Soundings (1/4/2011)

Bill Geyer reports that the membership committee has recommended approval of the following four applicants into our club.  These names will be circulated for the next couple weeks, allowing you to submit questions or objections.  Comments can be given to our Pres, Bill Gorman, or the membership chair, Bill Geyer.

1.  Jorge (George) Alvarez - VP branch manager for Whidbey Island Bank on York Street.  Sponsored by Stan Dyer.

2. Tony Freeland - owner and operator of Freeland & Assoc. Engineering, designer of roads and utility systems.  Sponsored by Bill Geyer.

3. Marilyn Olsen - professional writer and consultant, former owner of a PR and marketing firm.  Sponsored by Mike Kirkland.

4. Mark Turner - Professional photographer and owner of Turner Photographics.  Sponsored by Ken Oplinger.

Bucks in the Bay

• Bill very optimistic about 2011, both in business and personally;
• Stephanie for 53rd anniversary;
• John Templeton making resolutions to get in shape, this past December was really active for real estate (especially commercial), and regards from past member Carole Beecher (the Goddess);
• Aaron Lemperes said his new daughter Sophia Rose was born six weeks ago, and after a rough patch she is home and doing great!
• Tonja had a birthday!
• Frank Chmelik missed meetings working on coal export project in Longview, WA
• Tresha missed meeting attending sister's graduation, then flew to Florida Keys but had flu and the weather was freezing cold!
• Steve Swan 43 wedding anniversary and football bucks (Seahawks and Packers);
• Stan Dyer said Karen Haggen had an operation in December but is now doing well (still recovering at home), and also Chuck Walters messed up his hip and is convalescing at Mt Baker Care Center near Fairhaven. Lastly, Stan put in a recommendation to go see Mark Bergsma's big photo print at CH2MHill building at Bellwether;
• Lesa passes on regards from Karen Haggen, and gave thanks to all the bell ringers;
• Eddie had a crazy Christmas with three kids, record year for his business last year;

Sergeant at Arms by Denise Bosman
Fines for Steve Swan, Husky fans for football and basketball wins, Seahawks fans, Bill Gorman for a Comcast internet crash on Xmas Eve! More fines for Pete Kremen, Bob Tull, Steve Spitzer, Donna Edquist.

Program
Mary introduced Dr. Patricia McKeown recently elected President of Bellingham Technical College!  She has been in Bellingham since 1979, and at BTC for 25 years.  Patty gave an update on what's going on at BTC.  Patty first thanked all who have given to BTC or contributed to BTC over the years. 

Who are the students?  Ave. age 33, 20% of color, lots coming back to school after being laid off from jobs.  145 scholarships awarded.  Tuition $3,500 plus fees. Enrollment 2,390 full-time students, up 4%!  One of the largest welding program in the state, and the best facility in the NW, bar none. Many programs:

• Engineering and Manufacturing
• Health Careers
• Construction, Industrial, Fisheries and Culinary
• Business Management and Computer Tech

Ave. wage after graduation is about $48K/yr!  Placement is 68% (was over 90% a few years ago).  900 grads annually. 

Partners: BTC has 350 business advisory committee members. $1M in scholarships, $50K in equipment donated, partnership grants, $5M in fed, state and private grants. 

Budget Cuts: 39% in total revenue cuts expected.  The State used to contribute 60% of the revenue, now it will be 47%, with student tuition picking up the difference.

Looking ahead:  New 3-story building going up with library, computer labs, culinary kitchen.  Collaborating with WWU, WCC and NW Indian College.  Possible new joint initiative with WWU and NWIC called "Center for Aquatic Sciences and Renewable Energy".  Other initiatives:

• "Greening" our programs;
• Focus on high quality education  & innovation
• Provide for student access/success
• seeking non-state resources

Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot