, however.) The work on High Street is complete, and work on other gateways to the city is continuing. He emphasized his commitment to continue taking positive steps to fight crime. And he wound up his talk by saying, “with all of us working together, we can reach our destination, and our city can be the best of the New South.” Thanks to Leroy Walker for arranging and introducing this program.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBER… number six of this Rotary year. Introduced to the club at the September 29 meeting was…
• Jill Beneke, President and CEO, Pileum Corporation. Jill was introduced by her proposer, Henry Holman.

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS… has approved the following new member proposals. If no objections are received within seven days, they will be introduced to the club as new members:
• Mike Stevens, Vice President, Baptist Health Systems. Mike was proposed by Lee Paris.
• Buddy Parham, President, Parham Group. Buddy was proposed by Jack Spradling.

YOUR (NEARLY) LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR GOLF… The “big boys” may be at Annandale next week, but the most fun will probably be at the Country Club of Jackson on Tuesday, October 14, where our Tournament will be held. Call Chairman Joel Bobo at 948-0940 and get your name on the list.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… As we head into fall and winter, please keep two of my goals for this Rotary year in mind. One is becoming a Paul Harris Sustaining Fellow--$100 per year--even if you are already a Paul Harris Fellow. The other is our Mentor Scholarship program. While we ask that all members buy two $100 tickets, I challenge you to consider remembering this program in your end of the year charitable giving. These tickets are tax deductible, and any amount over the $200 gets us closer to offering additional scholarships for local youth who are mentored by our own members. – Haden