In review

Posted by Dan Hare on Oct 13, 2016
 
President Ann Platt opened the annual joint meeting with the Edina Morningside Rotary Club with her usual charm and good humor, thanking the full house of attendees for their dedication and commitment as representatives of the Edina community to the Rotary International organization.
Edina Morningside Rotary Club President Tom Gump led us in a thoughtful invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary Four-Way Test. Steve Slyce introduced the guests and their hosts, including:
 
  • Andy Bach, son of Tom Bach, and Adrian Hill, both guests of Tom and signed up to attend Camp Enterprise this year
  • Kim Stoner, guest of Jody Kern
  • Kevin Fischer, introduced by Sandy Schley
  • Beth  Dienst, guest and niece of Ann Platt
  • Mary Helen Bosquez, a visiting Rotarian from the Maple Grove Rotary Club, who graciously invited all to their annual Gala in November and passed around raffle tickets for purchase.
Announcements and volunteer opportunities included:
 
  • The Rev. Tom Cook spoke of the clean-up at Wooddale and Utley Parks scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 16.
  • EMRC President Tom Gump gave information on the upcoming Area 3 Rotary Veterans Luncheon on Nov. 11 at Bearpath Golf and Country Club in Eden Prairie. 
  • Peter Kelly of EMRC, chair of this year's Camp Enterprise, spoke of the Camp E program for high school students and the unique opportunity volunteers have to work with these future business and community leaders. He told the story of two past camp attendees, having met at the camp, became good friends, started a successful business together in college and recently married. Proof Camp E provides young people opportunities well beyond what is taught in the schools!
  • Dave Hatzung and Brad Hepp provided a light-hearted and well-prepared announcement about the Thanksgiving Baskets meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 23. The parody left many fellow Rotarians asking, “Where do these veteran insurance executives find the time to rehearse their scripts for these speaking engagements? It’s simply astounding!”
Mary Younggren introduced the guest speaker, Joe Puishys, President and CEO of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. 

Apogee Enterprises designs, engineers, and manufactures window systems for commercial and security buildings. They also manufacture glass for the auto industry, film coatings, picture framers and others. Their commercial glass can be found on buildings around the world, including the tallest building in the western hemisphere, One World Trade Center in NY and our own US Bank Stadium. 

Joe provided an inspiring speech, talking about influential people he has met throughout his business career providing him with valuable lessons he hopes to instill in his employees. He told the story of a slightly intimidating boss he had early in his career asking him for a one-on-one presentation. After preparing a full presentation including visual aids, his boss pushed the presentation aside and said "I just want to talk." Joe, to this day, does not believe in presentations and warns his employees, "You are going to hear me talk." Judging from his short time at our meeting, I’m sure his employees look forward to hearing him speak anytime.

Sue Spalding thanked our speaker.