A moment of silence was observed out of respect to the late George Lermer.

Projects Updated from Bernie:

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Newly Arrived photos of the Yelizovo project are now available on the Yelizovo link.

Greeter Richard introduced Rotarians with guests:

• Elisabeth Nelson, through a mouth full of cookies, introduced Loralee Burton

• Darrell Alexander introduced Mark Switzer

• Tania Warren failed to introduce Ted Stilson, but I won't tell

• Ed Fetting introduced Stasha Diamond

Thanks

President Stephanie from Lethbridge Sunrise thanks Rotarians for helping the Sunrise at Night event succeed, realizing $6000 raised.

Next Week

Darrell Alexander promises to tell all about the 2005 Rotary Centennial project.

What is RYPEN?

The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment allows us to send two youths to this camp.  A youth who is teetering on the fence of success is taken through a weekend of building trust and building self-esteem.  You will be astounded at the difference in participants.  Your local neighbourhood or school can provide you with likely candidates.  This year's camp at Nordegg is April 24-27. Call Tania for more information or e-mail:  tania.warren@uniglobechoicetravel.com

Hanski Dates

Hanski enjoys going anywhere with Rotarians.  PDG Dale said he was not used to getting all the looks from people who thought he was out with his . . . grand-daughter.

Lethbridge Association for Community Living

Doug McArthur brought back a plaque of appreciation from this organisation that helps disabled people to live more comfortably in their homes.

SAA

Geri Hecker invited happy bucks from Brent G. who was happy to get through the interrogation at Great Falls on his way to Nevada, he said with a shifty look.  Pat <Irish> Killoran was so happy to celebrate St. Patrick's day that he donated a green bill.  Baby Doc was happy to escape her first BBQ lighting of the year with a hair trim.  Tania is happy that her folks celebrated 40 years of wedded bliss.  Karlin is happy that Hanski is brighter green, even though Hanski did not eat her vegetables (again). 

Enforced happy bucks came from Ed Fetting who recently received an honorary degree to add to all the other ones.  Cancer Kickers Attendees and all those wearing green paid a buck each.  John Keenan and Les Talbot paid for free popcorn from Totem.  Nancy Walker paid for littering in Calgary Airport. 

Guest Speaker

Doug McArthur introduced our own Edourd Fetting CEO of Lethbridge Economic Development. 

Ed threw us all off guard by speaking seriously about the many good things coming of out of the UofL including graduates from the largest Faculty of Management in the country, four Rhodes scholars, the research at the Neurosciences centre, Pronghorn athletics, the largest collection of Canadian art and the Rotarians -- Seamus, Helen, Judy, Nancy and John U -- who are employed there. A $70 million annual budget adds to the city and area.

He spoke, too, of the positive effects of the Lethbridge Community College, the expected annual $2000 increase in a graduate's earning capability for each year in college, which is a good return on investment.  The $45.1 million budget there is largely spent locally.  Between the University and the College, there are 13,800 faculty and students, the equivalent of a number of surrounding communities.

Advantages

Lethbridge has the second-lowest business costs of Canadian cities, second only to Medicine Hat, and also enjoys the lowest cost of living.  We enjoy the natural advantages of agriculture, the high output of irrigated farms, eight major food processors, a highly trained workforce and lowest taxation.  Lethbridge City does not offer subsidy to entice new business, because we have the most advantageous costs and benefits. 

Lethbridge is seventh in Canada in small business growth.  Retail stores enjoy patronage from Montana, Idaho, BC and Saskatchewan.  We have such a diverse retail offering that there is little if any reason to go to Calgary.  (But Ed, I love to look at Calgary in my rear-view mirror.)

Myths

Lethbridge is a one sector town?  Not so fast; Ed states we have a diversity of hospitality, manufacturing, service and retail, too. 

Weak agricultural commodity prices are hurting? Record housing starts don't support the claim.

This is a government town?  Out of the top ten employers, eight are public sector.  However, Lethbridge is a regional centre for 100,000 consumers, 150,000 including outlying areas, and 225,000 including southern BC and areas that consider this a weekend destination.

We are in the backwater of our world?  No, Lethbridge is being very aggressive in saving the airport from the ravages of Ottawa decisions.  Innovative global manufacturing  interests are coming to Lethbridge.  Inquiries are coming from Chicago, Jacksonville and Utah by companies who realize the benefits of our graduates, our cost of business, cost of living and the advantage of the Canadian dollar.

Rotarians Paul Pharo, Stephen Graham and John Usher serve on the board of Economic Development.  The Challenge to all of us is to promote Lethbridge.  Canada is one of the best countries in the world to live, and Alberta is the best Province in the country.  Lethbridge has an exceptional lifestyle, so let's promote it.

Best for Last

Ed's reply to Robin Hood's crack about the Leprechauns on Steroids was that even 100 more Leprechauns on Steroids would be unable to steal the pot of gold from the Royal Bank. 

Question Period

Doug asked if there was any hope for dumb guys like him.  BabyDoc gave her professional diagnosis, which was not FOIP-able, because he sought advice in public.

Draw

Ed drew Marlin for $10 and Kendall for $5

Volunteers needed for the Library Van Run on the following dates:

March 26th - Wednesday

March 27th - Thursday

The Van Run starts at 9:00 am and is usually done by 11:00 am.

Call Kevin Willoughby,  Email: kevin_willoughby@hsbc.ca  Tel: (403)331-6588