Rotations--May 12, 2015 (May 17, 2015)

The Program

Rotarian of the Day Mark Johnson introduced our speaker Bryan Stephens, President of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, who spoke to us about “Pursuing a Regional Pro-Business Environment.”

The Chamber represents 2000 businesses in 5 municipalities, but as Bryan emphasized, the Chamber really works for all businesses and all citizens in the region.

The mission of the Chamber is to “Set conditions so businesses can succeed.” They are constantly evaluating what they can do to make the region more business friendly and to enhance businesses’ chances for success and create more jobs. Their vision is that from among the 7000 Chambers nation-wide, in which we are among the largest few hundred, we will be recognized as the national leader. Everything they do starts with their top value: excellence.

Of their stated overarching goals, Bryan touched on two: that of providing tangible return on investment to members; and representing the viewpoint of businesses to the public sector.

While the Chamber has a long list of focus areas, Bryan highlighted just a few of the top:

Legislative advocacy. They maintain contact with local governments on a daily basis, and with all 28 legislators on the state level. Their biggest challenge is to encourage regionalism, with the mantra that “a rising tide floats all boats.” Since this is an election year, legislators are listening, and he wants them to hear the voice of business.
Regional economic development. We have a three-legged stool, with the Port, Military, and Tourism. With DOD funds diminishing, there is a gap that’s widened. What can the Chamber do? Several things were mentioned. 1) Try to prevent further loss (sequestration, BRAC). 2) Mitigate losses by helping affected businesses diversify. 3) Go out and market Hampton Roads to bring in big new businesses. 4) Support small businesses, which nationally provide about 86% of al jobs. 5) Support entrepreneurs.
Workforce Development. Work needs to be done to keep talent here. 10,000 military members living in Hampton Roads retire every year, and 96% leave because they are unable to find a job here.
Infrastructure. The biggest issue here is, of course, transportation. The Chamber will be working to figure the best options for area businesses, with the aim of advocating for those.

The bottom line is that the Chamber is MUCH more that just a networking organization, thought this is still very important.

2015 goals include nurturing a new program for regional young professional networking and providing support for the military and veterans.

Bryan then briefly described four programs and affiliates of the Hampton Roads Chamber:

Small Business Development Center – Modeled in part after a program in Knoxville, staff and counselors are provided on site free-of-charge
LEAD Hampton Roads – 50 students a year, teaching civic responsibility and involvement
Hampton Roads Sports Commission – With most recent success in landing the AAU Junior Olympics, which at the end of July will bring 14,000 kids and almost 40,000 total visitors to Norfolk
Chamber Solutions – Providing group rates for health benefits to members

In answer to the one question we had time for, Bryan said that like it or not, offshore drilling will be a fact within the next twenty years, and his goal will be to make sure that Hampton Roads, rather than somewhere else along the coast, will be the epicenter of the support systems for this industry.

And finally, Bryan stresses REGIONALISM!!

President Sigur presented Bryan with a book in his honor to go top the school of the week, Larrymore Elementary.

The Club Meeting

President Sigur sounded the gong right at the stroke of 12:30. Chip Vogan, ably accompanied by Pam Tubbs, led us in a rousing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” Chip’s Rotary version of “Maury Fair Maury,” (what, no fines?), and “America.” After the Pledge, Alan Nelson invoked John Calvin in his eloquent invocation.

Ed Lilly’s Visitation Report was a happy one - no one on our visitation list! Please be sure to let him know if you hear of anyone we need to contact.

Visitors: Cy Grandy introduced the following guests:

Visiting Rotarian Connie Long from the Town Center Club
Visiting Rotarian Ashley McCleod from the Cape Henry Club
Dean Thomasson introduced Alyssa Hale from Barrett House
Susan Donn had as her guest Patty Wanger
Barb Lipskis had with her a friend from Chicago
Ann Baldwin introduced her grandson
Winston Whitehurst’s granddaughter was his guest

Announcements and Club Business:

Alyssa Hale from Barrett Haven expressed her gratitude for the recent grant, which funded a much-used computer lab.
Alan Nelson was awarded a new member sponsor pin. Way to go!
Jim Bryan had us all shouting EREY! And reminded those who had not yet given that his hounding calls were set to begin.
Adam Kahrl reminded us that a terrific time is planned for the golf outing May 30, and that a few more foursomes are welcome.
All Rotarians are invited to visit Tidewater Park Elementary School on May 14 to view the computer lab we funded, and to get a taste of the volunteer opportunity afforded the club starting in the Fall. Let Sally Hartman know if you are planning to be there.
Diane Wallach wore two hats. First, to remind us of the Volunteer Day at the Zoo on May 21, 9 am – 11 am; and secondly to announce with joy that wenow have hosts for our visitors this summer from Tiel, and that some help will be needed with transportation during that time.
April make-ups due today to Jane Dembert.

AND the celebrations and fines – we made a lot of money for charities today!

Barb Lipskis was pleased to announce that her son has brought them much happiness lately – accepted to Georgetown for his Masters, and has just gotten engaged.
Bill Burnett has been happily married for 100 (oops!) 46 years.
Sally Hartman’s husband had a letter to the editor published recently.
Winston Whitehurst took the opportunity to brag about his granddaughter Michelle, and to give Rotarians an opportunity to hire this bright and talented girl.
Norm Mass elicited a sorrowful gasp when he announced that he is moving back to Detroit. He expressed his deep thanks for the friendship and fellowship offered by Rotarians the past 10 years.
Susan Donn paid a fine so her guest Patty Wanger could tell us about Club Sandwich, an organization for at-risk youth, for which any help offered would be most appreciated.
Gene Justice praised Harry McCoy’s act “under the lights” at the Harbor’s Edge Follies, which was followed by more offers of fines for Gene’s Elvis act and Sharon Laderburg’s mother-in-law’s roll in the fun as well.
Eleanor Schoonover thanked the airport and the Botanical Gardens for welcoming visitors.
Jim Clary offered thanks for getting to New Orleans and back (is there more to this story than was offered??)
Somebody you editor couldn’t hear offered an anniversary fine.

100% tables were 11 and 13. Greg Sutton won $15 in the raffle, but missed the big pot of $351 when he drew the 5 of diamonds. Meeting adjourned at 1:30.

Meet Steve Schultz

Making Hampton Roads a stronger community