October 7, 2008

TODAY'S PROGRAM:

Candice Franks, State Bank Commissioner

LAST WEEK'S PROGRAM: (September 30)

President-Elect Wendy Kumpe called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and a verse of America. The invocation was given by Bruce Branch. The singing of "You are my Sunshine" was led by Rusty Turner.  Doug Schrantz introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians.

Joe Spivey introduced our guest speakers: 3 time Angler of the Year Mike McClelland and Morning News Journalist Flip Puthoff (who thinks that Rusty Turner is the world’s best.)

Mike shared with us that fishing professionally has been a lifelong dream and he stressed the importance of families spending time in the outdoors with their kids. He said that he was grateful to his parents because as everyone else in life was telling him to find a new dream they were encouraging him. Mike loves other sports as well but fishing is his life. He grew up outside of Banson, MO, back before it was the Branson we now know, and he said that his family had to somewhat live off of the land.

Mike’s fishing career began on Beaver Lake in a 15’ John Boat and has just skyrocketed from there. He hit his stride in 1996 by winning back to back tournaments, though he had to take a step back shortly thereafter to recover from the tragic loss of his wife and daughter.

Mike reached his maturity in the fishing industry around 2005 when he began approaching it as a business saying that it requires as much time promoting sponsors as actually going after the fish. Since then he has fished all over the US from the East Coast to the West and from the Delta lowlands up to Canada. He has fished it all.

Mike closed by saying that 2008 has been the highlight of his career.

Flip then shared with us that if Mike played professional football he would rank up there with the Mannings and Brett Farve. He went on to describe how the weather conditions this spring has affected the fish population and our waterways pointing out that we have had (3) 100 year floods in 2008. The good news he said is that even though Beaver Lake is flooded to the rim the water has cleared up and as a result tourism was great. The outfitters on the Buffalo and Mulberry Rivers have been running non-stop to accommodate their guests, though they attribute some of the increased local business to rising gas prices. Another plus to the excessive rains has been great spawns of Black Bass and Crappie populations.

Flip indicated that the Corps of Engineers expect Beaver Lake to remain high until sometime in mid to late October after they have had a chance to lower the waters in Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lakes first.

Flip verified the rumor that the Centerton State Fish Hatchery will be relocating though a location has yet to be finalized.

In closing Mike answered the expected question of his favorite bait and boat. The hottest new lure is a new variation of the age old Swim Lure combining hard and soft plastics with moving joints. Though his personal favorite is the upcoming release of the “McStick” bait that he has helped develop.

Just as Mike shared his plug for Champion Boats the lights cut off so Wendy closed and dismissed the meeting.

The meeting was closed by President-elect Wendy Kumpe with the recitation of the Four Way Test.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• The cups this month will go to support Special Olympics.

• Mike Gower and Gary Alecusan gave a special report and word of thanks for the clubs joint support of the Rogers Athletic Booster event and displayed the Rivalry Trophy that will be up for grabs between the Mounties and the War Eagles.

• Jene’ Huffman announced a meeting of the Greeting and Member Retention committee will be held immediately following the Oct 7 meeting.

VISITING ROTARIANS:

Don Pace was visiting from the Bentonville club.

ROTARIANS WITH GUESTS:
Joe Mills introduced Todd Bates
Jeremy Porter introduced his brother Josh Porter
Mike Gower introduced Gary Alecusan

ATTABOYS/GIRLS (MAKE-UPS)

Mike Watts
Jene’ Huffman

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

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