April 2, 2005

Last Week’s Program...
Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson spoke to Owensboro Rotary, emphasizing the importance of economic development to the community. He compared economic development to a puzzle comprised of many pieces and reminded Rotarians that industrial recruitment is only one of those pieces. Other issues include expanding existing businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, and supporting small business. He mentioned the importance of promoting downtown and riverfront development, tourism, and education. Mayor Watson stressed the need to involve all the "players" and referenced a plan he and Judge-Executive Reid Haire have proposed to put the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Owensboro Inc., EDC, Skills Inc. and the Owensboro-Daviess County Tourist Commission in one umbrella group.

Mayor Watson also addressed the unification of governmental services and suggested that with "one vision and one voice" the community could more efficiently and effectively move forward.

He said the community needs to pull together as a team working towards a common goal and encouraged Rotarians "get in the game."

Attendance: 81

Highest Attendance This Year: 103

Invocation, Pledge & 4-Way Test: David Nelson

Fellowship Report: Jim Ed Oberst

Introduction of Guests: Carroll Howard, guest of Rich Litov; Joe Iracane, guest of Ted Smith; Ed Riney, guest of Jim Ed Oberst; Barbara Watson, guest of Bob Whitmer

Thought for the Week: "Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joys, and dividing our grief." ~  Joseph Addison (1672-1719) English essayist, poet, statesman

ROTARY ANNOUNCEMENTS...
• "Centennial Cents" contest update: We’ve had a recount! Prizes will be awarded at this week’s meeting and the "cents" donated to the Indoor Playground. Thanks goes to Kevin Carrico and National City Bank for their expert help in counting the coins.
• Have you submitted your directory information form? Forms are available at the Fellowship Table or on the club website at: www.owensbororotary.org/directoryinfo.pdf.
• Mark your calendar! This year’s District Conference is April 15-17, here in Owensboro at the Executive Inn. Pat McFarling has agreed to organize a group of sergeants-at-arms. If you’re willing to help out, please let her know.
• Indoor Playground contributions and/or pledges may be mailed to Jeff Ebelhar, Owensboro Rotary Foundation Treasurer, at the following address:

Jeff Ebelhar
100 W. Third Street
P.O. Box 1824
Owensboro, KY 42302-1824

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Our second meeting in April will be held on Friday, April 15, at noon at the Executive Inn. We'll be joining attendees of the District 6710 Conference for a luncheon meeting and special speaker. This will take the place of our regularly scheduled meeting that week and the club will cover all meal charges. If you'd like to attend the meeting, but haven't had a chance to sign up, please see Donna Risley. She'll see that your name is added to the list. Please make plans to attend this special meeting in April. We'd like to have a good group there to extend a warm Owensboro welcome!

If you'd like more information about the conference or would like to register to attend other conference events, please see Pat McFarling or visit the district website at www.rotarydistrict6710.org.

YOUR PRESIDENT SPEAKS:
"So, just what is Rotary?" How many times have you heard that question? In my experience, if you mention being involved in Rotary to those who aren’t, the question will inevitably surface. As an organization, we haven’t always done the best job of publicizing who we are and what we do. This year Rotary International is out to change that situation with a global public relations campaign. The goal is to increase awareness and establish a better understanding of Rotary's purpose and contributions to society. Clubs are being encouraged to participate in this effort by publicizing projects and activities that make a difference in their communities.

Rotary founder Paul Harris wrote that to promote understanding "it is important to reach large numbers - non-Rotarians as well as Rotarians - and you cannot reach large numbers privately." The story of Rotary is a great one to tell. When we share our club’s accomplishments, we contribute to an accurate, positive image of Rotary. So, let’s spread the word! The Indoor Playground, Readifest, scholarships…. let’s tell our friends, co-workers, and the community what Owensboro Rotary is all about.

Have a great week!

Pat

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER!
Jim McGown is a partner in Lincoln Clinical Laboratory and serves as the lab's Director of Business Development.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...   
John Kurtz - April 2
Tom Brumley - April 5
Roy Stone - April 7
Pat Berry - April 8

ROTARY REMINDERS  
• Don’t forget to make up your missed meetings at Daviess County Rotary, 7 a.m. on Tuesdays at Heavenly Ham Restaurant in Towne Square North.
• Sister Suzanne Sims is the program chair for April.
• Todd Inman will be at the Fellowship Table during April.
• If you have an email address and are not receiving the Impetus online, or you have changed your email address, please send an email to kim@mediaworksadvertising.com and you will be added to the Rotary email address list.
• Log on to Rotary’s website at www.owensbororotary.org. You’ll find our current member directory, photos of new members, past copies of the Impetus, some interesting history, and more!

Please mail any questions, suggestions, or comments regarding the Impetus to:

Mike Wallace
MediaWorks Advertising, Inc.
208 West 3rd Street
P.O. Box 1866
Owensboro, KY 42302
Phone: 270-684-4554
Fax: 270-684-7314
Email: mike@mediaworksadvertising.com

DEADLINE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE IMPETUS IS THE WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO MONDAY'S PUBLICATION DATE.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS  
April 15: Rotary District Conference at the Executive Inn (Please note date change)
April 20: Laswell Scholarships
April 27: Hager and Combest Awards

2004 - 2005
OWENSBORO ROTARY CLUB OFFICERS
President: Pat McFarling - Phone # 270-852-3257 Fax: 270-926-3196, email: patmc@kwc.edu
Vice President: Bill Dexter
Past President: Jeff Ebelhar
Secretary: John Kurtz
Treasurer: Bob Nation
Directors: Tish Correa-Osborne, Todd Inman, Patty Drury, Tim Bradshaw, & Noel Maddox

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