Chris Miller, Adrian’s Economic Developer, again accepted our invitation to speak to the club and enlightened members about what he called a “new business plan competition” in the City of Adrian more specifically known as Upstart Adrian.
The idea for it, he said, began at a DDA board meeting actually a couple of years ago while discussing business growth in the downtown and the greater Adrian area. It was entrepreneurs, Chris said, during Adrian’s beginning that these people imagined how great it would be to have a railroad in the city. From that single vision, a railroad manufacturer located in Adrian and other business sprang up from that (i.e. fence manufacturer, cabinet company, etc.).
“Businesses literally drove the life of the community back then”, he said, ”and that helped fund the city and move it forward”. “But”, he continued, “that is not the case today”. It was at that time that the “buy local” marketing movement took hold Chris said, to “once again shore up our own economy locally”. The shift now is to have as positive an impact on our own community as we can to help counter the current outside influences we have to contend with.
That focus, Chris said, resulted in forming a separate board and developing a new website (www.upstart Adrian.org) for this group and to create a prize package worth $25,000 for aspiring entrepreneurs (18 years of age or older) no matter what business they might propose. Applications are now being accepted from anyone wishing to enter the competition up to March 10th. On April 11th all those who have submitted an application will make presentations on the business they wish to start and why they deserve to be selected to win the prize. Those presentations will be made at Dominican Hall’s Reuckert Auditorium on the SHU Campus. The prize winner selected will be announced several days later. The cash prize will be given to help start their business or expand an existing business in a significant way.
The business winner will also receive professional support (i.e. legal, accounting, marketing assistance) for up to one year at no charge. The Upstart Adrian group, Chris said, was out raising money and said that the Morning Club had given them $1,000. Thus far, they have raised $21,450 from 44 donors including two of the colleges in town and all four of banks in the area, service clubs and various businesses.
Chris closed by saying that there is also a local investment group who is working to attract businesses to the city. That body, thanks to Mike Olsaver Chris said, is called the Adrian Area Investment Accelerator Group and is open to anyone wishing to join. That group’s purpose is to specifically identify for people wishing to invest here of such opportunities. Their next meeting is March 1st at 6pm in the basement of the Adrian District Library.
UPDATES
Rotary Loses a Dear Friend & Member - Our club mourns the death of member Sandy Keener who passed away early this past week after losing her courageous battle with cancer. Sandy was the Executive Director of Lenawee County Mental Health since January 5, 2013. She was originally employed by LCMHA in the Family Support Services Program in 1984. She also served as Life Consultation Supervisor and the Developmental Disabilities Unit Director. Since March 2000 she had been the Clinical Director for the organization. She brought a wealth of personal and professional experience in behavioral and physical healthcare to her new position. She earned her nursing degree from Riverside White Cross School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio and received her Master’s in Social Work degree from University of Michigan. Sandra was married with two daughters and three grandchildren. We are all blessed to have known her.
What Would You Do? PSA Contest – Kathy Williams announced that WLEN Radio is teaming up with Lenawee Community Mental Health Association to run a PSA Contest. They are encouraging kids and groups to participate and the theme this year is “What Would You Do?” if you were exposed to tobacco, alcohol, physical or mental abuse? They want to build some conversations around these important questions between kids, their counselors, their parents, etc. and help them learn what resources are available in the event the may be experiencing any of these issues themselves or know others who are. More info is available on wlen.com. Kathy said she would be visiting area schools and talking with students about this.
Rotary Logo Shirt Sale – REMEMBER – the shirt/blouse samples with logos will be sold to any interested parties. They will be $37@. There is a regular as well as a V-neck style for the ladies.
Semi-annual Club Dues are Due – Please pay your dues if you have not already. Checks can be dropped off at a regular meeting.
RI Foundation Giving Levels – Anyone who would like to know what the status of their giving is to contact Chair Mike Olsaver as he has all that information.
District 6400 Newsletter – AG Mary encouraged all members to read the great district newsletter which is available at: http://rotary6400.org/?page_id=301 . There is a great pic from the recent AM Club’s Celebrity Wait.
Random Acts of Kindness – Susan Tobey shared a saying that Amelia Earhart wrote: “A single act of kindness grows out roots in all directions and the roots spring up and make new trees.” How true that is. So, whether you’re out and about or at work go to rotar6400kindness.com and do something good for somebody!
