|
President Elaine Hansen opened our meeting. We began our meeting singing the Star Spangled Banner accompanied by Past President John Baumgarten.
Greg Hansen followed with the invocation where he shared his gratitude for living in a community that shares the greatest of the Great Lakes – Superior! Greg reminded us of the joy we all share in watching charter boats and Great Lakes Steamers plying the waters reminding us of how all these activities contribute to our lives and to our vibrant economy-connecting peoples from all over the world.
The always-reverent Reverend Peter Bagley presented the Fellowship Report. We enjoyed the company of a few guests and a past Club #25 member: Steve Yorde, kicking the Golden Can for 34 years of married bliss to our program co-presenter Adele, brought his “best man” and former Club #25 member Bill Wade and wife Mary Ellen. Peter recognized Rotarian Past President John Moir who was joined by his son David Moir. There were a few Rotarians who kicked “The Golden Can”… Past President Sandy Hoff was recognized in the DNT today for his role as the City of Duluth’s “preferred developer” for further development of Duluth’s waterfront. Mark Eckman was seen on WDIO attending a town-hall gathering with Congressman Rick Nolan as the congressman listened to concerns regarding the Affordable Care Act, Mark took to the microphone to share his opinion that ALL should have access to universal health coverage – to great applause. Mark was also “scolded” by Peter for inaccurately reporting last week as Fellowship Reporter that Allen Anway skied a Half-Birkie – when in fact Allen ran a short foot race due to the cancellation of the Birkie due to no snow. Sheryl Homan was called-out for news of her becoming a grandmother – husband Tom Homan was also called forward as a new step-grandpa.
Skeeter Moore encouraged all to attend the Prime Rib Dinner & Auction scheduled for April 20th at Marshall School. Skeeter has been traveling the local Rotary circuit spreading the word to fellow Rotarians of this great fellowship event.
Past President Phil Strom reminded us of the ease of becoming a Paul Harris Fellow at the $1,000 level by making a quarterly pledge of just $25. Phil then called upon John Moir and his son David to award John’s second Sapphire Pin in honor of son David.
Rob Hofmann introduced Andrea Brown as the April Junior Rotarian from East High School. Following a call to action to get the word out for 2017 Camp RYLA, Rob had Andrea, a 2016 RYLA Camper, shared a few words about the impact this week-long camp had on her – creating new friendships and life changing lessons.
President Elaine reminded us all to sign up for committee work. Sign-up sheets were available on the tables. President- Elect Tricia Bunten has restructured Club #25 committees for the coming year, finding efficiencies where there were redundancies. President Elaine also directed our attention to the 4th quarter Program Committee nomination forms that were on the tables. There are program openings in May and June that must be filled. The Program Committee will meet at Noon on Monday, March 27th at the Kitchi Gammi Club. All are encouraged to attend and can register on the website to reserve a spot.
Chair of the Day Steve Yorde took the microphone to introduce his wife Adele Yorde, Public Relations Director for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. Adele has served in this role since 2008, coming from a career with College of St. Scholastica, Duluth Clinic, Benedictine Health System, V & H Heavy Trucks of Marshfield WI, and as a writer for the late Congressman Jim Oberstar. The Port Authority was established in 1955 in anticipation of the St. Lawrence Seaway opening the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean in 1959. Ships of all kinds travel 2,342 miles from Duluth to and from the Atlantic where they pass through 16 locks over a two-week voyage. Lakers have the longest season beginning in late March and continuing for up to 10 months ending in mid-January. Oceangoing vessels have a shorter season of 9 months, as the Seaway Locks in Canada are open from the end of March to the end of December. Adele tells us there are thirteen “1,000-footers” and approximately 42 additional US-flagged lakers that make this transit – just in the Great Lakes though – as they are too big to fit the Seaway Locks. Of the “Saltys”, these sharped raked bow vessels are no bigger than 740 ft., many internationally flagged. These vessels carry the commerce that keeps our economies going. Cargoes that range up to 170 million tons of iron ore, coal, limestone, and other bulk cargo of fantastic size and variety are carried below in holds and upon the decks. There are more than 11,500 jobs that are directly or indirectly connected with port activity. Income and revenues that contribute to our tax base run into the billions of dollars. Adele then introduced Jonathan Lamb, President of Lake Superior Warehousing. Mr. Lamb’s company handles all the logistics for this intermodal hub. His firm handles the transfer of cargo from ship to rail or truck - sending raw materials, bulk cargoes for manufacturing, and even wind turbines and blades for the growing renewable energy sector throughout the US and Canada. And thanks to the competitive services of four class one railroads, the Duluth region is positioned to be a cost-effective partner –with a reach throughout North America and access to three coasts to serve international markets. Mr. Lamb shared his optimism for Duluth and explained that the intermodal capacity Duluth offers is where future growth in jobs and our economy will be found.
 Speakers Jonathan Lamb and Adele Yorde with Chairperson of the Day Steve Yorde.
|
.jpeg)
