December 19, 2011 Spokesman
The December 19, 2011 Kirkland Rotary meeting was called to order by President Brandon Honcoop at 6:31. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Rachel Knight. Greeter was Rich Bergdahl. The Inspirational Moment was offered by Elizabeth Rusnak. She has been inspired by all the member support she and Dave Debois received in assembling the Thanksgiving and Christmas food and gift baskets for local families.
Visiting Rotarian was: Cheryl, of the Bellevue Club, introduced by Chuck Brockway. Guests were Molly Becker, Scott’s wife, and Ingrid Bruner, Gary’s wife, looking well after her recent bout of surgery. Our Student of the Month, Matt Young, from Juanita High School, was in attendance.
Dan Bartel informed everyone that our next Rotary First Harvest work party will be January 14; meet at 8:30 in the Houghton Park-and-Ride.
Elizabeth Rusnak announced that the Christmas baskets went well, and circulated a sincere thank-you letter from a recipient.
President Brandon announced that there was a change to the list of nominees for next year’s Club Board – Eric Olsen is the nominee for Vocational Service Chair. It was moved and seconded that nominations be closed. The nominated members were elected to the Board enthusiastically and without dissent.
Don Dicks introduced our latest group of honorees for their contributions to Rotary International – another great night for Kirkland Rotary:
Gary Bruner received a pin with one sapphire – Paul Harris plus one.
Scott Becker received a pin with two sapphires – Paul Harris plus two.
Jim Feek received a pin with two rubies – Paul Harris plus seven.
Ingrid Bruner became a Paul Harris Fellow.
Molly Becker became a Paul Harris Fellow.
Our program speaker was Amy Sommers with K&L Gates, who lives in Shanghai and assists companies and individuals who want to do business in or with China. She gave us a very succinct capsule history of China’s rapid evolution and growth from a totally state-controlled and directed economy to today’s world economic power. This occurred in two distinct stages – from 1980 to about 2008 as an export-focused manufacturing economy, and since then beginning to focus on internal consumption. She explained that China has been affected by the world’s economic turmoil, and is also facing changes driven by an aging, increasingly urbanized population. Her advice to anyone contemplating business involving China is to do due diligence, due diligence, due diligence!! China is a different and evolving culture, with many different ways of doing things. To be successful, it is imperative to match one’s project with local expertise.
Dan Bartel had the lucky number, but had to settle for ten dollars.
President Brandon adjourned the meeting at 7:51PM
Respectfully submitted,
David Aubry, Acting Scribe