Volume 5, Number 6

The Sandy Springs Rotary Club eNewsletter
...Keeping Sandy Springs Rotarians informed via the web.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. It is comprised of 1.2 million members working in over 33,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Rotary members initiate community projects that address many of today’s most critical issues, such as polio, AIDS, hunger, water, sanitation, health care, literacy, and the  elimination of poverty.
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Monday's Program
August 16, 2010

Official Visit of Rotary International’s District 6900
2010-2011 District Governor Casey Farmer

Sally Wyeth, eNews Writer
DG_Casey_Farmer_300px.jpgThe Rotary Club of Sandy Springs and its Board of Directors will welcome 2010-2011 District Governor Casey Farmer on Monday August 16, 2010 when he makes his official visit to the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs. District Governor Farmer will meet with the Sandy Springs Rotary Club’s Board of Directors immediately before his presentation at the club’s luncheon meeting. Sandy Springs Rotarians and guests will informally greet District Governor Farmer and his wife, Missy, a day earlier during a Sunday afternoon party at the home of Tom and Ellen Ungashick.

Since 1996, District Governor Farmer has been a member of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain where he served as his club’s 2001-2002 President and a number of other club committee positions. District Governor Farmer is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a Rotary Benefactor, a Paul Harris Society Member, and a Will Watt Fellow. Both he and his wife, Missy, are Rotary Foundation Major Donors. Farmer became involved at the District level during his year as Club President serving on the District Conference Committee as Public Relations Chair. Subsequently, he served on two other District Conference Committees as House of Friendship Chair and Sergeant at Arms. Farmer served a three-year term as a Foundation Group Representative and has served as an Assistant Governor for three consecutive District Governors. In 2008, Farmer completed Rotary Leadership Institute’s course work and became a Discussion Leader.

Farmer is a Senior Sales and Leasing Representative for Pattillo Construction in Stone Mountain, Georgia, where he is responsible for marketing and lease negotiations for industrial real estate. Farmer is a graduate of Georgia State University with a B.B.A. in Finance.


MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND!
Be Sure to . . . INVITE A FRIEND TO JOIN ROTARY.
Bring a friend to lunch! Click here to reserve a spot!

 Previous Program
 
“Customers are Kings and Queens at Publix”

Reid_B_Publix2.jpg

Brenda Reid
Media and Community Relations Manager
Publix Supermarkets, Inc. 
 
By Sally Wyeth, eNews Writer
Publix_Logo.jpgBrenda Reid, Media and Community Relations Manager, Publix Super Markets, Inc., spoke last on Publix’s customer service commitment in a program entitled, “Customers are Kings and Queens at Publix.”  In that regard, Publix’s drive to succeed as the “Premiere Supermarket in the World” begins by requiring employees to work in the stores. The hands-on experience fosters an understanding by employees of the importance of good customer service. Reid warmly recounted her own assignment at a Publix seafood counter.

Reid noted that people perceive that customer service is in a decline and that Publix is determined not to follow that trend. Publix founder George Jenkins (“Mr. George”) instilled in his employees that Publix stores will be well lit and clean, and that everything Publix does will enable Publix to better serve its customers. According to the company’s website, Mr. George was once asked, "If you hadn't given away so much, how much do you think you would be worth today?" His response, without hesitation: "Probably nothing." Reid pointed to the legacy that Mr. George left to Publix and that many of today’s employees still have fond memories of the passionate Mr. George, who named his first grocery store Publix after a closed movie theater in Winter Haven, Florida simply because he liked the name. Today, Publix has 1,021 stores in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina Alabama, and Tennessee, is a top Fortune 500 company and is considered one of the best places to work.  Mr. George’s objective that Publix should provide what its customers want at a good price appears to be working.

PublixEmployee.jpgThe key component to quality customer service, according to Reid, is associate training. Potential employees must fit into the Publix customer service culture – they must want and enjoy providing quality customer service. Because Publix is employee-owned (the stock is not sold publicly), the chain’s success has a bottom-line meaning to the employees. Customers return because of quality customer service and the shopping environment.

publix-super-market-chariti.gifSince his death in 1996, George Jenkins’ foundation, Publix Super Market Charities, has focused its financial support to Publix’s communities and local, grassroots programs that promote education, youth, hunger abatement and address homelessness.  (Publix is a longtime supporter of the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs youth literacy programs.) 

In the question and answer session following Reid’s presentation, we learned that the Atlanta Division has seen the substantial growth, that new stores are planned for North Georgia, that individual grocery stores generally have a 30-year lifespan, that food items nearing expiration dates are donated to food banks for immediate use, and that the Publix private brand is designed to compete with name brands. For more information, see www.publix.com


 Member Focus

Fred Ferrand – Super Lawyer, Super Rotarian

By Past President Betty Ferdinand, eNews Contributor
Ferrand_F_class_400px.jpgsuper_lawyer_button_400.jpgClub member and attorney Fred Ferrand is among the select Georgia lawyers to be voted by their peers to be a “Super Lawyer”.  He is also a super Rotarian.  During the 2009-2010 Rotary year Fred joined our club Board of Directors and served in the capacity of Director of International Service.  He now serves on the 2010-2011 Board of Directors in the same position.

