Meeting Report from October 30, 2001

Meeting

Rotary Wheel

Report

October 30, 2001
By DICK KLINGMAN

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     President Jim called the meeting to order at 12:45 p.m. Our program was the presentation of the fourteenth annual "Excellence in Management Award" sponsored by the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, the "Business Journal" and Charlotte Rotary. Winston Kelley introduced seven guests, four visiting Rotarians, and twenty friends and family members of Jerry Orr, this year's honored award winner.
     Katie Tyler gave the health and happiness report. She chose this time to discuss her personal experiences traveling abroad immediately after the September tragedy.
     Katie also introduced her guest, Candy, a young dog she and her husband are training that will one day work as guide dog for the blind.
     President Jim led us in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by our song, "You're a Grand Old Flag" led by Howard Chadwick. Paul Betzold gave the invocation.
     Jim Adams discussed our annual coat drive. Charlotte Rotary members are invited to bring gently-used men's coats, jackets, and slacks and women's and children's warm clothing to each of our November Rotary meetings. Every article of clothing donated will be delivered to the crisis assistance ministry for those who badly need our help. Warm blankets are also welcome. For further questions, please call either Jim Adams (704-377-6567) or Marilynn Bowler (704-424-4856).
     Our president introduced the head table, which included Ervin Jackson, Mike Wilkinson, Carroll Gray (Chairperson of the Charlotte Chamber), and Jeannie Falknor, who introduced our program.
     Past recipients of the award were then recognized: Leroy Robinson, Byron Bullard, Jim Woodward and John Belk.
     Jeannie then introduced Ed Dolby, president of Bank of America for N.C. and S.C. and the current Chamber president.
     Ed introduced Jerry Orr, our "Excellence in Management Award" winner: "Jerry Orr has played a key role over the last 25 years in establishing Charlotte/ Douglas International Airport as one of the best-managed and most cost-efficient airports in the country. The airport has led Charlotte into the global marketplace and its strength is a key tool for recruiting businesses to our city.
     "Now, 1 say he is cost-efficient and fiscally conservative, but some might go so far as to say 'miserly.' But that miser has helped build a surplus at the airport that is largely responsible for the strong bond rating it enjoys.
     "Jerry's management philosophy combines hands-on leadership, an open-door policy, vision, and blunt honesty.
     "His employee management skills must keep workers happy. The average length of employment at Charlotte/Douglas is ten years. I think many of us would give our eyeteeth to have that kind of employee retention.
     "Jerry, it is with great honor that 1 present the 2001 Excellence in Management Award to you for your work as Aviation Director of Charlotte/Douglas International Airport."
     Jerry Orr received the award. He began his comments by saying, "When you don't have anything to say, sit down." Fortunately, Jerry had plenty to say. "It is risky to give an award to someone who is still working. I have time to embarrass you.
     "As a public figure, it is my job to tell the public what happened, inform them that 1 am in charge, and tell them what will happen. That is of course unless something good happens; then I call the mayor so he can take the credit."
     Mr. Orr thanked Marsha, his wife of thirty years, for her support. "She was (here with the children when I was at my airport. Marsha talked me into taking the job at the airport rather than living in a trailer fishing for a living on Lake Norman."
     Jerry mentioned many of the people who have had a profound effect on his life. He said that Carroll Gray taught him to "increase revenues while decreasing costs, in other words, to produce the highest level of service at the lowest cost." If he could always keep that in balance, then he would always have a job. Other people he described as mentors included Hugh McColl, John Belk, Billy Wireman, Josh Birmingham, Dave Burkhalter, Wendell White and Pam Syfert.
     At that time the floor was opened for questions. He was asked about the many challenges of his position. Jerry asked for a lifeline. He said that "keeping confidence is always important. Maintaining the confidence of the bond holders and the flying public is important."
     He was asked when people other than passengers would be allowed in the concourse. He said, "Every hijacker bought a ticket. There is no reason to limit access to those areas. The federal government is focusing on the past. As long as everyone is screened, then the problem will be eliminated. Because there is limited access to the concourse, passengers are being dropped off at the curb. For this change in behavior, the airport is losing $500,000 a month in missed parking revenues."
     Mr. Orr was then asked if the personnel doing the screening should be federal employees. He said, "Absolutely not. Security will not be increased by federalizing anybody. We have been working under FAA standards established in 1974. Those standards need to be re-evaluated."

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