Friday, March 23, 2007 - Pat Fligor reports on retail recruitment efforts

Pat Fligor on Retail Recruitment Efforts in OC

      Today, Union City Rotarians will hear from Pat Fligor, Obion County Business Development Director.  Pat’s job is to oversee business attraction and retention efforts for the Obion County Joint Economic Development Council and the Obion County Chamber of Commerce.  Pat is expected to announce that in recent months, Obion County has received inquiries from several nationally-known chains expressing an interest in locating here.
     Pat will also talk about why Obion County needs continued representation at the national retail recruitment convention in May and why Obion County needs to maintain its status as a Three-Star Community—denoting its economic preparedness. 
     As you know, the Three-Star Program is a road map to assist local communities in their efforts to achieve excellence in community and economic development. 
     Pat brings more than 30 years experience to her new position with Obion County.

Gary Roach Reports on Upcoming UTM Rodeo

     Next  week, Rotarians welcome back Gary Roach for an update on the upcoming UTM Intercollegiate Rodeo.  The former Rotarian and former Goodyear plant manager will report on the 39th edition of the UTM Rodeo, set for April 12-14 in the Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex.
     Last year, the UTM Men’s Rodeo team finished sixth in the national finals in Casper, Wyoming—the best finish for UTM under head coach John Luthi since 1998.  Gone from last year’s team is Jeff Fuehring, of Michigan.  He finished third in the nation in bareback riding.  Returning riders this year include Matt Bright of Loudon and Ty Atchison of Jackson, MO.
     Last week, the UTM men finished fourth in a rodeo at Mississippi State while the UTM women finished second, led by the riding of cowgirls Lauren Glasco and Adrienne Vought.
     We look forward to meeting with Gary Roach next week.

Ron Green with Boys & Girls Club Report, Youth Choir

     Last week, Rotarians welcomed fellow Rotarian Ron Green, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Tennessee.  Ron provided an update on the 700-plus member club, which operates out of the former Miles School.
     Prior to Ron’s talk, a short video presentation and a musical performance by an 11-member youth choir from the B&G Club, new Rotarian Matt Goodrich was roasted by Mike Cox.
     Ron Green started his program by showing a short video on the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide and showcasing members, who were “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”
     “When I get up every day,” Ron said, “I ask myself “what can I do to help these young people overcome huge odds and achieve any higher standards and potentials their lives may have in store for them’.”
     Ron was quick to thank Rotarians and many individuals who have helped make the B&G Club of NW Tennessee the huge success it has been so far.
     “Many of you in this room have helped them experience things they would have never been able to experience,” Ron said. “These young people have to know what they are capable of doing—they have to have a vision—they need that ‘push’ I spoke of last week.  We want them to grow up and become productive citizens who in turn give back to the community.”
     Ron told how he grew up in expecting to play professional baseball, only to learn that God had different plans for his life—landing in Union City as leader of the Boys and Girls Club.
     Thanks Ron for the great work you are doing in Union City!

Coming Attractions

4/6       Jo Ann Spears and Ron Cooper on Airport Improvements
4/13     Virginia Betts—TN Commissioner of Mental Health
4/19     (Thursday)—DSA Banquet featuring Jim Ellis
4/20     No Meeting Today
4/27     Rotary Relays and visit from Paul Tinkle of Thunderbolt  Broadcasting
5/4        Rotary Scholarship Program

Happy Birthdays

3/24      Mike Rinker 
3/28      John Paul Berry

Happy Anniversaries

3/24     Jim and Rosalee Thompson
3/28     Terry and Gwyn Petty

Pride

   A new movie, Pride, hits the big screen this weekend all across America, telling the story of Jim Ellis, who will be our Distinguished Speaker April 19.
   Coach Ellis is known for having built a nationally-famous inner-city swimming team in Philadelphia in 1973.  Many of his disadvantaged youth became nationally-accomplished swimmers.  His program has been copied by other major cities.
     Some of the stars appearing in the movie include Terrence Howard, Bernie Mac and Tom Arnold.
     Ellis’ story is testimony to the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform human life.  Coach Ellis teaches his swimmers more than how to compete in water—he gives them important life-changing lessons that prepare them for a better future.

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