January 25, 2005

NEXT MEETING, JANUARY 31… Robert Garrity of the FBI will be our speaker.

LAST MEETING, JANUARY 24… Charlie Williams, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, brought us up to date on the Barbour administration. He spoke of establishing tort reform, advances in economic development, and success in keeping taxes low. Charlie noted that 2004 saw a net increase of 10,000 jobs in the state, reversing a longtime trend. Future plans include upgrading state departments, working with civic leaders in establishing and maintaining positive momentum, and streamlining government to save on budget expenditures and avoid tax increases. Thanks to Bill Allison for arranging and introducing this program.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBER… number nineteen of this Rotary year. Introduced to the club on January 10 was…
•Buddy Graves, Executive Director, American Cancer Society. Buddy was introduced by his proposer, Rick Fountain.

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS…has approved the following membership proposals. If no objections are received within seven days, they will be introduced as new members:
•Steve DeSalvo, General Manager, Mississippi Braves. Steve was proposed by Mary Fortune.
•Eddie Fair, Business Owner. Eddie was proposed by Christopher Klotz.

REMINDER… the Sweetheart Banquet is Thursday, February 3, 6 pm at the Country Club of Jackson. Make SURE you have reservations!

THE ROTARY SPOTLIGHT… last meeting recognized Kenny Griffis. Honors were performed by Heber Simmons III. Congrats, Kenny.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… One of my biggest challenges as president of our club is that there doesn’t seem to be enough time at our meetings each week or in this weekly newsletter to communicate everything of importance. Several of our members reminded me that this is the sign of a vibrant and enthusiastic club. I believe that they are right and it’s great to be a part of such a generous group. Last week’s mid-year club assembly helped your club leaders to re-focus on the important goals that have been established for this Rotary year. One that is upon us at this time is our raffle ticket sales, which funds our Mentor Scholarship program. If everyone in our club purchased 2 tickets (100% participation), we would be able to fund 6 or 7 scholarships each year. If you are not sure about your ticket purchase status, check with Jennifer Hall or Bill Dawson. Thanks to Rick Fountain for introducing another new member, Buddy Graves. Please join me in welcoming him to our club. Yours In Rotary, Danny