#541, Club Bulletin, January 19, 2015

Posted by Mary Wildermuth 
on Jan 19, 2015
 
 
Program for January 19, 2015: H.J. Heinz Expansion Project - Tom Green
Invocation: Rachel Riley Smock
 
Guests and Happy News: Paul Fitzpatrick from Newton Conover, North Carolina Rotary Club was present and considering transferring his membership. Tim Nelson celebrated his 40th Wedding Anniversary and in recognition gave a $40 check to our club!!
 
Remember to sign up for the January 22, 2015 Evening Rotary Meeting at Kent Corp. Headquarters from 5:30-7:00 P.M.  Wine and Beer along with Appetizers will be served.  See Rich Dwyer for details.  Mike Hagerty shared information about the upcoming Kids First Breakfast on January 30, Friday and the Tech Night on February5, 2015.  The Rotary Board and Committee Chairs will meet this Wednesday at noon at the United Way Offices.
 
Program: Greg Jenkins, CEO of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, provided an informative update on the projects and services provided by GMCCI. The Chamber is celebrating 71 years of being an entity in Muscatine.  Janet Morrow oversees Marketing and Membership, while Katie Loos is Event Coordinator and Special Projects, Jodi Hansen supports the Blue Zone Implementation, and Susan Fulton is the office support helping everyone!! Greg talked about Economic Development Expansion including H.J. Heinz and Monsanto. 
 
SCORE, Leadership Muscatine, E Center, YPN are Committees/Projects led by GMCCI in partnership with individuals and entities within the community.  Greg explained how TIF is implemented and the tax benefit to the industry and the city/community.  We were reminded to thank H.J. Heinz and Monsanto for their creation of jobs within the community.  Projects currently in the works are: Kent Distribution Center expansion, Hotel Stanley/Conference Center, CAT grant application for Soccer Complex Expansion, Dog Park,  and the Art Center Upgrade.  What will the Workforce of 5-10 years from now need to be?  Technologically savy and interested in living in Muscatine are two key quantifiers.