January 9, 2020
President Josh Sprague pictured here with Susan Stiles, Rotary Foundation and Shelly Loberg, International Grants and 2020-2021 Elected Board Secretary.
President Sprague called the meeting to order at 12:34PM.
As it was the first meeting of 2020, Josh reflected on the Club’s accomplishments over the last decade. Some of the more notable achievements include:
- An increase in funds raised through the Edina Rotary Foundation Annual Gala & Fundraiser from approx. $33k in 2009 to $167k in 2019.
- An increase in donations to The Rotary Foundation from approx. $87k in 2010 to $128k in 2018.
- The founding of the ERF Legacy Fund, with current giving in excess of $250k.
- Growth in membership from 150 in 2010 to 178 in 2019 with a five-year plan to not only sustain membership, but exceed 180 members.
- Membership demographics have also changed:
- An increase in members under 40 from 2 in 2010 to 20 in 2019
- 35% of the RCE Board is under 40
- 53 members over 70 with 2 original charter members
- 21% of RCE members are female
- Next year, a majority of RCE board members will be female
- RCE chartered both an Interact and Rotaract Club
Tom Cook delivered the Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and Four-Way Test.
Bridget Hallstrom led Guest Introductions, with 10 guests in attendance.
Bridget Hallstrom then provided an update on the new RCE Mentor Program, which she is leading along with David Aase.
Royce Pavelka provided an update and reminder on the Prospective Member Day scheduled for January 23rd and featuring EHS Girls Hockey Coach Sami Reber.
Renee Harberts, Social Committee Chair, provided an update and reminder on the Private Dining Event scheduled for January 16th at Bachelor Farmer. Cost is $109/person plus cash bar. Registration is required.
Renee is pictured with Brad Hepp, Speaker Committee Chair and Past President 2003-2004.
At 12:53PM Past President Jeff Ohe began making his weekly phone calls. The scribe assumed he was seeking legal advice on embezzlement or securities fraud. Jeff should know that federal prison really isn’t that different than a weekend at the lake.
Susan Stiles and David Clynes recognized 8 members as Paul Harris Fellows.
Susan Stiles, Brandon Azbill, Don Hutchison, Mike Stiek, Joe Hayes, David Clynes, Ron Erhardt, Axel Steuer Not picture: Keith Benson and John Allen
Gerry Norton then introduced the Speaker, Eric Dayton. Eric is CEO of Askov Finlayson and the Co-Owner of Bachelor Farmer and Marvel Bar.
Eric Dayton’s presentation focused on climate change and ethical business practices. Eric discussed his goal of developing our collective identity as citizens of the North and the need to embrace winter in the fight against climate change. Following his experience participating in expeditions in the Nunavut Province of Canada and in Greenland, Eric dedicated himself, as a business owner, to measuring and minimizing his carbon footprint. For Askov Finlayson, this resulted in a campaign to “Keep the North Cold.” Initially, Eric dedicated 10% of pre-tax profits to combat climate change. This evolved to a campaign to “Give 110%” which required Askov Finlayson to complete a comprehensive audit of its climate impact and make an offsetting donation equal to 110% of the cost.
Andre Brewer thanked Eric for his presentation, including an honorarium to ShelterBox, Rotary’s official disaster relief partner.
Josh Sprague provided closing remarks. Next week’s speaker will be Allan Law, the Sandwich Man.
The meeting adjourned at 1:30PM.