The Program

ALL ABOUT AI (artificial intelligence)

Jeff Wells introduced the speakers Peter Kraus, CEO of Rellify (3rd from the right) and Brian Miller (2nd from the right). Brian Miller talked first. He said he thought it was likely that before many years passed, all would have contact with AI, as it will become an integral part of many workplaces. AI has been developed using reinforcement learning, and it can be used to amplify in a positive way how people work by understanding data better. 

Kraus acknowledged that there are three normal reactions to AI (1) Yikes!; (2) Full Speed Ahead!; and (3) A balanced approach, which permits development but with controls.  Kraus said he thinks of AI as “a digital brain running on really big computers.”  He said it helps the user develop content using the AI resources. He acknowledged that there has been an explosion of AI in the last seven years, and it is possible it is at its height now. The recent upswing is likely caused by the fact that venture capital has become quite interested in it during the past year. 

It was acknowledged that there are AI-generated fake images in the public domain and that the recent writers and actors’ strikes were in part driven by AI concerns. It also was said that the European Union is looking at controlling it. In the US, there are not any real controls yet due to its newness, but there are court cases that have started. It is the lack of meaningful controls that drives the current concern about AI. It was also stated that while using AI in a specialized way is normally not a concern, it is the use of AI in a general way that potentially gives rise to problems. 

It is expected that in a year instead of 10% of workers using AI, 80% will. Also, it is expected that there will be a reduction of the number of larger AI players, while there will continue to be many specialized producers. 

The Meeting

We had multiple visitors today:

John Searing brought his daughter Noelle Searing. Noelle later briefly discussed her Rotaract club at the University of Virginia and was presented with her first Paul Harris Fellow award.

Jeff Wells brought his wife Sheri Wells, as well as three other guests: Steven Anninziato, J. Triepel and John Clunan.

Gary Bonnewell brought Martin Levin, a local banker.

The music was led by Pam Tubbs and Mary Insley. The invocation was presented by Thomas Chatman. Mary Insley reported that Joe Massey was in surgery on the day of the meeting and that John Padgett’s father-in-law passed away. 

Club Business

Barbara Lipskis announced that Giving Tuesday was one week away on November 28. Both she and Sigur Whitaker encouraged giving on that day and that there was a match for givers below the Paul Harris +8 level for any donations made from $100 to $500. Barbara Lipskis also asked members to fill out the giving surveys and said she was happy to help any member needing assistance in using Rotary websites.

A resolution certificate was presented to Paul “Gus” Stuhlreyer honoring his many years as our first Finance Committee chair. Gus is moving to Richmond soon. 

Lorna Cochrane announced that the election of officers and directors for the coming year would be on December 19. The proposed slate of officers and directors are as follows: Jeff Wells, Past President; Barbara Lipskis, President; David Duncan, President-Elect; Laura Beth DeHority, Vice President; Chris Bugg, Treasurer/Secretary; and Lois Kercher, Ed Kellam, Bob Batcher, Kay Stine, Jeff Ryder, Kelly Stafanko and Rob Sult, Directors. Lorna said that the bylaws provide that other persons can be nominated for these positions at the December 19 meeting.

Happy Bucks

Laurie Harrison gave thanks for the recent wedding of Tom Koller’s daughter.

Diane Starkey gave thanks that her business colleague Rob Cross received the Darden Award and that the Virginia Arts Festival had just announced their upcoming season.