This week, our acting President was Director of Community Service Mark Sorenson who took the podium to run the meeting. It's been a lot of fun having a variety of Rotarians get the experience of running a meeting, it should certainly build up some empathy for the President. Mark welcomed everyone, including the many guests who were invited to the meeting to our regular noon meeting.
MEMBERSHIP NOTICE:
A new member has been proposed for membership, and a separate email with the particulars will go out to members of the Rotary Club Monday or Tuesday. Please watch your emails and if you have any questions or concerns, see President Chris Perret or Director of Membership Margie Booyens. Thanks
Rotary Club Information:
Upcoming meetings:
On April 8, Mayor Ted Clugston will be the speaker, to give a short "state of the City" update.
On April 15, the club will have a business meeting with some new member inductions.
On April 22, there will be NO MEETING as it is Easter Monday.
Mark reminded everyone of the Club Strategic Planning update, on Saturday April 6 from 9 am to 2 pm, location Entre Corp Boardroom.
Housekeeping:
Please bring auction items. It is an important part of our meeting.
If you have a Meeting Minute, please send Pres Chris a note (email, phone, in-person)
Board minutes can be found on ClubRunner, under Club Documents.
Upcoming Rotary Events:
The Rotary District 5360 Board meeting on April 26, will be held in Medicine Hat, at the Entre Corp Boardroom.
Rotary District 5360 Convention, May 3 - 5, 2019 in Olds, AB. DG Dan is proposing a different and exciting district conference, so members are encouraged to register. So far it looks like 5 members are planning to attend.
Rotary International Conference in Hamburg Germany in June 2019
Club Strategic Planning:
President Chris Perret did a short reminder that Strategic Planning Questionnaire has been emailed out to members, asking for feedback on strategic priorities and fundraising. For those that might have missed it, a second copy was sent out on Monday March 25th.
Please complete the Strategic Planning Questionnaire and either bring it to the next meeting or email it back to Chris. This is an opportunity for all members to express their opinion and to have their voices heard.
Future Programs:
For more Club activities, to keep up with events and stay in touch, check the Club website at: www.medicinehatrotary.com
If you have any future program ideas, please email Jillian Koch at jkoch@jmhca.com
The Rotary Club welcomed Ryan Jackson, General Manager of the new Folium Bioscience plant currently under development in Medicine Hat. Ryan has spent the last four years at the helm of Invest Medicine Hat and been very successful at diversifying the local economy with new industries and many new jobs. Folium Bioscience was created in 2013, and headquartered in Colorado Springs.
They are the largest vertically integrated producer, manufacturer and distributor of hemp derived phytocannabinoids in the USA. They intend to supply their unique 0.0% THC phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil to 32 countries, to diverse industries including the supplement, cosmetic, personal care and animal heath industries.
They employ in excess of 200 people, and will add approximately 200 jobs with the startup of the Medicine Hat facility. "Not all hemp is created equal" is their slogan and they will be working to develop markets in South America from the local plant. They will be building a 100,00 sq ft extraction/purification plant and a 70,000 sq foot finished goods facility.
Several questions were asked and answered, the audience learned a lot and Ryan was thanked by Mark.
A great group of Rotarians were joined by the following guests today.
Lisa DesRoches, a potential club member awaiting induction.
Ryan Jackson, General Manager of the Folium Bioscience plant in Medicine Hat and our guest speaker today.
Ali Baradi, a guest of Margie Booyens.
John McDougall, a local farmer and guest of Gail Halderman.
Ryan Dalton, an accountant with JMH and a guest of Mike Christie.
Rod Dal Collo, a former member of the RC of Hinton and a guest of Dave Panabaker.
Tom Hamp, a guest of Dave Panabaker
Cecelia Lynn Cairns, daughter of Rotarian Jan Cairns and granddaughter of Rotarian Dave Stalwick.
Birthdays:
Joan Sauve April 1st.
Glen Presley April 3rd.
Sarah Koch April 4th.
Anniversaries:
Terry Brekko 30 years April 1, 1989.
Don Davis 8 years April 1, 2011.
Dave Panabaker 15 years April 1, 2004.
Joe Hrankowski 19 years April 3, 2000.
Ted Clugston (honorary) 5 years April 7, 2014.
Weekly Draws:
Attendance draw today was Shann Snedden who was NOT in attendance and therefor didn't win a free meal.
The club draw was won by Mike Christie who took home a rum cake.
Club 500:
No draw this week.
Make Ups:
None announced.
Family of Rotary:
The members of the club passed on our heartfelt condolences to Terry Partis, on the recent loss of his father.
Minute People:
Dave Stalwick thanked the bingo volunteers for their great work on Sunday afternoon. The club made a profit of $669 on the afternoon bingo and Dave and Dick Bide split the guess pot.
Director of International Service, Teresa Schile reminded Rotarians of an upcoming financial vote, set for our business meeting on April 15th. There are two motions, the first as a sponsor for the Hues for Humanity Run and the second as a donation to a project from the recent Sri Lankan Rotarians, regarding hearing aids. Both projects will be discussed and voted on at that meeting.
Acting President, Mark Sorenson reminded Rotarians that the District 5360 Board meeting will be in Medicine Hat on Friday April 26th, all are welcome to attend.
President Chris Perret reminded Rotarians to please fill out the strategic planning update form, and sign up for the meeting on Saturday April 6th.
Heather Bach invited Rotarians to a special announcement on Monday April 8th, after our club meeting. The announcement by McDonalds, concerning a local Ronald McDonald house will be made at Medalta.
Margie Booyens was looking for one more Rotarian to help with the Salvation Army "Hot Meal" program on Wed April 3rd.
Dave Panabaker wanted to let members know that the special interpretive historical sign in Rotary Park has finally been installed.
