FRIDAY, April 30, 2010 MEETING NOTES Volume 44, Issue 31
We had 20 Optimists today. The Mystery Greeter was Diane Van Natta who greeted John Urness. John Dutcher, John Urness, Charlie Clark, Maxine Lane, Ken Kamps, Ron Weier, George Krueger, Milt Rewey, Ernie Thalmann, Gary Engelke and Tom Nall wore their Optimist shirts today.
Today’s Speaker – George Krueger - PAIDC
|
Platteville Area Club Member and Executive Director of the Platteville Area Industrial Development Corporation (PAIDC) spoke about the Industry Park and general conditions. He spoke about the 3 missions of PAIDC: Retention, Marketing, and Entrepreneurs. Retention is the most important and one of the most difficult. He spoke about the difficulties with American Customer Care. They are happy with Platteville, but lost a contract and could layoff 160 full-time workers and close on July 1. We are helping them as much as we can. |
He listed other businesses in the park. Many of them are doing well. The machining business is improving after the down year from mid 08 to mid 09. George talked about marketing the community – his second mission and the one people generally think of. The overall economy has been a problem, but they partner with the County and within the region to promote the area. He says UW-P is the “trump card” that clinches many of the new businesses. Developing entrepreneurs is the last mission area. He attended 2 seminars at UW-P and it seems more people want to start their own businesses. He attended the meeting at the High School with Secretary Gassman of Workforce Development. |
They celebrated the “Project Lead the Way” students and teachers. This project trains students in technical areas using math and science. He spoke a little about the Incubator. He works with Ed White on this. Fastenal is the perfect example. They started in the Incubator and “graduated” to their own building on Bus 151. George was asked about a new shell building. He is recommending not building a new one right now. He said the market has changed and the 24,000 SF building we had is either “too big, or too small”. He says most need either 10,000 or 40,000 SF. Thanks for the wonderful speech! |
This Friday - Joe Sigwarth as Patrick Henry
UPCOMING EVENTSApr 30 – Fifth Friday Social – FNB Community Room 6 - 9 PM May 8 – SWIS Conference – WI Dells |
UPCOMING SPEAKERSMay 14 – John Hassig – Heartland Festival May 21 - Brittany DuCharme - Intern/Coop Program at UW-P |
JOKER DRAWHoward Crofoot was selected. He drew the 10 of Hearts and won $2. He was one card away from the Joker! Good Luck to next week’s winner. PLATTEVILLE AREA CLUBThe Platteville Area Club is sponsoring a Pulled Pork Sandwich dinner on May 10 from 4:30 – 7:00 at St Augie’s. Cost is $5 for one sandwich and $7 for 2 sandwiches. There will be drinks, salads, etc. Please support the other club. If you want to provide a dessert, that will be appreciated. |
On the web site is the sign up for the Fifth Friday Social. The theme is “Games People Play”. Those who sign up on April 30 or at the door are $10 each. It will be held in the First National Bank Community Room. The cost includes entry fee (prizes) and a meal from Quiznos. SWIS District will hold its 3rd Quarter Conference in WI Dells at the Kalahari on May 8. |
JOKER DRAW WINNINGSHere is John Dutcher receiving a check for $95 for his half of the winnings he won 2 weeks ago. BOARD MEETINGThe next Board Meeting will be on Thursday, May 13th at 7 AM at Badger Brothers. |
Optimist International | SWIS District | Platteville, Wisconsin--Information
Please send comments, questions and suggestions about the web page to Howard Crofoot at crofooth@platteville.org
Last Modified: May 20, 2010