Friday, March 30, 2007 - UTM Rodeo Update Gary Roach

UTM Rodeo Update from Booster Gary Roach

      Today, Union City Rotarians welcome back one of their former members—former Goodyear plant manager Gary Roach—who will update us on plans for the 39th UTM Intercollegiate Rodeo, coming up 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.  Two weeks ago, the UTM men finished fourth at Mississippi State’s rodeo while the UTM women claimed a second-place finish.  The UTM cowgirls were led by Lauren Glasco and Adrienne Vought.
    Thanks Gary for your work helping promote the UTM Rodeo program and welcome home!

Airport Improvements to be Discussed

     Next  week, Rotarians will here from Jo Ann Spear and Ron Cooper concerning proposed improvements to Everett Stewart Airport. 
     Jo Ann is the fixed-base operator at Everett Stewart while Ron, owner of Southern Machinery Repair, an industrial company located at the airport, is a member of the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission—having been appointment by Governor Phil Bredesen.
     The major improvement plans to the airport, which Weakley County has agreed to help pay to operate, include the expansion of the runway from the current 5,000 feet to 6,500 feet and to have the facility declared a “regional service” airport.  Another $4.78 million will be used to build an access road from State Route 22—connecting the airport to the four-lane.  Other improvements are planned to the facility’s electrical and taxi-way systems as well as the construction of more hangars.
     Join us for a most informative meeting next Friday!

Pat Fligor Tells Rotarians About Retail Recruitment

     Last week, Rotarians heard from Pat Fligor, Business Development Director for the Obion County Joint Economic Development Council and the Obion County Chamber of Commerce, on efforts to bring more retail businesses to Obion County and ongoing efforts to retain Three-Star certification  through the state.
     Pat came to Obion County last fall, bringing thirty years of business experience with her. 
     Last week’s meeting started with another sizzling roast of a new Rotarian by Mike Cox.  Last week’s target was Phillip Creswell.
     By the way, we do welcome our many new members who will be officially welcomed into the family of Rotary today by Past District Governor Glen Vanderford, of Jackson.
     Before coming to Obion County eight months ago, Pat worked as an economic development specialist, independent business counselor and realtor.
     She spoke of the need for Obion County to continue showing its readiness for economic development by being recertified as a Three Star Community.
     She also spoke about ongoing efforts to identify and communicate with potential retail recruits. 
     “We need to go with a more ‘rifle’ approach and identify those retail chains we want and need,” Pat said. “We also need to go into the process from their point of view.  They’re looking a supply and demand issues as well as primary trade area demographics, lifestyles, traffic counts, population centers and community unity.”
     Pat concluded her talk by citing the importance of Obion County’s participation
in the annual International Council on Shopping Centers convention, coming up in late May.  She called it a time for local officials to meet with would-be retail representatives and hopefully start a long-standing relationship that will be fruitful for both sides.

Coming Attractions

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

3/30      Barry Keathley
4/3        Bentley Beard
4/3        Steve Vaughn

Happy Anniversary

4/4       Howard and Billie Ragsdale

Rodeo Facts & Quips

Bull Riding Equipment:  protective vest, rosin, glove, bull rope, boots, cowboy hat, flankstrap, chaps, spurs and athletic cup

Most Common Rodeo Injuries:  concussion, shoulder tear, and groin injury

Never slap a man who’s chewin’ tobacco

Scoring:  The highest total score possible for a bullride is 100 points—half of that total is based on the performance of the bull and how difficult the ride is.  The other half of the score is determined by the rider’s ability to match the bull’s moves.

Winner: the overall event winner is the bull rider with the highest three-ride total score.

Always drink upstream from the herd.

There are two theories for arguing with a woman—and neither one works.

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