Inspiration: Walt Grady reminded us of the story that started the tradition of the origami paper cranes. Hiroshima peace cranes are origami cranes that represent a movement toward world peace. This tradition traces back to Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who developed leukemia due to radiation from the 1945 atomic bombing. Inspired by Japanese legend, she folded over 1,000 paper cranes while in the hospital, hoping to recover. Though she passed away in 1955 at the age of 12, her story inspired an international campaign. Paper cranes were represented on the sculpture at Field Of Honor this year thanks to Big Dream Sculpture.
Offsite Program at Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce: Ann Hutchison, executive director and general manager of business affairs
-Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce has about 1200 members which represents about 20% of the business community.
-It is funded entirely by the business community to create business connections, provide leadership programs and monitor economic development.
-The 4 pillars are to promote economic development, to grow and promote talent with training, connections and internships, to improve transportation options, and to advocate with the governments for a business friendly environment.
-Ann summarized key findings in the NoCo Labor Market Profile
-UCH is the largest NoCo employer, followed by CSU, City of Fort Collins, and Larimer County.
-The NoCo labor force comprises 390,000 jobs with a GRP (gross regional product) of $48.3 billion
-Fort Collins growth has been flattening and Weld County is becomign the primary driver of population growth in NoCo. As of 2023, 37% of Weld Co. households have children, compared to only 25% in Larimer Co.
-Fort Collins is a net importer of labor, including work-from-home, while Weld is an exporter. In NoCo, 143,000 people commute out for work and 69,000 people commute in.
-Fort Collins has the most highly educated work force. Workforce needs of employers in opportunity sectors skew toward higher education. Nearly 21% of workers in Larimer Co have advanced degrees compared to 11.6% in Weld Co.
- The top 3 employment sectors in NoCo are healthcare, education and retail trade, followed by construction and manufacturing.
-Affordable housing is a huge concern for the growth of our economy and communities.
Field of Honor Summary: Dave Marvin
-FOH has become part of our culture for Memorial Day weekend. This year featured a new field layout, 26 historic flags, participation of 300 school kids in the essay contest, Betsy Ross challenge questions.
-The central meditation area featured the Arc of Peace statue by Big Dreams Sculpture
-Early estimates are that the FOH grossed about $64,500 for Veteran and First Responder non-profits and our club’s youth and local community service projects with about 10% expenses expected.
-Thank you to all who worked so diligently to make it a success and a meaningful experience.
Future Programs: Please see the side panel for upcoming speakers and be sure to invite your friends.
Rotary Cares: If you are aware of a fellow Rotarian who is going through a challenging time (i.e., personal or family health, family death, etc.) please let Sara Murphy know Sara.jane.murphy1@gmail.com so we can let them know we are thinking of them and provide whatever support we can.
Announcements and Good News: -Joe McCarthy thanked Susan Petersen, Gary Turner and Molly Skold for making the offsite meeting arrangements today -Krishna Murtha thanked Wilton Lyles for helping to create a good display for a Global Grants table at the District Conference next week -Phil Murphy dedicated the first Honor Medallion sold (to himself) to honor all the Rotarians signing up on the ClubRunner calendar for the Field of Honor® -Maria Elena Thomas was pleased that today is her 1 st day of summer vacation and there will be 4 seventh grade girls from disadvantaged families going to Young RYLA this summer -Ron Catterson commented there are plans to conduct tours of RYLA this summer for Rotarians desiring to understand the joy of volunteering as a RYLA Senior Counselor -Wilton Lyles was impressed with Lynn Matson’s ability to improve the quality of business logos provided by Field of Honor® Community Supporters -Gary Turner announced there will be a variety of tasks that require light and heavy effort at the June 20-21 wheelchair path construction at Camp Hope/Buckhorn Camp. Sign up on the ClubRunner calendar link to volunteer and another link to bring your family and stay overnight in a cabin or a dorm – there is a private room option -Leighanne Alford encouraged Rotarians to save the date for Peach Festival, August 15th. Email sign ups to follow.
