ROTARY CLUB OF VINELANDMay 8, 2007 Newsletter |
Editors: Ron McMahon & Linda Foster
Photos: Jay Parks
Website: www.vinelandrotary.com
Email: vinelandrotary@comcast.net
Flag Salute & Prayer
God Bless America, Flag Salute, Pledge of Allegiance and recitation of the 4 Way Test was ably led by Marty, assisted by too many singer to count.
The opening prayer was led by Dan Leslie. Please keep Rose Pacitto & her family in your prayers. Her father passed away Friday.
Guests
Scott Brown, Ocean City/Upper Township Rotary.Cathy Arpino, guest of Dave Schad and Eileen Duffy, guest of Ed.
Birthdays
Linda Foster - May 9Don Babcock - May 11
Nancy Monaghan - May 13
Membership
Please view the "Members Only" section of the web site for an important Membership update.Announcements
Next Week’s meeting (May 15) will be in the Fairmount Room at the Ramada Inn.Jay Parks reported on the latest wedding plans (or lack thereof) of his son Matt in Nicaragra. Stay tuned.
Glenn Kahley reported on the results of the recent Kids ID Program. IDs were established for over 100 kids at Johnstone School last Saturday. Thanks to Henry Hansen and Gerry Dooley for assisting, and thanks to Glenn for spearheading this valuable community service program for the past 4 years.
Congratulations to Rotarians Ken Dondero and Rob Tola, for their businesses Dondero’s Jewelry and Newfield National Bank being selected as outstanding business of the year by the Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce. Also, congratulations to Lou Tramontana for his selection as Vineland’s outstanding Businessperson of the Year.
Last week’s blood drive netted 40 pints. The many Rotarians who signed up to donate were recognized for their valuable service to the community. Next Rotary blood drive is on Tuesday July 17.
Pat Proccacino entertained us with his “jokes of the day”.
Finemaster
Today, there was a lot of Happy News. Ed Duffy had double happy news: their son Matt has attained the rank of Eagle Scout and has been accepted to enroll at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia; daughter Evelyn is graduating from Georgetown University, and has landed a job, working with Washington Post columnist Bob Woodward on his next book. Dennis Palmer’s daughter is graduating from Rutgers University and has been accepted into the National Honor Society. President Mike participated in a 42 mile bike ride through the 5 New York boroughs with his mother Grace. In addition to the happy news, finemaster Bill nicked members and guest for all kinds of good, bad and insignificant items. |
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Program
Today’speaker was Jim Lelli, former Rotarian and director of Economic Development for the city of Vineland. Jim is the 2004 recipient of our Vocational Service Award, and a Paul Harris Fellow. The mission of his department is to attract new industry, and develop creative financing to retain and expand existing industry. Vineland has the most outstanding record of the 37 Urban Enterprise Zones.Jim stated that, with the addition to his staff of Sandy Forosicky as Director of Re-development, he can now concentrate primarily on industrial development. His department receives an average of 10 inquiries a week from potential new businesses. There are only 6 undeveloped lots left in the Vineland industrial parks. At present, there are no plans to develop additional parks, relying instead on cooperative efforts with private builders and developers.
Among new businesses coming to Vineland are:
A manufacturer of paper products, moving into the Santa’s Best property on South West Blvd. It will be adding 70,000 sq. ft. to the existing building, and create 275 new jobs.
A manufacturer of creams and ointments for the middle eastern market is moving to the Comar building on North Delsea Drive.
Another drug manufacturer is moving its operations from Egypt to Vineland, with 100 jobs.
Our area has a number of advantages to offer new employers. Wages are about $1.50 per hr. lower than other nearby areas. Also, land is available, and there are UEZ incentives. The UEZ has awarded over $90 million since 1986, and now has a revolving loan fund of $55 million.
Jim observed that there’s a new incentive for some companies to relocate manufacturing to the US from overseas. Homeland security regulations and inspections have added to the cost and complexity of importing goods.
Upcoming Programs
May 15th - Dr. David BlomMay 22nd - Doug Rainear, Freeholder
May 29th - No Meeting will be held
May 31st - Thursday, France GSE Dinner