Thanks to ALL of you who helped me to show the President of Rotary International, Barry Rassin, the full support of our Club to the humanitarian causes for a whole century and starting a new one with the same enthusiasm.
His visit inspired more enthusiasm among all and especially in those who had the close opportunity to share with him during his visit to Puerto Rico. Thanks to our District Governor, Juanita Valentín-Morris, for her support and help to bring her DG classmates to know closely how we work and enjoy too. PDG John Richardson, your expertise and eagerness to make of this occasion a real success is very much appreciated. Immense gratitude to PPI Ken McGrath for the extraordinary efforts to gather important history data that resulted in a beautiful collection of memories. FR Jorge González, PP, was an important key player to gather important resources for our program; thanks for the important help you provided. FR Raymond Erb, D-7000 Treasurer, your liaison with the youth was an important factor that helped us to perform a great job. Our Executive Secretary, Pat Schneider and her husband Bob did a great job before, during and after the gala keeping all the information in order making the registration task looking easier than it is.
Each and every one of our members who helped to make a success of this Centennial celebration deserve my sincere appreciation and INSPIRE me to work harder for the success of this first year of the second century that we started last month. Thanks for trusting me to start this new chapter.
INVITATION to a Book Signing on September 8, when the book, "Puerto Rico, A Unique Culture", will be presented at 3:00 PM in the Libreria El Candil, Union & Sol Street in Ponce, PR. Guest Speakers will be Myrna Rivera, UPR Professor, Abelardo Lecompte, talk show host and author, and Rotarian Professor Hilda Iriarte.
THE DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP SEMINAR was held on August 11 in the Manatí Rotary Club. President Pepito and RYLA Leader, Roxanna Lopez of the Rotary e-Club PR & LA were among those present.
THE UNVEILING OF THE CENTENNIAL PLAQUE took place on Saturday morning, August 4. Here are a group of smiling Rotarians together with RI President Barry Rassin. The 100th Anniversary plaque was placed at the corner of Calles Tetuan & Cruz in Old San Juan at the former site of the Palace Hotel (now the Budget Office) where San Juan Rotary met 100 years ago.
Guest speaker, Steve Spears of Bonneville Contracting & Technology Group and President of the Puerto Rico Associated General Contractors of America, gave a detailed overview of the Association's history, With 26,000 members, AGC has its offices in Arlington VA and is the largest and most powerful construction industry lobby in the nation. The local chapter was founded 55 years ago and counts 300 members. Our speaker gave interesting highlights on the local industry The years 1996-2008 saw billions in construction: Tren Urbano, Choliseo, Convention Center, Super Tubo, Solar and Wind farms and a housing boom creating 100,000 direct jobs and 150,000 indirect jobs. The great recession of 2008-2016 witnessed the loss of 90,000 jobs. It is estimated that the reconstruction after Hurricanes Irma & Maria will generate many jobs. $10 billion in reconstruction funds are predicted for 2020-2030, FEMA claims to have spent $14 billion in humanitarian aid to date, including bridge and road repair, emergency power restoration and food and supplies. The slow payout by the insurance industry is due to insolvency of insurers and insufficient reinsurance, litigation of claims, and FEMA restrictions on disbursements (Puerto Rico high risk zone (corruption). In addition, inept pubic agencies: DTOP, AEE, ACT, AAA. Several challenges are the migration of workforce, pay scales/labor laws, insurers and education reform. Opportunities include reverse migration to attract new residents, alliances with monster companies, and educate the workforce by alliances with trade schools, universities, Junior Colleges and On the Job Training. Speaker Steve Spears holds degrees from Purdue U, and post grad studies at UPR, IAU, Sacred Heart and UMET. A long way for a boy who grew up on a farm in Indiana.
Celebrating our 100th Anniversary
The oldest continuously operating club in the worldsouth of the Tropic of Cancer.
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