Bottle Cap Program – Today was THE LAST DAY! Thanks to all who contributed! Mike said that he collected eight 55-gallon drums of caps during the program!! As a result, two benches will be built - one will be at Michener and the other at Siena, Mike said.
Passport Program – We are looking for members who can pay a visit to a Canadian Club. This will complete our 4 visits that qualify us for part of the Presidential Citation Award in Cleveland in May. Nate along with Greg and Marje Simay volunteered to attend. We need one more so please contact me should you be able to go.
Upcoming Programs:
February 23 - Kindergarten Readiness - Anne Knisel
March 2 – Laura Pips – Family & Children Counseling Services
March 9 –
March 16 – Stuart Kail – Owner of Aurbees
March 23 – Greg Simay – Member Moment
March 30 – Jim Perri – Membership Director for District 6400
DATES TO REMEMBER
February 18 – Walk 4 Warmth 2017 – TODAY - REMEMBER - this upcoming event (March of the Penguins) will help people in need have heat in their homes this winter.
February 23 – Meet the Governor – The Southgate Rotary Club will be hosting this event so members can meet the incoming Governor, Rick Caron (2017-18). The 23rd is the same day as our regular meeting but if you would like to go, please let us know.
April 5 – AC Ribbons of Excellence – Still looking for volunteers. Contact Yours Truly for details. Just need about 1 hour of your time that day.
April 21 – Joint Get Together – There will be a joint gathering celebrating the 100th anniversary of the RI Foundation. Details are being worked on between representatives of our club and the Morning Club. At this dinner which will be attended by DG Sue and other District 6400 dignitaries, special recognition will be presented to members who qualify to receive Paul Harris recognition. If you are close to completing a PHF for yourself, you may want to make that contribution so that you may be recognized. More info coming.
May 11 – 15 – District Conference – Are you signed up yet to attend? Time is running out especially if you want to take advantage of a “first time attendee $100 subsidy” and matched by our club and District 6400! Cleveland here we come!! And the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! So, let’s hear from you. Signed up to go as of this writing are: Yours Truly, Nate Smith, Patty and Jane Clark, Mark & Mary the Olsaver family.
Guests: Junior Rotarians Sarah Ford and Sidney Yatzek; Ted Crockett, guest of Yours Truly; soon-to-be-inducted new members Jacob Maxson and A.J. Luckett
Prayer – Rod Pender
Songs – Susan Tobey with Helen
Table Sitters – Kathye
FINE SESSION
It was Rod Pender’s turn again this month. He fined these deserving Rotarians: M. Tobey (2), Herrera, Miller, Lewis (2), Dick (3), Marti (4), Philp (3), Chase, J. Clark, Olsaver (2), Kojima, Maxe, Williams, Soto, Douglass, Nelson (2), Keller, Mercer, S. Tobey, Hokenson, Luckett.
HAPPY BUCKS
Herrera, Easton (3), Hokenson.
BOTH, yes BOTH tickets drawn belonged to no…..not Bob Sack but Sue Lewis. Yet she did not win half of today’s $891 jackpot!
Chris Miller, Adrian’s Economic Developer, again accepted our invitation to speak to the club and enlightened members about what he called a “new business plan competition” in the City of Adrian more specifically known as Upstart Adrian.
Rotary Loses a Dear Friend & Member - .JPG)
What Would You Do? PSA Contest – Kathy Williams announced that WLEN Radio is teaming up with Lenawee Community Mental Health Association to run a PSA Contest. They are encouraging kids and groups to participate and the theme this year is “What Would You Do?” if you were exposed to tobacco, alcohol, physical or mental abuse? They want to build some conversations around these important questions between kids, their counselors, their parents, etc. and help them learn what resources are available in the event the may be experiencing any of these issues themselves or know others who are. More info is available on wlen.com. Kathy said she would be visiting area schools and talking with students about this..JPG)
Rotary Logo Shirt Sale – REMEMBER – the shirt/blouse samples with logos will be sold to any interested parties. They will be $37@. There is a regular as well as a V-neck style for the ladies..PNG)
Passport Program – We are looking for members who can pay a visit to a Canadian Club. This will complete our 4 visits that qualify us for part of the Presidential Citation Award in Cleveland in May. Nate along with Greg and Marje Simay volunteered to attend. We need one more so please contact me should you be able to go.
February 23 – Meet the Governor – The Southgate Rotary Club will be hosting this event so members can meet the incoming Governor, Rick Caron (2017-18). The 23rd is the same day as our regular meeting but if you would like to go, please let us know..png)
