President Chuck welcomed us and noted that on this day in 1804 Lewis and Clark began their trek across the country, not knowing what they would encounter and certainly no I 90 to speed them on their way.
Announcements:
There will not be a meeting next Monday, May 30th due to the Memorial Day Holiday.
Sandee is reminding everyone it is that time again to take a look at their information in the Roster and ClubRunner database and make sure that it is up to date, not to mention your picture.
Marty Haines invited all to sign up and attend the Rotary Cruise on June 20th to Dick Tucker’s family place on Eliza Island. There are limited spots as so many Rotarians have sold their boats, anybody who would like to provide a boat ride to Eliza is encouraged to get a hold of Marty. Sign-ups will be on the tables next week.
Club Award nominations are still open, and will be accepted until the end of May
Memorial Park work Party last weekend was a success with a great chance of Rotary outreach to the community. Thanks Sandy McIntyre for organizing this event.
Guest of Rotarians:
Dominique Zervas introduced Jon Strong with Whatcom Business Alliance and Reid Petersen with Council for Educational Travel
Sallye Quinn brought Olivia Burkland with Barron Smith Daughert
Teri Treat introduced speaker, Mark Bocchi with Alaska Airlines and associated Lisa Culp and Gina Olan
Brad Burdick introduced Mike O'Neal, Andy Backus, Doug Starcher and President John Purdie with The Bellingham Theatre Guild
Yvonne Cartwright brought Jon Rick, Manager of Bellingham Automotive
Presentations:
President Chuck presented the very large check to representatives of the Bellingham Theater Guild the recipients of our 2015-2016 Major Project funding . Chuck thanked David Blair and Brian Griffith for sponsoring this project. Scott Hume and Tom Beaumont were recognized for their great efforts in raising the funds to complete our commitment. BTG is looking at a 4th of July start to the remodeling project with a December Re-Grand Opening.
Program:
Terri Treat introduced Mark Bocci the Managing Director of Sales & Community Marketing, he thanked the club for the kind happy buck mentions of Alaska Airlines, and gave $30 of his own happy bucks in the way of thanks. He introduced Lisa Culp and Gina Olan also of Alaska Airlines.
Mark was educated at University of Oregon, and upon graduation he went to work for the small Oregon Air (which was later acquired by Alaska Airlines. Mark regaled us with the history of this incredible company. Founded in 1932, as a fledgling aviation company that has grown over the years, absorbing many other small regional flight providers including Oregon Air, Horizon Air and Jet America. In 1988 Mark moved to the Alaska Air side from Horizon.
He described Alaska’s current business:
15,000 employees
1,000 daily flights
32 million customers
114 destinations
Rated #1 for customer service for 9 years in a row by JD Powers
5th largest carrier
#1 for most on time flights
#1 by the Wall Street Journal for 3 years in a row
17 global air travel partners
#1 Frequent Flyer Program
Alaska Airlines wants to be known as the Premier Airline for the West Coast, with safety as their #1 priority. Alaska is grateful for the long time partnership with Boeing, and also prides themselves on their contributions to the Northwest Community; $12,000,000 in donations 27,000 hours of community service. They are currently in the process of acquiring Virgin America which will give them needed gate opportunities at the most sought destinations country wide. Their focus now is expanding their California market share with this acquisition.
No meeting next week, no makeup if you show up...so remember.
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