Rotary President Keith Bullock called the meeting to order and introduced this year’s theme, Make Dreams Real. Members were greeted by Phil Phillips and Brian Bell. Jack Nobles offered the prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Bob Hart was Sunshine. Bob introduced military guests, visitors and visiting Rotarians along with moments of Sunshine. Membership sang Happy Birthday to those who had birthdays this week.
President Keith called on Grover Robinson, III to introduce the guest speaker, Robert McLaughlin, our new County Administrator. Grover’s introduction included Mr. McLaughlin’s past work experience which showed his transition into the new position.
Mr. McLaughlin began by announcing his vision to make Escambia County the “best county in the State of Florida”. He explained steps of what areas were being focused to make this happen, i.e. customer service, accountability and to restore public trust and confidence for all. He furthered explained that it was mandatory that all employees would attend customer service training and through fiscal accountability he would both maintain and enhance infrastructure. Mr. McLaughlin has engaged the principles of the Governor’s Sterling Award/Malcolm Baldridge Award‘s standard as the models to follow. Specifics mentioned were: reorganization of 16 departments into 6 bureaus; budget reduction including putting key people in the right place; engaging Quint Studer’s Leadership Evaluation Model as a performance measurer and strengthening communications. Mr. McLaughlin closed by fielding questions.
President Keith thanked Mr. McLaughlin and those members who greeted and helped make today’s program possible. In closing, President Keith stated this year’s theme, Make Dreams Real.
There may be new members in the offing. Evon Emerson squired Wachovia Bank head Martin Small at a recent session, and there have been others.
Tom Owens and his son have joined the ranks of Chicago Cubs fans. Their recent trip to the Windy City including seeing games between Cubs and White Sox.
Didja see the big spread the local press gave to Dale Knee? Quite a tale.
John Clark’s Meals on Wheels Program is facing volunteer problems now that gasoline prices have soared. The program aids more than 400 people a day.
President Ellis may not have been in the kitchen but his first meeting provided some of the best – and varied – food the club’s enjoyed in quite awhile.
Bill Dollarhide has signed on for a two year term as Symphony President…and Teri Levin has been made an orchestra board member.
When the Reunion Band played July 3rd in Seville Square, Ed Nickinson was there, strumming his guitar and belting out mod tunes.
Betty Roberts did an excellent job in her TV pitch for blood. The bank and TV-3 co-sponsored a drive day.
Word is that Art Hufford and Bobby Kahn went through their surgeries well.
With the Baptist Health Care – West Florida Hospital deal now public, the club roster of interested members who are involved: Al Stubblefield, Jerry Maygarden, Sherry Hartnett, Gary Embry, Pam Bilbrey and Paul Young. Others are current and past board members of the two hospitals.
Congrats to Al Coby on his selection as interim city manager.
Tony Neuner – July 8 – Baton Rouge, LA – 6 years
Carl Mertins Jr. – July 10 – Pensacola, FL – 35 years
Jean Norman – July 12 – Raleigh, NC –17 years
MEMBERSHIP PROPOSAL:
A native of Puerto Rico, Greg Guzman is currently Director of Outreach for WUWF-FM (88.1) for primary and secondary schools, bringing news, music and fun to students. He is also a radio show host for WUWF, with his “Blues Plate Special” program. Greg has been active with youth, serving as a baseball coach for North Pensacola Optimist. He is a native Spanish speaker and a musician—if inducted, could he be the youngest member of the Rooters? Greg is also a former Rotarian (2000-2003) with Suburban West.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Northwest Florida Blood Services is offering Save Our Summer College Scholarships for students who set up new blood drives by August 15. There will be six $1000 scholarships and six $500 scholarships awarded to students who meet the criteria. Check http://www.nfbcblood.org for details or call Alison Mooneyham Lacour at 473-3853.