El Cerrito Rotary: The Wheel October 15, 2009

El Cerrito Rotary

The Wheel

Editors:  Gary Buffon & John Ferguson Jr.

Week of October 15^th     

(www.rotary5160.org)

www.elcerritorotary.org

Past President Jane welcomed everyone to the Friendly El Cerrito Rotary Club.  Gary B led the flag salute and Gary A provided the thought for the day.

Secretary John:  Introduced Steve Holland and Fred Colligan Rotarians from Berkeley.  Jim Spain introduced his guest Larry Damon who was a member of our club.  Welcome back Larry.

Steve Holland introduced the Leader of the GSE team from Monterey Mexico, Rolando.  Then Rolando introduced the team members: Fernanda, Rene, Alex and Umberto.  The team is on the last week of their stay here in our District.

4 Way Test Presentation: Don lead the recitation of the 4-Way Test.

Announcements:

Þ    Steve Holland reminded everyone about the Reno Train Trip in January.  If you want to go on the trip visit www.berkeleyrotary.org and click on the train trip and make your reservation.

Þ    Gary B provided an update on the Hands On Universe project with the our Interact Club and the Kenya High Interact Club.  There are 20 students and 10 teachers who will be trained in workshops later this month.  Carl and Gary are seeking donations to our foundation (tax deduction given) so we can get $600 to purchase two laptop computers for the project (they will go to Kenya).  Carl and Gary are starting the process with $100 each.  Please donate if you can so we can move this project along.  Thanks in advance for your help!!!

Happy dollars:   Gary B had 10 happy dollars for a baby granddaughter Zoe Ruth Diaz who was born on October 9^th (Norma and Gary’s anniversary).  Jack had $10 for his visit to the I80 President’s meeting and the great projects they have going.  Frank had happy dollars for his future son-in-law who is a successful actor starting a gig with Gray’s Anatomy on ABC this evening.  He will be playing a doctor.  Rod had a happy dollar for being able to play piano with a colleague before our meeting today.

Birthdays and Anniversary recognition:  Leeza announced anniversaries for Charlie, Gary B and Paul.  Charlie answered his question correctly but Gary was consistent by missing all four questions.  Oh well.

Sgt at Arms Nancy:   Not done today

Today’s Program: 

Gary A introduced Ian Kinard who is a business specialist at the West Contra Costa Business Development Center.  Ian gave us a rundown on the services provided by the WCCBDC.  The primary areas that they work in include:  business startup evaluation, marketing, permitting and licensing and load development and application.  The primary process of the center is to conduct an intake session to help the individuals understand what they need and if they have the desire to do what it takes to be an entrepreneur. 

Ian then answered questions about the work he does.  One of the questions was about how people hear about the BDC.  Much of their referrals come from the Chambers of Commerce in West County.  In addition they give presentation to Rotary so we can refer people to this organization who want assistance in business start up and development.

Ian Kinard – Business Specialist at the WCC Business Development Center

 Today’s Lottery Winner:   Lee had his ticket pulled and selected a cats eye marble winning the bottle of win.  Next week the pot is $100.

Thought for Week:

The substance of the eminent Socialist gentleman's speech is that making a profit is a sin, but it is my belief that the real sin is taking a loss.

--Winston Churchill