Meeting |
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Report |
Meeting |
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Report |
July 30, 2002 |
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David Burner, Goodrich/JA Dave Burner, CEO of Goodrich, with 40 years of experience with public companies and extensive involvement in business advocacy and community initiatives, offered his perspective on the state of business and the causes and solutions for the problems businesses are experiencing. He said that the public currently finds itself “damaged, helpless, and victimized” and suggested that the media are often uniformed in their reporting of business issues and that politicians are erroneously seeking legislation as a corrective measure for business problems. He explained that seven years of a robust economy and overpriced stocks had resulted in the onset of greed on all fronts and assumptions of a continued “ride up.” Mr. Burner likened September 11th to “The Perfect Storm” following a business slowdown in early 2001. After 9/11 came the realization that we were not immune from fear and chaos and that we needed to work together.
David Burner and Mary Mack Mr. Burner affirmed that our capitalistic system will continue to have ups and downs, but is still the world’s most efficient system. He sees huge changes ahead in board activities as corporate boards grapple with how to do a better job of governance. He believes that the process of trying to ensure business integrity through legislation is flawed, and bemoans the increase in laws and resulting lawsuits. Stating that Leadership and Education are the vital components of success in the business sector, he announced two upcoming programs that address those components. Our community will host a forum in March, 2003 to examine value-based leadership and corporate conscience. The Junior Achievement Exchange City program for fourth graders is an example of an educational effort to introduce children to commerce and good citizenship. Mr. Burner closed by saying that our best investment is in our children and presenting a key to “Exchange City” to President David, who responded by saying that we are making a donation in Dave’s honor to Junior Achievement. Head Table: Phil Volponi, Ron Vinson, Mary Mack, Alan Barnhardt. Visiting Rotarians & Guests-Tom Burgess; Song-David Erdman; Invocation-Joe Becker; Health & Happiness-Harold Hoke * * * |
New Member
Bill Blackwell was raised on a farm in Central Illinois. The middle of three sons, Bill grew up following the St. Louis Cardinals and playing ball every opportunity. A graduate of Williamsville High School, Bill attended Springfield Junior College and played both baseball and basketball. Following his sophomore year, he transferred to Southern Illinois University where he majored in Radio-Television. After college he returned to Springfield where he worked one year for a cable TV station as a producer and on-air broadcaster. He later joined the sales and sports staff of WTAX Radio, where he remained for eight years. Bill broadcast University of Illinois basketball from 1974 through the 1981 season and also did play-by-play for high school football and basketball. In 1978 he was selected as one of the play-by-play men for the St. Louis Cardinal AAA team. In March of 1982, Bill became General Manager of the Shelby, NC Mets, a class A affiliate of the New York Mets. The franchise shifted to Columbia, SC in 1982 and Bill remained with the team through the 1987 season. The Mets class AA team in Jackson, MS then offered the position of VP/GM, which he held through the 1999 season. The Jackson franchise sold to Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan and Blackwell moved on to become President and minority owner of the Greensboro Bats. He held that position until this April when he became VP/GM of the Charlotte Knights. Bill is an 18-year Rotarian, and is a Paul Harris Fellow. He and wife Judy celebrate their 24th anniversary in October. If they ever sell their house in Greensboro, they plan to purchase a home in Charlotte. Welcome to Charlotte Rotary, Bill. * * * Club News and Announcements ¨ Dave Gilford announced that nominations are being requested for the Excellence in Management Award, sponsored by the Business Journal of Charlotte, the Charlotte Chamber, and our club. ¨ Tom Burgess introduced 7 visiting Rotarians and 8 guests and called on Peggy Wesp, Charlotte Sister Cities, to introduce three visitors from the former Soviet Union, along with their facilitator and interpreter, who are in Charlotte as part of a program sponsored by the Library of Congress to host 2,600 emerging Russian leaders. ¨ Harold Hoke shared the sad news of the deaths of Helmut Deussen’s wife, Elizabeth, and of Bob and Robert Freeman’s father and grandfather, Bob, Sr. ¨ President David explained the changes to the Rotary Reporter, now being distributed via e-mail to members, with copies being mailed to members who prefer postal delivery. He cited the significant cost savings and timeliness of the new format and offered to stay after the meeting to receive additional feedback or suggestions. ¨ 2002-2003 Rosters will be available for pickup during the upcoming month. If there are changes to be made to your profile, notify Sandy in the Rotary office. * * * |
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