October 7, 2003

NEXT MEETING, OCTOBER 13…we’ll hear from David Willson, Director of Bands at Ole Miss.

LAST MEETING, OCTOBER 6... Steve Browning, with Mississippians for Economic Progress, told us about his organization, which is a coalition of associations, businesses and individuals who share an interest in civil justice (tort) reform. The mission of his organization, which numbers more than 200 businesses and associations as well as over 250 individuals, is to promote a fair legal system. Steve pointed out that Mississippi has recently received a lot of unfavorable publicity identifying it as one of the worst places in the country to do business. Among other things, that makes economic development extremely difficult and is a negative for all of those who do business in the state. He said that the recent special session of the Legislature and the two bills they passed is a great first step towards comprehensive tort reform. Thanks to Program Chairman Bill Allison for arranging this program.

WHAT GOES AROUND, ETC… We’re proud to learn that Wally Conerly, former president of our club, is being honored later this month by the Andrew Jackson Council of the Boy Scouts as its 2003 Distinguished Citizen of the Year. Wally is being justly honored for his long-time contributions to medicine and his administrative service to the state and to the University Medical Center. An interesting association: did you know that the Andrew Jackson Council was founded in 1917 by the Rotary Club of Jackson? Thanks to Chuck Staten for pointing this out.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… With six new members this year and several waiting to be introduced, we are off to a good start in our membership development this year. Please contact Harry Walker, membership development chairman; Louis Watson, Jr., classification chairman; or Bill Dawson, if you have questions or need information about proposing a new member. Our Cog Club under Ann Neal's direction is doing a good job of helping to assimilate our new members into the club. Be sure to introduce yourself to them as they greet you each Monday. Haden

UPCOMING PROGRAMS… Here’s what Program Chairman Bill Allison has lined up for coming weeks. Plan your calendar accordingly:
• October 13: David Willson, Director of Bands, Ole Miss
• October 20: Ray Mabus, former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
• October 27: Dr. Dan Jones, Vice Chancellor, UMC
• November 3: Dr. Pat Jordan, Southern Regional Research Center
• November 10: NO MEETING, Veterans’ Day
• November 17: Rod Barnes, Ole Miss Basketball Coach
• November 24: Congressman Chip Pickering