President Jerry Faletti called the meeting to order at 12:15 pm. David Laird led us in singing God Bless America, accompanied by Bob Jones, piano. Carley Stuber gave an Inspirational Minute about 4 emotional keys to generosity. Jean Vukas-Roberts introduced visiting Rotarians and guests. The greeters were John Chandler and Lit Field; the scribe was Lynne Beck.
Ann Frisch, former St. Paul Club member and current member of the White Bear Lake Club, was selected by Rotary International as a Person of Action: Champion of Peace for her unarmed civilian peacekeeping around the world. She was one of only 6 in the world to receive this prestigious award! Todd Bol of Hudson Daybreak Rotary was featured in the September Rotarian magazine for his founding of Little Free Libraries.
Jerry read the names of members celebrating birthdays in September and everyone sang Happy Birthday.
Scott Van announced the Rose Sale pick up is at Van Paper Thursday, 7:00 am-2:00 pm. There are 200 dozen left to sell. He encouraged everyone to sell more; you can also donate them to a charity and a committee member will deliver them.
Ed Coleman reminded us of the Music in the Park friend/fundraiser October 10-13. He is looking for more volunteers to work at 6:15 pm. You will greet people and tell them about Rotary. We will receive a portion of the beer sales.
Nancy Brady announced the next meeting will be Luis Moreno, a Columbia immigrant who is a successful businessman. His topic is “Trust me, I’m an Immigrant.”
Jean Vukas Roberts collected Happy Dollars from a number of Rotarians.
Jay Pfaender introduced the speaker Scott Burns whose topic was “St. Paul Innovation Cabinet, Osborn370 and Why job growth in St. Paul is ready to take off.”
Scott said the goal is to expand small businesses downtown by 3,000 in the next 3 years. Even though there are vacancies in buildings, there are people looking for space. Scott looks at the downtown St. Paul economy as a glass half full. We have a lot to build on; we are in a great position. St. Paul has invested in the workforce, education and housing. We are one of the youngest populations in the country and have a large number of immigrants. Employment downtown is flat but hasn’t gone down. Employment has increased by 3.6% from 2006-2016. We are gaining more than we lose and have diversity in all sectors.
The St. Paul Innovation Cabinet was established in February 2017. It is capitalizing on the economic momentum. The economy is inclusive, not just technology. The objective is to add more jobs in the commercial sector. We need to fill the other half of the glass. Full Stack Saint Paul is a public-private partnership that provides a full range of services to help tech and innovation sector businesses start up in St. Paul.
Osborn370 is the former headquarters of Ecolab. Full Stack Saint Paul wants to reimagine the building. It should house many businesses, not just one company. There are 7 leases signed already.
The Call to Action is to be a cheerleader for the City. Build opportunities and bring jobs downtown.
President Jerry Faletti led Rotary members in the Four Way Test and the meeting was adjourned at 1:13 pm.
Lynne Beck
Scribe