September 30, 2008

TODAY'S PROGRAM:

Michael McClelland, Champion Bass Fisherman

LAST WEEK'S PROGRAM: (September 23)

President Rick McLeod called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and a verse of America. The invocation was given by Nathan Gairhan. The singing of the National Anthem was led by Rusty Turner. Corey Davidson introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians.

Richard Shewmaker introduced our guest speaker: Don Soderquist, Retired Chief Operating Officer of Wal-Mart. JBU Center for Leadership and Ethics bears his leadership and his name.

Soderquist complimented Rotary for its focus on dedication to Country and God, as reflected in the saying of the Pledge, the Invocation, and singing of America at the beginning of each meeting.

He then quoted Charles Dickens saying "It is the best of times. It is the worst of times." Soderquist, as a self-proclaimed optimist believes that the impossible in fact can happen. He cited the work of Wal-Mart, J.B. Hunt, Tyson, as well as the concept of heart transplants, that were unheard-of only a few decades ago, and their impact on our lives today.

He stated that the changes in the past century are among the most dramatic, and the rate of change is the fastest in history:

* In 1900, 97% of laborers worked in agriculture. In 2008, only 3% of laborers work in agriculture.

* 50 years ago most appliances, cars, hardware, etc., were made in the USA. Today, the majority of products purchased in the USA are made overseas, and with good quality and less expense. He questioned Rotarians to consider: Does the Trade Deficit impact us in Northwest Arkansas? and How?

* News is instantaneous today. We see news as it happens, rather than reading about it later.

* That those who think about new and inventive ways of doing things and making products, are those who will advance. That "doing things the way we have always done them" is not always a healthy long-term approach to business advancement. He cited how the Japanese embraced new ways (the quartz crystal) to improve on the great Swiss watches, and then surpassed the quality and economics of the Swiss. He also talked about Willard Robertson that embraced the Volkswagen and "The Bug" when it was not a popular or known commodity, only to make a fortune on a commission for decades on every VW that came through the Port of New Orleans into the United States.

* His personal reflections included that in 1990 he had only visited 5 other countries in his entire lifetime. Today, he has visited over 39 countries. How different our global economy and our life experiences and travels are from not too long ago.

Soderquist noted that in the U.S., a country of relative affluence, that our appetite for "more" appears to never be satisfied. In addition, the proliferation of merchandise throughout the world, has in fact created the Global Economy we know today. What happens anywhere in the world, effects others throughout the world.

Regarding the economic woes of today, Soderquist said that unfortunately some things haven't changed: greed, corruption, deceit, and arrogance, and he cited their role in some of the issues that our country faces today.

He challenged Rotarians to remember:

* Don't ever change your values, change what you do or how you do it.

* Don't ignore early warning signs in your life, just as you shouldn't ignore early warning signs in business.

* The economy, and the finance industry will go up and down, we just don't know when.

* Consider what is really our personal sphere of influence, for what we do in fact influences a lot of others.

The meeting was closed by President Rick McLeod with the recitation of the Four Way Test.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• President Rick: Community Pride Night is Saturday, September 27, beginning at 5PM. It is a project intended to promote our community and the two high schools. Early Riser Rotary will be assisting. Help needed. Please contact David Gower or President Rick.

• Classifications open for New Members: Beef Cattle, Biological Manufacturing.

• This week's collection in "Chad's Cups" goes to Special Olympics.

SECRETARY REPORT:

Darren Chisholm announced that Pam Bird turned in a make up: Atta Girl!

VISITING ROTARIANS:

Suzanne Ward, Springdale

ROTARIANS WITH GUESTS:
Richard Shewmaker introduced Brian Shewmaker
Pamela Cicionni introduced Judith Lund
Greg Stanfill introduced Mark Long
Jack Counihan introduced "Florence Nightingale"
Jeni Hoffman introduced Stacy McClure
Susan Jasan introduced Mike Shea
Nathan Gairhan introduced Paul Storey
Rick Daniel introduced Wyley Elliot
Jill Wagar introduced Meredith Brunen and Donna Hanson
Linda Phllips introduced Clark Ellison
Matt Kendall introduced Clay Kendall and Don Kendall

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS:

• Great article on David Thrasher in CityScapes.

• Cyndi Bilyeau at the Cancer Institute Partners Card-seller luncheon.

• Article about Optometrists David and DeAnne "Flower Child" Witherspoon.

• DeAnne Wither spoon at a Mercy Health Foundation event.

• David and DeAnne Witherspoon with Raymond Burns at the Blue Jean Ball for Rogers Little Theater.

• Nathan Cash as staff of the American Red Cross Northwest Arkansas chapter.

• Linda Phillips at St. Mary's golf event.

• Joe Spivey making a Liberty Bank donation to Komen for the Cure.

• Rotarians loading Medical Supplies to send to Tulsa for the Rotary Medical Arts network.

• Pam Bird, Chairman, at work at Frisco Festival.

• David Powell at dedication of new Bentonville Airport Terminal Building.

• Dick Trammel as Auctioneer fund raising.

• Dick Trammel, Nancy Trammel, Jeremy Cox, and Maureen Cover-Bryan promoting a Rogers Public Library Foundation event.

• Raymond and Robin Burns & Drs. DeAnne and David Witherspoon at an Arkansas Children's Hospital event.

• Betsy Reithemeyer at Rogers Public Library Foundation "Literary License" event.

• David Thrasher at the groundbreaking for the Northwest Arkansas Community College's Shewmaker Center for Global Business Development.

• Jill Wagar was named one of the "40 Under 40" of Northwest Arkansas

• David and Linda Thrasher and Drs. DeAnne and David Witherspoons at a Rogers Little Theater event.

• Dick Trammel at a local "Dancing with the Stars" fund-raiser.

• Dick and Nancy Trammel at Color of Hope Gala for the Arkansas Children's Hospital.

• Marge Wolf department Main Street.

• Judge Doug Schrantz at a Main Street Rogers event.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

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