Greetings fellow Rotarians!  Our speaker today was Governor Peter Shumlin. Governor Shumlin commenced his talk with an update on Global Foundries and its relationship with Vermont.  The Governor was pleased to report that, as promised, Global Foundries was able to offer compensation packages to its new employees that were identical to the ones that they received as employees of IBM.  He emphasized how important it will be for his successor and future legislators to continue opening the lines of communication with Global Foundries and to work with them to ensure it remains a vital part of our economy. He then provided an overview of what the state government has achieved over the past several years.  He touted the state’s low unemployment rate and the creation of 17,000 new jobs in recent years.  He then opened the floor to questions.  Several in attendance had questions that touched upon a myriad of issues such as a gas tax, improvements to roads and bridges and his proposal to legalize marijuana.  He concluded with a very candid analysis of his decision to exercise his authority as a super delegate to cast a vote in support of Hillary Clinton at the upcoming Democratic National Convention.  

 

 

            We are looking for volunteers to work at the Heavenly Pantry Food Shelf on April 28^th, May 26^th and June 23^rd.  Please let Sharon Dettenrieder know if you are able to fill any shifts on those dates.

 

 

            We are looking for volunteers to help serve food and clean up at the Essex High School Community Service Dinner on April 7^th beginning at 6:00pm.  This event will honor several high school students who have generously volunteered within the community. Please contact Amy Jackman if you would like to help out.

 

Upcoming Meeting Schedule:  April 13, 2016 – In lieu of our regularly scheduled meeting, we will be holding our 50^th anniversary dinner at The Essex.  The event starts at 5:30pm and it should be a memorable evening.  If you haven’t done so already, please pre-pay for your dinners at the following link:

 

 

For the complete list of upcoming speakers and information about the Club, please go to our website at www.essexrotary.org   Be sure to also visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EssexVermontRotary

 

       Yours in Rotary,

 

Jason Ruwet