Meeting Summary – July 26, 2016
Meeting Summary – July 26, 2016
Scott Raty, the Executive Director of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, was our speaker on July 26. He also has worked for the Hayward Chamber of Commerce and been involved with Rotary in both Hayward and Pleasanton, including a recent term as President of the Rotary Club of Pleasanton.
Scott started his presentation by noting that Rotary has the reach and longevity to make a difference in the business community. Among the highlights of the four observations he shared were...
Meeting Summary – July 26, 2016
Speaker
Scott Raty, the Executive Director of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, was our speaker on July 26. He also has worked for the Hayward Chamber of Commerce and been involved with Rotary in both Hayward and Pleasanton, including a recent term as President of the Rotary Club of Pleasanton.
Scott started his presentation by noting that Rotary has the reach and longevity to make a difference in the business community. Among the highlights of the four observations he shared were:
GOVERNMENT
- Businesses need to get in front of government and help government see the other side, the business side of issues, to address the “I’m from the government and am here to help you” approach to government regulation. Business people know the solutions.
- Governor Brown has a never owned a business so he does not have the business perspective.
- CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) needs to include the economic impact in its review. The government created CEQA and then stepped away, which has a cost in terms of economic prosperity. The needs to be a reform of CEQA.
- Government creates too many barriers (e.g., affordable housing, toll roads, car pool lanes, 40-hour workweek) rather than finding solutions.
COMMUNITIES HAVE CHANGED
- Our communities are changing. It is not Mayberry RFS anymore.
- There is new jobs, new neighbors and more movement of people.
- The members of the business community are now the tribal elders.
- More movement creates more business opportunities.
- The demise of local newspapers has reduced the voice of reason. Who is watching out for the community now?
- The collective efforts of the Chambers of Commerce and service clubs like Rotary are needed in our communities.
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL FRAGMENTATION
- There is more and more political fragmentation. The focus is now on the negative about candidates.
- Petitions, initiatives and social media are driving government more and more.
- The fragmentation creates business opportunities.
BUSINESS MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
In many communities, taxes paid by businesses generate up 60% of a community’s revenue, which funds quality of life issues (e.g., parks, roads, services).
Businesses need to be involved in their communities.
In many communities, taxes paid by businesses generate up 60% of a community’s revenue, which funds quality of life issues (e.g., parks, roads, services).
Businesses need to be involved in their communities.
Special Guest
Dwight Perry introduced Tony Morsilli. Tony was the President of the Rotary Club of Castro Valley in 1977-78. Tony brought his son-in-law to the meeting to introduce him of Rotary.
Dwight Perry introduced Tony Morsilli. Tony was the President of the Rotary Club of Castro Valley in 1977-78. Tony brought his son-in-law to the meeting to introduce him of Rotary.
Announcements
- The Annual Club Picnic will be August 16 at Lake Chabot at 5:00 p.m. Cliff Sherwood will be coordinating and sending around volunteer opportunities. Come Tuesday prepared to volunteer. Watch for your invitation. The Club will be dark at lunch that day.
- The Breathing for Life Gala will be October 22 at Redwood Canyon. Watch for details and invitations.