Soundings (10/26/10)

Posted by Stowe Talbot 
 
 

Flag Salute and Invocation by Tonja Myers

Visting Rotarians: None

Guests: Alina Valieva-Coonc (Whidbey Island Bank)

Rotary trivia: South American clubs

Student of the Month:  Rebekah Miller is a senior at Squalicum.  Terri White, her councelor, is very proud of Rebekah and her varied volunteer service.  Recently, for example, Rebecca did tutoring for a middle school student.  Rebekah came to the microphone and told us she has done a lot of volunteering at an after-school adventure program and Camp Firwood during the summer. Rebekah suggested our club could help contribute towards new playground equipment for the Firs.  She thanked our club for her scholorship check and support of the SOM program at Squalicum.

Grape & Gourmet:  Scotty reminded us that today is the deadline for "pre-ordering" discounted G&G wines, available for pick-up at the event (special accomodations will be made for those who won't be there for the event).   Pre-sales are important for the wineries to convince them to participate in the event!  Lesa said we have 17 restaurants but could use a few more if anyone has any connections!  Bill said we need to sell more tickets.  Leena said the auction could use a few more offers and/or cash (to allow her to put together gift baskets).  And lastly, we need to fill about 17 more volunteer spots for day-of-event work.

 

Bucks in the Bay

  • Bill said elections only a few days away, this year $2B was spent on political advertizing (two years ago it was $1.8B)!
  • Brad Cornwell heard interesting radio report on polio, only 4 countries left where cases have been reported, recent improvements in oral innoculations;
  • Stephanie Sadler had a birthday check!
  • Phil X Hageman for the "Bellingham Alive Magazine" survey ranking Pearson as best Bellingham contractor;
  • Leena invites everyone to Bellingham Boys & Girls club this Thursday morning at Bellis Fair Mall;
  • Lynn Templeton congrats to Christine Palmerton (nominated for Businesswoman of the year), and thanks Mimi for hosting wonderful dinner;
  • Patti for missed meetings while hunting and gathering in New York, meanwhile Frank hunted three deer;
  • Gordon Plume bucks for running in the Humbolt half marathon (with daughters), he placed third in his division, with a time of 1:47!
  • Bob Becker for birthday, wedding anniversary and trip to AZ;
  • Brent Walker with another pitch for B&G Club fundraiser Thursday morning, the organization really needs the financial support, please join his table!
  • Mike Kirkland proud granddaughter bucks;
  • John Templeton said tomorrow City Council will be taking testimony on the issue of rental housing licences;
  • Frank Chmelik proud of his son who runs on the Sehome Cross Country team which is soon heading to the State Meet. 

Sergeant at Arms by Frank Chmelik
Bill Boyd, non-voters, Dick Stark, Husky fans, Couger fans, Eddie, those who haven't bought tix for G&G, Lynn Templeton.

Program
Bill Gorman introduced Paul Akers, who ran for Congress earlier this year.  Instead of politics, Paul told the story of his career as a businessman.  13 years ago Paul started a company (Fastcap) that made nail whole covers for the inside of cabinets.  So successful that it soon branched out to make other remodel-based & construction equipment like laser-jams.  Although the company was successful, early on they had problems with inventory.  So, he invited some young Japanese to "audit" their process.  They recommended something called TPS (Toyota Production System) or "Lean Manufacturing".  After Paul adopted this sytem and taught his employees how to do it, it became totally tranformative to the company (Fastcap) and its manufacturing process.  Lean is based on two simple concepts:

1) People are smart, so have repect for the people on the ground level - on the shop floor - because they have the knowledge to contribute to improvements;

2) Everything you do in work and life can be improved, always.

Toyota, the originator of the Kaizan (lean) process, makes a million improvements every year; in fact, their whole labor force is changing and making improvements every single day.  Kaizen - Japanes word which means "to make good / continuously improve".  Paul recommends a book called "The Toyota Way". 

Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot