It was a lively opening to our first October meeting when President Dean Casperson rang the bell and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test. The reflection by Jeff Iisakka noted similarities between Rotary and today’s program. The Port connects our region to the world, and through Rotary, we are all connected as “vessels of Rotary” through service, truth, friendship, peace and understanding.
Prospective member Noah Collins of the Great Lakes Insurance Agency was a guest of Zach Walters. Under good news, President Dean Casperson noted that Past District Governor Earl Rogers is now doing well at home. Jeff Fifield reported “my son and his wife just bought a house. The good news is they moved out of mine!”
President Dean Casperson proudly reported that Club 25 was honored with Rotary International’s highest award for clubs, the Rotary Citation. “Thanks to the leadership of Past President Michelle Buria, along with her board and committee leaders and members committed to Rotary’s ideals, this is a major accomplishment for our Club.” The audience roared its approval.
Rose Sale Chair Barb Perrella reported that sales are being counted, and Gary Melander will be sending in our order for the October 16 and 17 distribution. Help is needed for Saturday’s distribution. As Skeeter Moore suggested, putting ClubRunner on your phone is a good way to stay in touch with members.
Finally, it was with a heavy heart that President Dean Casperson announced that McKenzie MacFarlane is retiring from her role at Club 25 to focus on her college studies. “She is a brilliant young person with a very bright future.” Rotarians unanimously expressed their sincere thanks for her devotion.
Chair of the Day Jerry Thoreson introduced Kate Ferguson, Director of Trade and Business Development for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. After earning degrees at UW-Superior (computer information), University of Minnesota Duluth (MBA) and professional certification in logistics, Kate was hired initially by Canadian National’s fleet as one of just a few women working in the industry.
The Port of Duluth-Superior is a major international transportation hub for rail, trucking and waterborne shipping (via lakers and salties). The Port primarily ships bulk commodities including iron ore, coal, grain and limestone. To date in 2020: grain shipping is up due to lower prices, limestone is down slightly, and iron ore and coal are down significantly. Coal usage is trending down across the US.
“Duluth Cargo Connect” is a relatively new collaboration between the Port Authority and Lake Superior Warehousing. It markets shipping and storage services to business prospects globally – including moving containers via rail across North America. As the top wind cargo port in the U.S.A., we see blades 200 feet long coming off salties and loaded onto trucks for delivery to points south and west. Expect even longer blades, 240 feet, in the future. Kate addressed the “can of worms” highway challenges and expressed hope the State bonding bill will be passed soon. She also discussed the future of cruise ships coming to Duluth, and the 360 acre Airpark development owned by the Port.
Dean Casperson thanked Kate Ferguson for her outstanding presentation. He recalled the year 1959 when, as a 9-year old, he and his brothers and father witnessed the Duluth Portorama Parade recognizing the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway
.png)
