President Mark Eckhoff took a moment to recognize the passing of
Bob Witkop with a moment of silence as he brought the meeting to order.
CLICK HERE to view Bob's obituary which includes many of the reasons Bob was such an amazing Rotarian.
Homer Nye shared the message of Gratitude and Reflection.
The New K.T. Singers (formerly the Kingsley Trio) led all in song with “Down by the Riverside” – Good to be singing again!
Katy McCain introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Steve Alexander and Mark O’Reilly of the Sunrise club made announcement of their fundraisers they are in the midst of: Backpacks and Born to Read and Bicycles for Malawi. They are holding a fundraiser at the Country Club to raise money for all of them on October 14th.
- Matt McDonough thanked all for the volunteers who came out last week for the East Creek Workday.
- Alexis Juett introduced Committees and Chairs in a Community Service Round Robin Shout out:
- Jen Casey and the 9/11 Run
- Munson Manor and chair Benjamin Marentette (prepackaged meals) rather than cooking and serving for the people whose family members are in Munson and are staying over in TC
- Andrew Kohlmann – Stream sampling (aka Bug Count) with Watershed Center. Twice a year Spring and Fall – This Saturday is the Fall date.
- Chris DeGood Kids free fishing day in June on Father’s Day weekend. Starting up again in 2022.
- Christmas Baskets: Dan Rickard, Dale Chilcote and Steve Wade head up the committee which secures gifts and ‘adopt’ distressed and needy families at Christmas. Last year over 280 families. Best warm/good feeling thing Rotarians do each year!
- Herb Lemcool: One Way Coat Day-bring in your winter wear items to assist those in need during our cold winters. This year is a little different as Herb is asking that we take the initiative to deliver them directly to Father Fred or a favorite charity.
- President Mark brought up the Rotary Blood Drive on October 29th and championed by Ramona Pleva. Each donor gets a voucher for a complimentary pint of beer at a local Brewery – “A Pint for a Pint”
Bruce Finlayson (SCORE MENTOR) introduced Michael Caruso Chair and Mentor of SCORE - Speaker for the day.
Michael is excited by two things currently. Getting back to in=person meetings and not being Chair anymore! But before he steps down, he made this last presentation regarding the organization.
SCORE (Senior Corps of Retired Executives) exists to foster vibrant small communities through mentoring and education. Additionally, they focus on the entrepreneurial spirit and volunteerism.
SCORE has provided its services since 1064 serving more than 11 million business owners. It is the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors and is committed to helping any person succeed in business. All services are free and confidential. Everything from start-up through seasoned business. In 2020 alone more than 45,000 new businesses started with SCORE mentor engagement and more than 75,000 new jobs were created.
The Traverse City Chapter receives funding from the SBA and local sponsors. Receiving about $18,000 which in turn is primarily used to market services. There are virtually no other costs as everything is handled by volunteers. In fact, there over 10.000 volunteers in 300 chapters providing services to some 1500 communities. In 2020, our pandemic year, nearly 4 million hours of donated service accumulated.
Again, in 2020, SCORE served a diverse group:
- 60% women
- 46% minorities
- 9% veterans
Traverse City has approximately 40 mentors some highly active across the business world and about ten who are highly specialized. All told they offer experience in:
- Finance, Banking & Accounting
- Sales & Marketing
- Business planning & Ownership
- Legal & Insurance
- Technology, Human Resources…and more.
They maintain a strict Code of Ethics and Mentors receive training and are certified. SCORE is not a business development tool. A business mentored by an individual cannot be a client of that individual.
In Traverse City SCORE has stood for more than 30 years of mentoring, serving the five counties. 60% start-ups and 40% established businesses solving problems or seeking growth. They work one-on-one with two mentors in 1½ hour sessions and through seminars. Matching mentor skills to client needs, long-term business relationships are fostered with access to tools and resources. Confidential and always free to clients.
The dedication of the local chapter of SCORE has resulted in awards: they are in the top 10 of national chapters and have been for 8 consecutive years. Additionally, they were the Top Chapter in the Midwest region for client satisfaction in 2020.
Finally, Caruso gave his pitch for volunteers to join the mentors, and specialists, sponsors and mentees.
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