David Buttar introduced Bob McClain from SCORE -- Service Corps of Retired Executives, but some members are not retired yet. SCORE was founded in 1964 and came to Youngstown in 1965. SCORE is currently housed in YSU School of Business. These folks share their expertise in business with companies, mostly start-ups, to improve their odds of survival and getting a loan.
SCORE has 378 chapters nationwide, with 8 million clients. Volunteers have given 1.3 million hours of service in 2008. Since 97% of US businesses are small and 94% of those have 9 or less employees, they are the backbone of the economy. The Youngstown branch serves Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, and Mercer counties. Interesting program, thanks Bob and Dave.
President Michael Cafaro welcomed the family of Rotary.
Gary Reel opened with prayer, salute to the flag, and God Bless America.
Visitor was Tom Keller from Canfield.
Hillary Prestridge led us in the Get Together Song.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Mike announced we were serving at Rescue Mission tonight with the help of the Interact kids. Saturday night is the combination Fireside Chat/40th Anniversary of Austintown Rotary party at Fifth Season Banquet Center on Rt. 46. All Presidents available will be asked to speak a few minutes. 51 have signed up for the event including our guests.
- The vote about paying for meals weekly as an option passed. If you would like to do this, please contact Brian Frederick before bills come out next week.
- Board meeting this Wednesday at Lucianno's, 7:30 a.m. All members welcome. It counts as a makeup.
- Bill Gates has raised his pledge to fight polio if Rotary could match his gift. It is now possible to have over $500 million for the cause.
- Feb. 18 is a combined Rotary meeting for our zone (6 Mahoning County clubs) at Holiday Inn on South Avenue at noon with David Lee, a secret service agent, as the speaker. Cost is $10. Mike has the list if you want to go.
- NO MEETING for our club next Monday in lieu of 40th Anniversary party, Mike will contact Saxon Club. (February 2)
- Mentoring Day will be Mar. 23 with kids from Interact visiting businesses and bringing hosts to lunch.
- Four Way Speech contest Feb. 23.
- Bob Senn encouraged people to sell Reverse Raffle tickets so we can go in sold out. There are about 48 left to sell.
FELLOWSHIP: Mitch Dalvin.....fined anyone who WASN'T betting on SuperBowl.
RAFFLE: Chuck Baker was lucky again and won the small drawing but not the big one. Not many cards left in the deck.