President Don called the meeting to order at 12:35 p.m. He called on Harry Daugherty to introduce guests and visiting Rotarians.
     Guests included Windell Harris, Everrett Suddreth, Jim Kalum. Mark Schaffner, Scott Haynie, John Dupree, Charles Loew. David Edmiston, Susan Dickson, and Jerry Wingate.
     Visiting Rotarians included Kirk Lord, Paul Whitfield, Johnny Montique, and Scott Mozzell.
     David Zimmerman presented Health & Happiness comments. He presented a list of questions, concluding that only a real Charlottean could answer them.
     President Don called on Ed Ellison to lead the singing, and Duke Ison gave the invocation.
     President Don reminded the group of the upcoming Paul Harris Banquet on November 8. Only three tickets are left so if you're interested, call the Rotary office. He then shared an e-mail from a Rotarian in Italy whose son is in our town attending Charlotte Latin School. This person is staying in the home of a teacher, but is seeking a family who will take him into their home for the remainder of the year. (If interested call the Rotary office.)
     President Don also announced the Board will meet after next week's meeting for approximately one hour. Also the Rotary Information Committee will meet after the meeting next week and will meet on a monthly basis for the remainder of the year. This will allow new member applicants to be processed more effectively.
     President Don then described an incentive program for people who bring new members to the Club: first place will be an all-expense-paid trip to the spring 2001 convention in Charleston; second place will have hotel expenses paid; third place will have registration fees paid.
     Chip Glenn introduced our speaker, David Rizzo. Mr. Rizzo is the CEO of Osprey Systems Inc. in Charlotte.
     Mr. Rizzo talked about companies that have succeeded with Internet business activity and those that have failed. He stated that the Internet is a tool, not a business in and of itself. Many companies have touted internet service operations and have failed miserably in delivering service value consistently to their clients.
     He believes the growth of e-commerce is an indication that the internet is here to stay and offers significant business opportunity to companies that have sound business plans, deliver a viable service or product to customers, and are led by management that understands the importance of brand recognition, a solid revenue stream, and the importance of customer service.
     "Old Economy" companies who create operational efficiencies and broaden the distribution of their products via the internet will in his opinion lead the way in the future development of the internet. Examples that he gave included IBM, GE, Lands End, Enron, etc.
     Mr. Rizzo answered several questions about his own company and about Charlotte as a site for new e-business startups. He stated that Charlotte needs a recognized research university to improve the environment for high tech start-ups, and that our community needs a "home-run tech firm" like Microsoft to help generate new venture organizations.
     President Don adjourned the meeting at 1:20 p.m.

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New Member

FRANK   HARRIS  ISON

Religion, Methodist Pastorate
Additional Active

Dilworth United Methodist Church
605 East Blvd. (28203)
704-333-4173
FAX 704-333-2101

     Duke Ison is the Senior Pastor of Dilworth United Methodist Church. He was appointed by his Bishop to Dilworth in June of 2000. In many ways this was a "homecoming" because he served as Associate Pastor at DUMC from 1975 to 1983.
     As Senior Pastor, Duke oversees the program and support staff at DUMC, the worship ministry, pastoral care, and administration. DUMC is a 900-member church poised to make a difference in the Dilworth community and the city of Charlotte. Dilworth UMC is a church with a 100-year history in this community. Born in her walls have been such ministries as Crisis Assistance Ministry and The Relatives.
     Prior to coming back to Dilworth, Dr. Ison served as Senior Pastor of Huntersville United Methodist (1994-2000). Before that Dr. Ison served in the Asheville District at two churches — Weaverville United Methodist (1988-1994) and Montmorenci United Methodist (1983-1988). Dr. Ison has served in the United Methodist ministry since 1973.
     Dr. Ison was born and raised in Charlotte, graduating from Myers Park High School in 1966. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1966-1970) graduating with an AB in psychology. He then attended New College, University of Edinburgh in 1970 for one year and graduated with an MTh from Southern Methodist University in 1973. In 1985 he received the Doctorate of Ministry from Emory University. He also is a graduate of Leadership Asheville in 1993 and The Reynolds Program in Church Leadership in 2000.
     In the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, Dr. Ison has served on the Board of Ordained Ministry and been elected twice as an alternate delegate to the church's Jurisdictional Conference (where they elect Bishops). He is married to Vicki Elder, who also is a native of Charlotte. She is a guidance counselor at North Mecklenburg High School. They have one daughter. Jenny, who is a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill.
     He is glad to be back in Charlotte at this time in Dilworth PMC's and Charlotte's history.
     Welcome to Charlotte Rotary, Duke.

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