Soundings (6/19/07)
Visiting Rotarians: Dennis Murphy, Bob Morse
Guests: Vanessa Blackburn, Jane Kaiser (soon to be new member)
Announcements
Todd reported on our August fundraiser "Brewers by the Bay": Sunday August 5th, 2-6 pm at Depot Market Square, tickets $25 bucks each. Tix includes food, a glass, 5 beer tastings, and music.
Board meeting (final for Barry's reign) for June next Tuesday evening at Barry's.
August 17th Golffun tournament at Homestead - we need a foursome.
Bob Morse District 5050 recently held its conference. The district governor held out citations to clubs for various achievements, and our club was awarded one!
Stan for bad haircut;
Bill Gorman for withdrawing from Mayoral race;
Robin Schmidt for great weekend, daughter graduated from Sehome with honors, and accepted new job with St. Josephs Hospital;
Steve Spitzer for B&G Club fundraiser golf tournament at BGCC next Wed and Thurs - and for 30th wedding anniversary;
Eddie for Fathers' Day, and proud so many great grads fro B'ham public school;
Bill Boyd sad bucks for nine lost firefighters in North Carolina, and for his guys successfully putting out school fire yesterday;
John Sleeth for growth of his mail business;
Frank Zurline for daughter's graduation from Bellingham HS going to attend WSU;
Rod Bring for trip to N. Carolina, wife's birthday, for Bellingham paramedics help with father;
Dick Stark for son graduated Edmonds CC and new job at Boeing;
Denise for nephew valdictorian, daughter tennis success, Drew moved out of house;
Al Knutson for daughter graduation and last weekend golf tournament;
Bryant Engerbretson for 14 year anniversary;
Donna Edquist missed meeting, dance recital last weekend, son graduation;
Ed Zech son graduated etc.
Program
Barry introduced Dr. Dennis Murphy (voted "grinch of the year" award by Cascadia Weekly). Dennis remarked on the good state of economic affairs (his current crop of graduates even seemed lazy about looking for a job). There is a low unemployment rate, and it's hard for enterprises to find good candidates. Small businesses think times are good. Financial sector - fairly stable. Inflation expected to be low. Federal deficit is low compared to previous years, due to robust economy and high tax receipts. Housing "bubble" may not really be too much of a bubble after all. Subprime lending - less occurred in the PacNW thankfully. Stock market now at 13,600. Forecast? Good: Liquidity in the world market, also China now allows their companies to buy stocks internationally.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stowe Talbot