President Joan Peggs welcomed us all with the following: “Every new Rotarian would think Rotary does good things; a new Rotarian is swamped by acronyms; a new Rotarian might be tentative about jumping in; a new Rotarian might take a few years to be really committed; a new Rotarian is interested in Club activities but unsure of how to become involved. All 'established' Rotarians should extend a welcome handshake to all Club members, with special emphasis towards our new members.”
Jack and the singing Rotarians opened the meeting with O Canada.
Then, as a follow-up, Jack gave us an Olympian “blessing”: “At this time it is interesting to think of Rotarians as Olympians, competing for the hearts and minds of many who support goodwill and peace in the world. Over 200 countries are competing in the Summer Games. Over 200 countries are cooperating in our World of Rotary. Every 4 years, the Summer Games end after 2 weeks. Rotary... never stops. As we RACE to the buffet line, may we keep in mind all those who benefit from our training and performance”.
Fried fishy and chips accompanied the loud sounds of fellowship until President Joan asked Ted Chambers to introduce the Visitors: Samantha Lloyd, Rotaract Club of Victoria, Donna Chow(Carrigan) guest of Ron Cooley, September Smith, Jack Petrie’s guest, and Ann Margeson came with Lori Mcleod. All were recognized and welcomed.
President Joan warmly welcomed David Sills after eye surgery.
Director Barry Mutter wearing his Membership hat gave a short refresher on the process we use to add members. First, a member will propose a potential member to the membership committee; this is then accepted at a monthly Board of Directors' meeting. Once accepted by the Board the person’s name is circulated in the weekly bulletin as a “proposed new Member” giving members a chance to comment to the Board. All being well the proposed member will be inducted at a regular meeting.
New member, John Playfair, was given his Name Badge and reminded that the fancy red ribbon should be attached and the member list should be used (and signed) to facilitate his meeting everyone at least once. Good luck John!
Samantha Lloyd (left) and her Rotaract members are offering “rent a Rotaractor” for chores around the house to help them fund a BBQ in Beacon Hill Park, August 31, when a Burnaby Rotary Club Rotaract group will be visiting Victoria. Contact Samantha via the Rotaract Site (click!) or ask Jim Force for details.
Please make sure you let Leslie Rogers-Warnock knows about your makeups. They must be noted on the back of the attendance record sheet.
Joan Firkins, Fines' Master extraordinaire—with busy beavers Jack and Brian—raised a bunch of money. John Playfair fined himself; Joan Firkins was the phantom hand shaker; David Sills was fined for his Olympic tie; Jim Force for his much-too-high profile (Let the Force be With You); Joan and Donna, Perry and Anna Maria paid up for being “dancing fiends or Queens” at Mamma Mia last week.
Ron Cooley put up $62.00 for his birthday money and John Edgell upped this by paying $68.00 for his B’day - it's a race! The Club sang Happy Birthday. Dallas Chapple had the right Draw ticket and won $17.50 but left $116 in the pot with a black marble - be there next week for the big win.
Our guest speaker, Rob Gialloreto, President and CEO of Tourism Victoria was introduced by Tom Croft. Rob (right) launched into a personal retrospective at record speed. We were shown a family man with a wide Canadian perspective. He attended schools across Canada and the US and has worked in athletics and tourism. As head of Tourism Victoria, Rob gave an excellent overview of the things that are going right and where challenges lie for our City. Victoria gets 3.65 million visitors every year. There are 35,000 employees in accommodation and food services, and the majority work for small businesses. Tourism Victoria is a DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) which is funded through a 2% Hotel Tax; its role is to “ stimulate visitation” in Victoria. The key markets are Alberta, Seattle and Vancouver with secondary markets in Ontario, Oregon and California. The challenges noted were related to travel to the Island and accommodations, both being viewed as “expensive”. The other challenge is “border crossing” delays. Offsetting these challenges is the fact that the Island feels like it is far away when it really is not. Marketing is focused on travel agents and Tour Companies as well as all types of media—which can be accessed at their website. At the Victoria Visitors' Centre, 16 counselors run the busiest tourism centre in Canada.
An excellent talk, it was clearly enjoyed by everyone. Lorna Curtis (above) thanked Rob and shared her recent experience seeing Victoria advertised in many places. She added that Victoria is a very nice place to come home to!
We closed the meeting with God Save the Queen.
Reporter: John R. Edgell; Photos by Tricia Timmermans
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