As you arrived at the Edina Country Club for the first meeting since March, you were greeted by Peyton Chambers and Stefan Smith. Nick Van Beek was assisting at the front desk with Mark Jessen taking photos.
New president Sam Thompson started the meeting promptly at 12:35. In attendance were around fifty members at the Edina County Club and a little over twenty members participating remotely. Sam was introduced as the 66th president.
Sam stressed the need to keep social distancing at the ECC and to follow the guidelines set by the CDC. This includes wearing mask, which were donated for those in attendance by Paul Mooty. Paul Peterson was greeting members and taking their temperatures as they arrived.
Sam discussed that during his presidency that he would be doing quick member updates. He did a quick update on Jon Barnett and Barbara Born. All is well with them and the update was to briefly let everyone know what they are up to. We will be hearing updates on members throughout the year.
Jody Kern did a wonderful invocation and led us in the pledge of allegiance and four way test.
Raj Kumar did the guest introductions with one guest present at ECC.
Edina Rotary is currently selling logoed polo shirts and baseball caps. Ann Platt announced that if you are interested in ordering, please reach out to her. They are hoping to get in final orders next week.
Susan Stiles introduces two major donors to speak about why they donate. Hanelore Brucker’s donation was to the Foundation so that they focus on disease prevention and cure. She said that the Rotary Foundation is a great way to establish a legacy.
Sita Dash said that he will continue to support the great causes of Rotary with his efforts and financially.
Sam spoke about the new virtual leadership meeting starting up. The first one is on teamwork. They are looking for members to serve on this committee
The gala is coming up. The gala will be different for 2020 with planned smaller gatherings of 8 to 9 people. We are looking for gala host. We are hoping to have 20 host. Currently we have 8 host that have volunteered. Please reach out to Bjorn Freudenthal or Catherine Gump if interested in hosting.
Wade Thommen introduced the speaker Brad and Heather Fox. They own a renovation and real estate company and a network show called Stay or Sell. They spoke of the challenges of owning a business and a show as a married couple and how they got started.
How did they get a show? They received a call from a producer about hosting their own show. Brad and Heather hung up on them. The caller called back and said they were with the network. They have been doing the show now for about two years. It took about two years to get the show going. They were discovered mainly by their social marketing presence. They became interested in renovations by watching similar shows when they were starting. They have a shop in Edina, own a construction company and a real estate agency. They purchased a home to renovate in Edina and fell in love with the town and it became their primary residence.
They shoot 80 to 100 hours of film for the 42 minute weekly show time. Almost all of their projects are local, which they love about the show. They have a large social presence along with the show helps them reach more potential clients. They work a lot with local artist to make the renovations very unique and special when they wrap up. Heather and Brad fielded many member questions such as, who wins in an argument? She does of course. We look forward to seeing them on future episodes.
Speakers were thanked by Joe Hayes.
Sam closed with a quote from Will Rogers. “Don’t wait to buy land, buy land and wait”. Meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm. Barker written by Kevin Kalal
Past President, Josh Sprague and Membership Chair, Bridget Hallstrom smiling with their eyes!
Bill McReavy doing his best "We Want You" with Mike Kallas and Steve Slyce
Edina Country Club staff did an excellent job with social distance set up and fabulous service.
Name those desperados. Wooj Byun, legal counsel. Steve Slyce, a plant to throw you off.