President Don called the meeting to order shortly after 12:30 p.m. Doug Booth introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians, the well-recognized honorary members Dean Colvard and Mrs. Lucielle Hunter. Phil Volponi gave our Health and Happiness report. There being no health concerns, Phil shared several quotes to ponder (put these in your wallet and review often): "No one ever really finds out what he believes in until he begins to instruct his children"; "Our children are like mirrors — they reflect our attitudes in life"; "If you don't stand for something, you fall for anything."
     President Don led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance; Chuck Lineberry, hoarse voice and all, led us in singing "Saints Go Marching In"; and Bob Brietz gave the invocation. Sitting at the head table this week were Bob Alexy, Mike Parrott, John Tabor, speaker David Burner, Bob Brietz, John Nicolay, Brian Schick and of course, His Excellency, The Don. E. K. Fretwell introduced our new member, George M. "Buddy" Chatfield, general manager of The Cypress retirement community here in Charlotte. Powell Majors then introduced our even newer member, Frank H. "Duke" Ison, senior pastor of Dilworth Methodist Church.
     John Tabor introduced our speaker, David Burner, who is Chairman, President and CEO of BF Goodrich Company. David is a native of New London, Ohio, and a graduate of Ohio University. He has been associated with Goodrich since 1983. David reminisced about his first speech out of college to his dad's Rotary Club in New London. He spoke fondly of growing up in a small town, likening his family to the Cunninghams of "Happy Days" fame. He was the son of a hardware store owner and knew everyone in town.
     David shifted into high gear by talking about his favorite topic. The BF Goodrich Company (BFG). His remarks began by making us aware that his company is an excellent corporate citizen. BFG employees had 100% participation in the '99 United Way campaign, and according to Mr. Burner they were the highest per capita giving company in Charlotte. Their employees are very active in community service, volunteering for many organizations locally. He then gave us an overview of their recent accomplishments, where they are now and the outlook for an exciting future.
     For 130 years the company was based in Akron, Ohio, and was a leading tire manufacturer. The tire business and its name were sold to Michelin in the mid-'80's. David was quick to show us a slide saying "No Blimp, No Tires, Know How," reiterating how pleased he is not to be in the tire business in light of the Firestone situation. He went on to say the move to Charlotte was more than just geograph as it has a symbolic element. It reinforces the fact that, like Charlotte, BFG has grown and changed considerably over the past decade. The merger with Charlotte-based Coltec Industries in 1999 propelled BFG into a Fortune 300-size business with $5.5 billion in annual revenues. They are a top-tier global aerospace manufacturer and an important player in the industrial engineering product arena. Over an extremely busy twelve months the company has relocated its HQ to Charlotte, assembled a new management team, integrated Coltec's aerospace and industrial product business into BFG and still delivered a fifth consecutive year of record financial performance. David is confident 2000 will be another record breaking year.
     BFG has made the decision to exit the specialty chemical business, principally catering to the textile industry, by hopefully selling this division as of year-end. Upon the sale, aerospace will contribute 80% of total revenue and industrial engineered products the remaining 20%. "Fortune" magazine has recently ranked BFG the sixth most admired aerospace company in the world. They offer nose-to-tail solutions for every aircraft flying today with principal focus on commercial and military applications. The merger with Coltec propelled BFG to being the leading landing systems manufacturer. BFG's largest customers include Boeing and Airbus.
     Burner went on to say that the key to BFG's continued success will be execution of their vision: "creating value through excellence in innovation, quality and people." Value is measured by achieving top-quartile returns for shareholders. Innovation is BFG's lifeblood and employees are rewarded monetarily to find breakthrough innovations in their business units. Quality is measured by exceeding customer expectations through an approach that continues to improve — BPG was Boeing's supplier of the year in 1999. Lastly the company has set up a "total rewards" approach to employee benefits, training and compensation to help insure they have talented, dedicated and satisfied workers. Mr. Burner is convinced that execution of the vision philosophy will allow employees and shareholders to realize huge benefits for the future.
     After several questions President Don closed a most interesting meeting at 1:30 sharp.

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POWELL'S
OBSERVATIONS

POWELL  MAJORS

     Rick Jackson has sealed a one-year contract to carry Hornet basketball games over WBT.

     Billy Wireman took a group to Moscow, Beijing, Taiwan and Hong Kong in September. Neil Burklhead was in the party.

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