The regular meeting of the Pensacola Rotary Club took place on Tuesday, January 15, 2008. President Jerry Maygarden called the meeting to order. R P Doyle gave the prayer and led the members in the pledge of allegiance. Sally Fox gave us Sunshine, welcomed guests and saluted those who were celebrating birthdays. Members were greeted by Mark Hannan and sold tickets by John Clark. Birthdays were celebrated by all.
President Maygarden reminded that Ed Ranelli had forms to receive nominations for the Business and Ethics Award Luncheon to be held on April 5 on Monday. Nomination forms would also be available at the entrance desk. The Board of Directors meeting will be January 24 at 7:30am at Baptist Medical Towers. John Clark won the drawing.
President Maygarden announced that Pat Goner would be attending Rotary North and expressed how he would be missed by members.
Paul Young introduced the Speaker of the House of Representative, State of Florida Marco Rubio. Speaker Rubio has served in the house for 6 years and is the first Hispanic speaker. He is a child of parents who were Cuban exiles. He thanked President Jerry as being an early mentor for his career.
Speaker Rubio expressed his overview of the State and what his concerns are. His overview of what is happening in the state include: Our economic growth- it is stagnated by lower paying jobs, i.e. service and tourist; cost of living is a problem due to high costs; property taxes are too high; we are not addressing fuel and energy issues; and the property tax amendment that is on the ballot January 29.
He further suggested his plan to address some of these values: He believes businesses must diversify. We must diversify and attract businesses we do not have. We must explore opportunities to determine costs savings for citizens. He called for property tax reform, reform education; do something about healthcare; address energy and provide equal opportunity to everyone. He challenged everyone to be proactive and do the things to promote families; improve the care and education of children. He encouraged everyone to live their life in a way to leave this life better than the way we have it.
President Maygarden thanked Marco for the resounding talk. He wished Pat Groner well and members stood and applauded Pat for his membership in the club that began on Nov 1, 1950. All who participated were thanked. Next week’s program will continue with hospital and health topics.
Congrats to John Tice who’s now become a bank board member.
Collier Merrill’s been busy. He’s been renamed to a key role at UWF, and was part of the welcoming party when Presidential hopeful Giuliani visited the area.
David Stafford has his pre-election mechanics at work again, a nice convenience for many.
As the Bulletin was prepared Sam Goldenberg was still much under the doctor’s care. His problem is unique and was a real hazard, but he’s happy to get a phone call.
See where John Cavanaugh and Company are devising a multi-million dollar fish tank for the upcoming aquarium at Maritime Park.
John Fleming’s new book called Thinking Places is off the press.
Gerry Hoewing and his new marketing team (which includes Ellis Bullock) are devising a new game for kids who visit the aviation museum.
Dale Knee and Hospice have celebrated their silver anniversary.
Roger Enzor’s been named to a State Realtors Board by Gov. Christ.
George Biggs: January 23, Pensacola, FL – in Rotary for 9 years
Al Coby: January 23, Muskogee, OK – in Rotary for 19 years
Ron Jackson: January 23, Marianna, FL – in Rotary for 8 years
Thomas Westbrook: January 24, New York, NY – in Rotary for 10 years
David Aronson: January 26, Forest Hills, NY – in Rotary for 34 years
Fred Braden: January 27, Huntington, WV – in Rotary for 10 years
Ron Martin: January 27, Pensacola, FL - in Rotary for 8 years
Roger MacDonald: January 29, Milwaukee, WI - in Rotary for 35 years
The Ethics in Business Award will be presented on Monday, May 5, 2008 at our Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola luncheon at New World Landing. If you would like to nominate an individual from the public/non-profit sector or from the private sector, please pick up a nomination form at Tuesday’s meeting. All nominations must be received by April 4, 2008.