Vice President Jerry Faletti brought the meeting to order (even with a cash bar!) at 12:15 p.m. on a late summer day in downtown Saint Paul. Jerry led the assembled Rotarians in singing accompanied by Bob Jones on the piano. Michael-jon Pease provided today's Inspirational Minute. Kristin Montpetit facilitated the introduction of visiting Rotarians and guests. Today's Greeters were Carla Hauge, John Chandler and Ririko Nagaishi (inbound Youth Exchange student).

Vice President Jerry reminded Club 10 members that there is no meeting next Tuesday due to Labor Day week. The next weekly luncheon will be Tuesday, September 13th. Past President Jim Kosmo promoted the meeting on the 13th which will NOT be at the hotel but will be "on the River" so please sign up on the website so Jodi has an accurate lunch count (remember, the boat leaves the dock at 12:30).

Rotary Birthdays were recognized for the month of August with the traditional cupcakes. Jerry then asked Kristin to preview the Holiday Party on Thursday, December 8th at the University Club. Start thinking of those Silent Auction items! New Saint Paul Rotary Foundation Board President Dan McKeown took the microphone to present an Elmer L. Andersen Award to Heidi Fisher. The Award is presented to those who contribute up to $1,000 to the Saint Paul Rotary Foundation. Scott Van, Club 10 Board of Directors member, provided information on the upcoming Rose Sale that will take place on Thursday, October 6th. Kristin collected Happy Dollars.

Immediate Past President Carla Hauge introduced today's speaker, Will Schroeer of East Metro Strong, a public-private partnership (business-cities-counties-philanthropy) for transit investment in the east Metro region. The mission of the partnership is to bring more and better transit investment to the east Metro and catalyze job growth and economic development opportunities.  The Twin Cities, and the east Metro specifically, need better transit as part of their "recruitment toolbox" for new workers to relocate to the area. Mr. Schroeer displayed various graphics showing relative sizes of transit systems. The Twin Cities is now ranked thirty-ninth (39th) in terms of attractiveness for the millennial generation. A thriving region is a product we are making. Transit is a necessary component. If we put in too little transit investment, in the view of the partnership, this area will have a less competitive product. East Metro Strong endeavors to create a vision, support others in implementing that vision and educating others about the vision. Much  more complete information is available at the partnership's website: Eastmetrostrong.com

Vice President Jerry thanked Mr. Schroeer for his presentation, presented him with a Club 10 recognition certificate and noted that a donation would be made in his name to the Saint Paul Public Library's "Reading Together" program. Also, Jerry presented Mr. Schroeer with a Rotary coin inscribed with the Rotary "Four-Way Test." Jerry then led those assembled in a recitation of the Four-Way Test ("Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?") and rang the bell to close the meeting at 1:14 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Chuck Standfuss, Scribe