Chips February 22nd, 2016

Wendy Loomis, guest of Mark Price and Executive Director of Child First Advocacy

Sharon Stearns, guest of Reed Wilcox and CPA

Wayne and Liz of Omya, who were our speakers

 

Joyce bragged that she went to San Antonio when the 3 coldest days of the year came about. Spent time with her mother.

Jack bragged that he helped his dad celebrate his 90th birthday recently and he got a phone call from his son who lives in Silverton, CO saying he hit an elk. Son is ok, Thank God!

Brian bragged about winning an award through Nationwide Insurance. He and Vicky got to go down to Hershey, PA last week for a conference and had fun. Went to Gettysburg and saw the sights. Congrats, Brian on the award.

Colie said that the Rutland Rec has been renamed to Rutland Pride and now they have a lion as a mascot.

Kevin went to 6 National Park sites while on vacation in Hawaii. Saw some very amazing things

Win has officially retired and got to spend a solid month in St Croix and brought his family down for a week as well. Congratulations, Win!

Steve White thanked Mike Coppinger for putting the downtown Winter Fest together. Steve and his grandson got to sled down Center Street and Mike even caught them at the end of the run to stop them.

Terry gave us the Castleton Hockey update. The men made the playoffs in the 6th seed, but lost by one goal to Norwich in first game. Women's are second in conference and playoffs start on home ice on Saturday.

Joe went to Florida during the cold snap and said there was a 94 degree temperature difference. Played golf and had fun.

Joan bragged for her niece who helped to track down stolen I phones/pads. Thieves broke into Joan's sister's home and stole things. Niece was able to remotely delete all data off of the devices.

Nancy Greenwood bragged for the Rutland Cheerleaders who won 1st place at State. Congratulations!

 

Announcements:
Trace said that RRMC is hosting a downtown mixer at Merchants Hall to create a better relationship with businesses and the community. Come show your support and learn more about Vermont Orthopedics.

Stephanie said that she has the dog biscuits in if anyone wants to pick up their order. Krista Barlow did lose her battle with Cancer. I am very, very sorry to hear this. My condolences.

Mark said that folks need to introduce themselves to Nancy Greenwood and sign her new member sheet. Krista and Rich are going to a Rotary Leadership meeting.

Chuck said that the 111th anniversary of Rotary is coming up this week.

Dick gave us a Rotary Minute today- Dick said that diversity is our strength as Rotarians. He reminded us that we were all thought enough of to be sponsored for membership and he encouraged us to do the same. In Dick's role as membership chair for the district, he found that only 10% of Rotarians in the district sponsor another member. He was proud to say that our club is number one in the district with the highest sponsoring of new members! Dick Reminded us that you need to be succinct about what Rotary is to you and why others may be interested. He said that Rotary unites leaders to take action. Unite, exchange, and take action.

 

Liz and Wayne from Omya. Liz is the HR Director for the Vermont operations and Wayne is the Plant Manager. Rich introduced them and thanked them for the generous support Omya has given locally and to The United Way over the years. Omya is the largest customer of Vermont Railways. They originally built their Vermont Factory in 1978 and have been at it ever since. They produce calcium carbonate that is vital in the production of things we use everyday. Their largest customers include paper manufacturers, Plastics companies, paint companies, food companies, and pharmaceuticals. Currently, Omya has over 7,000 employees all around the world. The operation in Vermont is their 3rd largest factory and employs roughly 130 people. The factory is being run primarily on LNG and trucks hauling loads over roads are also running on LNG. They have a contract with Casella Construction to have their over the road loads hauled by Casella trucks and trailers. Wayne encouraged everyone to attend the Middlebury Quarry's open house on September 10th. They include lunch and fun. Currently, there are decades left of supply of raw material in the area and Omya isn't going anywhere anytime soon. They are one of the largest private companies in the world.

 

Jack said that the committee is still meeting regularly and they are exploring a project in conjunction with RRMC to develop land on the east side of Stratton road on about 40 acres of hospital owned land. Partners in the plan could possibly include Come Alive Outside and Reebok Spartan Race. This is the top idea at the moment but other ideas being considered. Jack encouraged interested folks to come to a committee meeting