Fred was drawn to Rotary to be able to work on projects locally and all over the world.  As International Service Director he led the club in supporting a water project in the Dominican Republic, and led the efforts to send shelter boxes to Haiti and medical supplies to Africa.  Interestingly, Fred drew a parallel between being a good trial lawyer and persuading fellow Rotarians to support the club’s international causes. He was also instrumental in assuring that the club participated in flood relief right here in Georgia!

Medshare_logo.gifAs with many of his fellow Rotarians, Ferrand holds a soft spot for the club’s Dictionary Project, while MedShare is a close second.

When not traveling for business, personal travel is enjoyed along with family time and professional soccer.  Fred and Ellen are approaching the empty nest – a daughter is in her third year of college and a son is beginning his senior year in high school.

Fran Farias and Herman Abernathy were Fred’s Rotarian sponsors.


 Club Happenings

Focus - Fun Raising (not a misprint(-:*FalconsLogo480px.jpg

By Eric Carlson, eNews Contributor and with Linda Randolph adding notes
Sixty of you have responded to this catchy title for a super, Rotary evening. This event is a sell out as this great crowd will be in those seats.  You bought more tickets than we had, so we went back and got more for everyone who wanted to go to the Falcons preseason game on Friday, August 13th at 8 pm benefiting the Sandy Springs Rotary Foundation. The foundation even received extra donations as you displayed Rotarian generosity in your usual spirit of giving. 



 Club Celebrations

Celebrations In August
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Inducted into Club: Herman Abernathy, Hap Chandler, Jim Kelley, Barry Smith, Morty Tauber
Birthdays (day): Justin Daniels(16), Jackie Sanford( 15)
Wedding Anniversaries: Hap Chandler, Steve Jordan, Sally Wyeth

If we have omitted any members, please advise Linda Randolph. We want to acknowledge these significant dates.




 The Spotlight

1st Annual Ralph Thurmond Memorial Happy Hour

By Greg Pyne, eNews Contributor with edits by Linda Randolph
MeehansLogo.jpgShould we change the name to the "Ralph Thurmond Celebration 62 Minute Happy Hour"?

This event is periodically held at Meehan's at City Walk. The next happening is Wednesday, August 25th  5:00-6:02. THE REGULARS are expected to meet at 5:01 for an important Pre Happy Hour discussion, receive attendance awards, and listen to Ralph's speech. Pre Happy Hour Meeting ends at 5:02. You can become part this esteemed group which is about 20% of the club. Just come once. You become a REGULAR.

 
 The Rotary International Report

Benefits of [Rotary] Membership

Article Selected from Rotary International Web Site by Past President Betty Ferdinand

Rotary is Humanity in Motion.

There are many reasons to join a local Rotary club:

Networking
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An original goal of Rotary was to allow club members to meet periodically and enlarge their circle of business and professional acquaintances. As members of the oldest service club in the world, Rotarians represent a cross-section of their community’s business owners, executives, managers, political leaders, and professionals – people who make decisions and influence policy.


Service
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Club members have many opportunities for humanitarian service, both locally and internationally. Service programs address concerns such as health care, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and the environment. Rotarians regularly experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community.

Friendship
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Rotary was founded on fellowship, a cornerstone that continues to attract members today. Rotarians enjoy camaraderie with like-minded professionals, and club projects provide opportunities to develop enduring friendships. Club members who travel have friendly contacts in almost every city of the world.

Family
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Rotary sponsors some of the world’s largest exchange and educational programs. Rotary clubs provide innovative training opportunities and mentoring for young leaders, and they involve family members in a wide range of social and service activities.

Ethics
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Encouraging high ethical standards and respect for all worthy vocations has been a hallmark of Rotary from its earliest days. In their business and professional lives, Rotarians abide by The Four-Way Test:
Of the things we think, say or do

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 News From The City

Opportunity to Network for Sandy Springs Women....... & Men, too

Selected from chamber Website By Linda Randolph, eNews Contributor
womensbiznetlogo.jpgAugust 24th, the Women's Business Network holds a luncheon meeting for networking with  an informational overview of the group. Mark your calendar for that Tuesday from 11:30-1:00 p.m. The luncheon will be held at Taki Japanese Steakhouse located at 4711 Ashford Dunwoody Road. The cost to attend is $20 for chamber members and $25 for guests. Pre-registration is requested. Contact Lindsey Kling, 678-443-2990 or fax 678-443-2993.

