As our program this day was all about tourism, we thought we would start off with a quiz: Which Duluth tourist is credited with the following quote: "The coldest winter that I ever spent was a summer in Duluth.”

 

A) John F. Kennedy

B) Jimmy Buffett

C) Mark Twain

D) None of the Above

That would be answer “D” – None of the Above.  And it’s sort of a trick question.  Duluth historian and frequent Club #25 speaker Tony Dierckins wrote that a 19^th century actor London named James Quinn is attributed this quote in 1879. As Dierckins writes: after being asked if he saw so bad a winter – “Yes, just such a one last summer.”

 

President Michelle Buria called us to order and we began with Rotary’s Four-Way Test followed by Past President Dan Bergeland and the Rotary Reflection.  Citing LEADERSHIP In Turbulent Times By Doris Kearns Goodwin, Dan Bergeland drew a theme of transcending seemingly insurmountable challenges by examples of ‘true grit” – determination, inner strength and the willingness to rethink long held assumptions. In Ms. Kearns Goodwin’s book are timeless examples of leaders who answered society’s greatest challenges by reexamining themselves and choosing to act in a positive manner – even at the risk of their careers. Perhaps we, as Rotarians and leaders in this community, may apply these lessons to our turbulent times?

Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom offered up the Rotary Fellowship Report beginning with the happy commemoration of his 41 years of sobriety – Congratulations! Gary Melander hosted fellow Superior Club #40 Rotarian Tom Wondo who invited us all to a Wine & Craft Beer Tasting at UWS that will be held on February 18^th.  Zach “Jungle Boy” Walters brought prospective Club #25 member Casey Erickson as a guest. Steve LaFlamme was joined by his Oneida costar Patty McGaffey.  Some self-reports filled the Golden Can this afternoon: Ryan “The Old Man” Johnson celebrated his two kid’s birthdays – 5 years and 2 years. Jeff Brandt invited those Rotarians who are past and current board members of The Hills to tour the new Cambia Hills of East Bethel in Bethel, MN.

 

President Michelle Buria asked we sign the card and think good thoughts for Past President Elaine Hansen who is having hip surgery – Get Well Elaine! We are also to remember two Skyline Rotarians who had passed: Graden Gobe and Chuck Voss. Jerry Pelofske called for volunteers for our annual participation in judging the High School Science Fair at UMD on Saturday, February 1.  The event starts with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. with judging from 9:00 to 12:30 followed by lunch.  If you want to be inspired by what young people can do, this is your opportunity.  Jerry Pelofske as Chair of the Nominating Committee of the Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation announced openings for Directors of the Foundation.  Rob Hofmann encouraged all Rotarians and the Junior Rotarians present to start applying for CAMP RYLA – a life changing week for our next generation of leaders!   Your Rotary Club 25 Foundation provides seven full scholarships to Camp RYLA along with additional scholarships from area Clubs. Please let all high school juniors and sophomores know they may apply online at http://district5580ryla.org/application/ And tell them to select Duluth 25 for their sponsoring Rotary Club.

 

 

 

Anna Tanski, VisitDuluth CEO, Stacy Oltmanns, Jesse Hinkemeyer, VisitDuluth

 

Chair of the Day Stacy Oltmanns introduced our guest speakers from VisitDuluth, Anna Tanski, President/CEO, and Jesse Hinkemeyer, Board Chair for VisitDuluth. Ms. Tanski gave a generous ‘shout out” to Renee Mattson with whom she began her career in tourism. Established in 1935 as the Duluth Publicity Bureau, and then the Duluth Convention and Visitors Bureau in1970, it became VisitDuluth in 2005. VisitDuluth has always existed as a nonprofit entity relying upon a portion of tourism tax revenues for its operations. Though funding has remained flat for many years, VisitDuluth has made a significant contribution to our region’s economy.  With 6.7 million visitors each year, tourism provides us with our 3^rd largest industry – with growth potential – equating to 17,000 jobs and a $957 million economic impact. 85% of VisitDuluth efforts is directed to the leisure market – area travelers from the Twin Cities, Rochester, Fargo and Eau Claire as well as international travelers from China and Germany.  Another large market are the conventions such as our Rotary District 5580 Conference, Sports Events Marketing – think Hockey Day.  Emerging markets include Senior Travel – think of cruise ships, and the Solo Traveler as Duluth is among the safest of cities. Compared to funding received by other area convention and visitor agencies, VisitDuluth falls about $1 Million short. If additional funding were made available, VisitDuluth would be able to fully sell Duluth to the existing and emerging markets.  Imagine the growth in our tourism industry.