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Conventions Bring Big $$$$
to the County

King Louie I started the meeting precisely at 12:30 PM. Punctuality Plus!

Pledge: Ed Burr

The Rotary Moment: Fred Zmarzly

Visiting Rotarians: Carston Mitchell

Announcements:

King Louie thanked the various members of the Club doing various tasks, i.e. bulletin, photos, etc.

John Meislahn, Crab Feed Chairman: John mentioned that he went to the Downtown Rotary Concourse Dinner. He spoke well of the event. He’s working on Crab Feed flyers and should have them by the 29th. John mentioned that he’s looking for silent auction items. Anything is OK for consideration. He mentioned that the Downtown club had a house in France that went for about $2,000 at their recent Concourse del a glance. Next meeting October 7th, 7 am at the Los Robles.

David McDonald, Community Service Director:

David rose to talk about the Dictionary program. First meeting Wednesday 17th at his office that is at the Waterfall Towers. Information can be obtained from David.

Gail Johnson, Exchange Student Program Chair (and Counselor) Gail took to the podium to deliver one of the most enthusiastic and inspiring informational presentations on the District Student Exchange Program that this Bulletin Reporter (and Editor!) have yet to hear. Gail told us about most current student, Sarah, who has come to us from France. Gail mentioned that she was reluctant initially when she was first proposed as a parent (host family), but has come to love the experience and the program. She is now a strong advocate of the Exchange Program, and if you heard her presentation yesterday you could tell that it comes straight from the heart.

So! If you even think that you have an interest in being a host family in the program, contact Gail. The experience will be incredibly rewarding, and you will be creating one of those Rotary Bridges of Peace and Understanding that are so important and needed in the world today.

Susan Nowacki, already seated at the podium to introduce today’s speaker, then related to us the personal experiences that she has already had as the first host family for Sarah. It was obvious that Susan shares the same enthusiasm for this program. Sarah is currently residing with Susan and her husband Dean, and will be with them through December 31st, but alas! At that point she will need a new home from Jan through June, or at the very least, from January through March and then another host family from April through June 30th. Sarah is a cross-country runner. Her father is an attorney in France. Susan is learning French from Sarah. This past weekend Sarah ran in the junior division of a cross-country race and came in 6th out of 150 participants in the race! Congratulations, Sarah!! Again, please call Susan or Gail if you can help out with housing Sarah!

Ginny Pitts told us she didn’t know anything about next week’s Bartley BBQ. The event will be at her home. Be there by 3 PM to set-up and have fun. The regular meeting that day will not take place. SO!!! If you cannot make the Bartley BBQ, you should do a make-up.

September 29th is the day District Governor Norm Owen will be here. A Board of Directors meeting will take place at 10 am that day prior to the regular meeting. And a special reminder to Board Members, The evening before, Sunday September 28th is the dinner at which President Louis and our Board of Directors and their spouses (if they wish to attend) honors District Governor Norm. The dinner will be at the Wild Oak Saddle Club and the cost is $37.50 Board Member and or spouse who attend). If you will be attending the evening dinner, please contact Bob Marigo.

The Association of Sonoma County Rotary Clubs meeting will be Thursday, September 25th. The meeting will be at 5 PM at Kevin’s Restaurant on the Old Redwood Highway. Let Janet know if you want to attend. She can give you the details.

Ed Burr, our newest (old) member rose to do his craft talk. Ed rehashed his history. King Louie mentioned that he will surprise older members from time to time for a quick Craft Talk. Newer members don’t know who the heck the old dudes are. Louie doesn’t figure people should have to prepare to talk about themselves; if they don’t know that stuff. Fining:

Bob Marigo: Bob complained that he pays ahead. King Louie mentioned that Bob is behind the recall effort to recall King Louie. Bob pleaded guilty. Louie gave Bob the club’s $4,000 contribution to SOS. Bob fined $10. (We don’t really know if he paid it!)

Ken Kushnir: King Louie asked how big Arnold Schwarzenegger is. Arnold is older and shorter than Ken. Ken had his picture taken with Aaaaanold. $20. Ken said not to call on him again. Louie indicated that he won’t call on Ken again - this month, at least.

Doug Dilly: Doug has been doing some traveling. Doug hasn’t been here since Louie’s first meeting. King Louie indicated that Doug is needed in the Club and that would cost him $25 today. Louie indicated that he has all kinds of things stored up regarding Doug and that more would be coming.

Ginny Pitts:
Louie gave Ginny a check for the Veteran's Day Luncheon, November 6th. Louie asked Ginny who the speakers are for the meeting. Ginny couldn’t remember. No fine.

President Louie recognized Marv “Moneybags” Hymen for his outstanding Hawaiian shirt – no fine, he then recognized Ron Street for his outstanding knock-off of Marv’s shirt. (should have been $50!)

Gary Bayless: Gary went to the Downtown Club dinner last Saturday night. On Sunday he was one of the judges for the Concours D’elegance event of the club. $10.

Raffle:

Worth $350, 21 marbles.

John Palmer drew the right ticket.....Reached in the bag for a black marble....It wasn’t black.

Ann Abrams got the wine.

Program:

Susan Nowacki introduced Paula Higgins and Director of Marketing Debi Dobley of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) of Santa Rosa. The CVB is a division of the Chamber of Commerce.

Former proprietor/owner of The Los Robles Lodge and long time friend of The Rotary Club of Santa Rosa West, Claus Newman, accompanied Paula and Debi today to contribute to the presentation on behalf of the CVB. All three of our speakers were here to discuss the economic impact of the business traveler to the Santa Rosa and Sonoma County economies.

Statistical information flyers were distributed to the tables and the Local Host Program was discussed. This program promotes the recommendation, by our community residents, of Santa Rosa as a destination for convention business. The program stressed the importance of the convention business to the local economy and the impact that these generated dollars can have on the growth and maintenance of our community. Santa Rosa can handle conventions of about 600 people, who would stay at various hotels in Santa Rosa and throughout the county. Some of the points brought up in the presentation:

• Business and pleasure travelers brought $57 million into the local economy in 2001.
• The CVB is inviting local individuals to invite their national organizations to visit Santa Rosa and bring their conventions to Santa Rosa.
• Local Host Program Awards book is available that can be used to stimulate interest in the convention development program.

Claus Newman spoke about the occupancy tax and how important it is to the local economy. Conventions, seminars, and meetings, are attended by persons who spend a significant amount of money in our county. He specifically mentioned physicians, attorneys and sports oriented conventions. The hotel business, he says, is really an export business in that they attract people from out of town to come here and spend. And while visitors to our area typically don’t use many of our services, they do however leave substantial funds in the economy. The convention business benefits many businesses in Santa Rosa, not just the hotels and restaurants.

President Louis concluded the meeting with a reminder to attend the upcoming Bartley Barbecue. We are all looking forward to that next week! See you there!

Your Bulletin Reporter: Bob “Rasputin” Harris		Your Bulletin Editor, Jim Valinoti

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Changes or comments?

Contact Jim Valinoti at valinoti@sonic.net or (707) 829-2300.

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