THIS WEEKS PROGRAM-
Barbara Youree, Author from Rogers

LAST WEEK’S PROGRAM-
Rick McLeod, President, called the meeting to order with the singing of “America” and our recital of the “Pledge of Allegiance”. Dick Daniel delivered the invocation followed by Dick Trammel leading us in singing “The Battle Hym of the Republic” with a bonus rendition of “Jingle Bells” in honor of the recent Christmas shopping done by Dick! 

Pamela Cicionni introduced our distinguished speaker and today’s program.  Greg Spragg is Executive Vice President of Merchandising/Replenishment for Sam's Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. In this position, Greg has direct merchandising and replenishment responsibility for more than 550 Sam's Club locations.

Previously Greg was EVP over the Operations Division of Sam's Club. Greg joined the company in 1998 as Regional Vice President of Sam's Club Operations, responsible for operations the Southwestern portion of the country. Prior to joining the company, Greg was the Executive Vice President of Operations for Bi Lo Supermarkets in Greenville, South Carolina. He also served as an Executive Vice President of Marketing and Operations for Finast Foods Stores in Cleveland, Ohio. He is married to Dawn and they have 3 children and one grandchild.

This was Greg’s very first Rotary appearance. He spoke to our group on the future of “Retail”, noting his feelings were that the success of Retailers was dependant on companies that would be “Responsible, Nimble, and Responsive to Growth”! Under the current economic and global climate, challenges such as inflation and the credit crunch are cyclical by nature and will come and go, but the “Global Competition” is permanent. Businesses must assess their situation and decide to remain true to their purpose. Why do we do what we do, and who do we do it for? Sam Walton delivered that purpose to every associate in the organization bonding his employees to their purpose. Sam’s Club’s purpose is “In business for small business”.

This purpose rang loud and clear to Greg while on a speaking ingagement in Orlando, FL. He was approached by a gentleman sincerely thanking him for Sam ’s taking time to appreciate the small businessmen like himself. This was the momment that emotionally connected Greg to this purpose. Greg sighted the need for the attachment before the purpose can be effectively delivered to you customers. This same attachment came to Wal Mart’s commitment to their sustainability project. The moment of clearity came at a meeting on the subject, when Greg realized the impact this would have on his grandson’s life by reflecting on how he felt at the moment of his birth!

Greg closed his presentation by commenting on his involvement in PSP (Personal Sustainability Project) for the Wal Mart associates as well as the Fair Trade organization. This allows Wal Mart/Sam’s to bring value to their customers at a fair price as well as economic envolvement of small farmers and businesses throughout the emerging economies of the world.

We in NWA are affected by the “Global Competition” and our own economic recovery will evolve around the small businesses of our area. “When the health of the small business and the local community suffers, we all will suffer from that”!

ANNOUNCEMENTS-

• Michael Gower - Community Pride Night, Sept 27th, this is a joint venture
  with the Early Risers club to promote our community. Grills have already been donated by Arvest and Regions, but more grills and volunteers are needed. In addition to this event, both of the High Schools will put together fund raisers to sponsor the Special Olympics. The donations given to Chad’s Cups will be used to match the students funds up to $1,500.00!

• Wendy Kumpe - This year’s Fish Fry raised $11,000.00 in profit. Thanks to
  all that made is happen!

• Allison McElroy - We need help loading mattresses at the new hospital Wed
  morning!

• Rick McCleod - In an effort to support our membership drive, we will
  announce the open classifications at the weekly meetings. Open are: Banking Business Development, Business Law, and Cable Television. If you know someone that fits one of these categories, invite them as a guest.

• Hal Savage - Secretary Report - 129 members with 3 applications in the
  pipeline.

VISITING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS-
Allison McElroy introduced:
· Rhonda Freitag from Rogers Early Risers - visiting Rotarian
· Richard Shewmaker brought Stuart Epley as his guest
· Macadda Peoples brought Kristen Caldwell, Keri Ellis, and Mark Westbrooks
· Jose Abarca brought Guillermo Cipres as his guest

ATTA BOYS/GIRLS-
Casey Croxton

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS-
None this week

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Sept 23 Don Soderquist, Retired Chief Operating Officer of Wal-Mart
Sept 30 Michael McClelland, Champion Bass Fisherman
Oct 7 Candice Franks, State Bank Commissioner
Oct 14 Robin Green, Speaking on Meth Awareness Month
Oct 21 David Faulkner, Manager, Pinnacle Hills Promenade
Oct 28 Dr. Dave Gearhart, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas