Bulletin, March 6, 2012 - Reported by David Westler

President Joan called the meeting to order at precisely 12:10 pm.

Our National Anthem, O Canada, was ably led by Tom Lidkea and Grace was said by Brian Lamb. Visitors and guests headed to the front of the line for lunch.

After enjoying a copious lunch, David Maxwell introduced our guest speaker Robert Bennett, VIATEC’s Launch Pad Program Manager; David Sills introduced his nephew. Jim Force presented the literacy program and the benefits for families and children. Jim encouraged our Club members to donate books to the Times Colonist annual book fair. Ron Cooley shared his childhood stories about reading and literacy.

Fines Master, Neil Rawnsley, did a 'fine' job of extracting money for our club coffers from each and every one of the present members, for good reasons, such as being late or being early, for remembering the main topics of the latest Rotarian magazine, etc. It was  all in good taste and humor and Sad Dollars were plentiful.

Jack Petrie displayed the Italian wine collection. The idea is we bring these selected bottles to the Tuscan Dinner. David Sills reminded us about raising funds via the concert led by Pablo.

Perry mentioned the progress of our International Services Projects from our Teams overseas, stressing a report about Guatemala from John Snively’s team via Tricia Timmermans about the amazing work done and what it means for the local people. In short, in six weeks, the dental team of John Snively, Tricia Timmermans, Maria Consalvo and Ursula Cumez Calabay, and assisted (especially in fundraising) by the very capable Jacqueline Mealing, completed the following on 178 different patients: 153 fillings, 73 extractions, 32 cleanings, and 6 sealants. There were only 12 patients seen who did not need dental work. A large part of the project involved Oral Health Instruction which was done in the clinic and followed up later by Jacqueline in the schools. 

David Maxwell introduced speaker Robert Bennett (LaunchPad Program Manager) of the The Victoria Advanced Technology Council (VIATeC). Robert presented the VIATeC Organization, founded in 1989 to promote and enhance the development of the local advanced technology industry.

Born in San Diego, California (yes, he’s a dual citizen), he attended elementary school in Honolulu, high school in Burlington, Ontario, and he now proudly calls Victoria his home along with his wife Carolyn and his two teenage children. Rob is a graduate from the University of Victoria's Computer Science program, He has founded and built a number of successful technology companies since then, and is the President and CEO of a publicly listed company. He has also invested in a number of companies, all of which are based on the SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) business model. Rob is an accredited Lead Mentor with the BCIC Mentor Program, and provides mentorship through other programs offered locally. He is active in the local community, and is a frequent lecturer and panelist at the University of Victoria, Royal Roads University and Camosun College business schools. He also serves, or has served on, a number of non-profit boards and committees.

The Greater Victoria tech sector has grown to over 800 known technology companies, employing more than 13,000 people and generating in excess of $1.95 billion in annual revenues with an economic impact of $2.65 billion, making advanced technology Greater Victoria's #1 private industry. Most recently VIATeC has been blanketing the city with messages about our diverse economy, and the career and investment opportunities within it via the “Tectoria” rebranding campaign. VIATeC is intended to be the first place that people contact for information or assistance related to advanced technology in Greater Victoria. VIATeC's membership, which currently stands at over 375 annually, elects VIATeC's Board of Directors, which in turn provides guidance to the Executive Director.

Bob reiterate that Microsoft will be opening a studio on Wharf Street downtown early in this year, designing games for its XBox console and other formats. The decision by Microsoft to open a game design studio in Victoria will have "a huge ripple effect" on technology and education in the city, he said.

He confirmed that Microsoft have brought in 30 people to Victoria and eventually will hire 30 more employees from the local pool of qualified people.

Giles Bixler  then presented Rob with the customary Oak Bay mug.

The club sang God Save the Queen and the meeting came to a close, but not the International Services Committee ... they stayed for their meeting!