Bagel_And_Coffee.gifIf you would like to attend the Bagels & Business monthly Chamber meetings, which are held on the 3rd Monday of every month, you can, also, RSVP to Lindsey Kling. This meeting is for men, too. The next Bagels & Business meeting will be August 16th. The location is always the Westin Atlanta North Hotel. The meetings always begin at 7:30am ending promptly at 9 o'clock.




spruill-center-logo_300dpi.jpgKatrina :Reflection of Five Years

By Linda Randolph, eNews Contributor
Spruill Center Gallery's exhibit of photography, drawing, quilts and other mixed media shows the effects and culture of that area since the hurricane. This gallery is located at 4681 Ashford-Dunwoody Road Atlanta 30338; make plans to visit. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am until 5pm.





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Heritage Sandy Springs Beer Fest!

Selected from City of Sandy Springs Website by Linda Randolph, eNews Contributor
It is this Saturday, August 14th. The 1st annual Heritage Sandy Springs Beer Fest! Location is Sandy Springs Heritage Green Park which is the same location as the Concert by the Springs on Bluestone Road. You can purchase your tickets at the event. The event hours are from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.


August 14th, 2010
4:00 PM   through   8:00 PM

Sandy Springs Heritage Green Park
6110 Bluestone Road

Sandy Springs, GA 30328
behind the Historic house near City Walk


 Important Dates

In The Future...
 
     
Aug 15
3:00-5:00pm
Reception - District Governor Casey Farmer - Home of Tom and Ellen Ungashick
Aug 16
11:00am-noon 
SSRC Board Meeting - Official Visit of District Governor - Hammond Glen, Conference Room
Aug 16
12:15-1:15pm  
Luncheon Program - DG Casey Farmer official visit sharing his vision 
Aug 23
12:15-1:15pm
Luncheon Program - Congressman Tom Price updates us on Washington
Aug 25 
5:00pm-6:02pm 62 Minute Happy Hour - Meehan's at City Walk
Aug 30  
12:15-1:15pm 
Luncheon Program - Benita Dodd, The Georgia Public Policy Foundation 
Sept 6
No Meeting
Labor Day - Have a safe, happy long weekend
Sept 10
abt 6:00pm
Movies by Moonlight - Rotary, Interact, Rotaract  participation, Greg Pyne chair
Sept 13
11:00am-noon  
SSRC Board Meeting  - Hammond Glen, Conference Room
Sept 13 
12:15-1:15pm 
Luncheon Program - "The Future Not the Past"- Megan Rhinehart  
Sept 20
12:15-1:15pm
Luncheon Program - David Ratcliffe - CEO, Southern Company
Sept 25
9:00am-7:00pm
Heritage Sandy Springs Festival - Robert Wilson chair
Sept 26
11:00am-5:00pm
Heritage Sandy Springs Festival continues  - 2 day event
Sept 27 
12:15-1:15pm 
Luncheon Program - David Norman & Lisa Vorrasi GBI Special Agents speak on "GBI at Work in Metro Area & Statewide"  
Oct 1 & 8
abt 6pm
Movies by Moonlight - Rotary, Interact, Rotaract participation - Greg Pyne chair
Oct 5, 6 &7 
6:00pm-8:00pm 
Firehouse Dinners: 3 evenings, 2 locations, wonderful fellowship - Gene Jordan chair
Oct 11
11:00am-noon  
SSRC Board Meeting - Hammond Glen, Conference Room
Oct 11 
12:15-1:15pm 
Luncheon Program - Public Safety Awards -Eric Carlson, Club  President 
Oct 16 1:00-6:00pm
3rd Annual Oktoberfest in the Mountains - golf, festivities, more details to come
Nov 1
12:15-1:15pm
Luncheon Program - Rotary Foundation- Mark Hancock & Tom Ungashick
Nov 5
5:30pm 
GRSP Lasagna Dinner - Spalding Dr Charter ES, Christine Young host
Nov 5-7
Friday - Sunday
GRSP Conclave Weekend - Sandy Springs & Alpharetta Rotary clubs host
Nov 8
No Meeting
Your participation in  GRSP weekend is your make-up
Nov 15 
12:15-1:15pm 
Luncheon Program - Veterans Day Celebration


District 6900 and Rotary International Events
 
August 21, 2010
District 6900 Foundation Seminar - Columbus, GA [Click here for more info ]
April 29-May 1, 2011
District 6900 District Conference - Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA [Click here for more info ]
May 21-25, 2011 International Conference - New Orleans, LA - Early sign up by Dec 15 saves US$40 [Click here for more info ]

Breaking News: It's official. Atlanta to host the 2017 International Conference. The last time Atlanta hosted was 1917 when the Rotary Foundation was established. Watch for continuing details on this event.