CHIPS from 10-20-2014

Guests: Brian Perkins brought Gary Lieb w/ Royal Security Group. Rich Carlson brought Liz (didn't catch last name)

Speaker: Jeb Spaulding-Secretary of Administration for State of Vermont in Shumlin's administration.

 

Fines: Mike Coppinger fined Kwame for his write up in The Reader, Elias for his publicity in the Mountain Times for Dancing With the Stars. Joe Rodolfy volunteered to pay Elias' fine because he felt any man brave enough to dance in front of the whole town shouldn't be fined.   

Brags: Cole bragged that soccer season was finally over for the Rec Department and they finished it off w/ a bang (held a jamboree).   Mike bragged for Jen of Make it Sew, as she came through in the clutch to make Mike's 15 y/o step daughter happy w/ a beautiful dress.    Dick bragged for Cale attending the American Figgero Opera at the Paramount bc now Cale is more cultured.     Jen bragged about her 2 week trip to England and Scotland, her dear friend just got married and it was her mother's birthday.  Geroge ironically didn't use puns and bragged about not doing so. He also said how great the Rutland Youth theaters production of Stewart Little was and he had Jeff Wynberg give his seal of approval.   Visiting Rotarian, Peter of NBT, bragged for Rotarians after spending time in Pine Hill Park and noticing Rotary's contributions there and the quality of the park.

 

Announcements: Liz-new MBA program at CSJ    Tom-business person of year will be announced next week at holiday inn and congressman Welch will be in attendance     Caprice-Project Vision announcement at Paramount Theater tonight at 5:30   Rich-Nov 6th is delivery day for Xmas tree cabin to Main St Park    Brian-Joes and Will both sponsored new members during the year and earned recognition pins, Will wasn't at meeting so will receive in future.     Kevin-took club wide survey to figure out what things the club should start/stop/continue     Joan announced Reed Wilcox as newest board member    Stephanie-Parade is on Saturday, so if you need a costume let her know. We will all be meeting at Mark Price's home on Saturday to construct the float.    Jack-Centennial Committee discussion at regular Monday meeting on Nov 3rd. They are looking for ideas on what a worthy project would be and would like to hear from club again on ideas.  

 

Speaker: Jeb Spaulding

Founder of WNCS radio station in Montpelier. over 30 years as a fellow Rotarian. Before current job, he was the State Treasurer and enjoyed that job more than any others. Held position for many terms.

He said he has had to learn to align his opinions with the governor's opinions, so that when the press releases are made, there is only one opinion...the Governor's.

He is one of the Governor's closest aids.

His favorite part of his job is the fact that each day is different: could be a labor dispute one day or water rights the next. never boring

He discussed GlobalFoundries buyout of IBM's Essex facility. He said that they are going to keep all employees and possibly hire more. He mentioned that several analyst/credit rating agencies have pointed their finger at Vermont because they are very reliant on one or two companies for a solid tax base, but Jeb said that he felt VT's economy is very diverse between skiing, tourism, and industry among others. He said that meals/room tax up 6% this year year over year.

They are expecting a low turn-out for the elections, so urged everyone to vote as their votes will really matter one way or the other.

He said Shumlin's big successes were sticking his neck out to try and encourage the GMP/CV merger rather than letting an outside company buy CV. He also thought Shumlin took an a-typical stance for a green governor supporting the Addison Gas lines, but felt it was for best of state.

Jeb did mention that he is leaving office for a great opportunity in January. Not sure what that opportunity is.