Meeting |
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Report |
Meeting |
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Report |
October 9, 2001 |
| Click here for photos of this Meeting | |
| Past-president Bill Kinney, filling in for President
Jim, called the meeting to order. Charlie Greer introduced our guest and
visiting Rotarians. Ron Vinson proceeded to update the Club on Health and Happiness. He made a couple of observations about relationships, quoting Winston Churchill: "A fanatic is someone who can't change his mind — and will not change the subject." "A well-informed person is someone whose opinions are remarkably like your own." Ron reminded us that it was Fire Prevention Day and part of National Fire Prevention Week. He asked that we join in thanking the firefighters of Charlotte and the nation as we remember those who rush into harm's way as others flee. Bill Kinney led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and called on Thomas Moore to lead in singing "God Bless America." Thomas reminded us to teach our children patriotic songs. Tony Marciano gave the invocation and Bill introduced members seated at the head table: Chip Gwynn, Benton Bragg, Tony Marciano, Jeff Wise, Bijoy Sahoo, Lou Solomon, and Julius Melton. Bill introduced Biff Virkler who presented the Club with a banner from the Grand View, Colorado, Rotary Club. Bill introduced Julius Melton to introduce our speakers. Julius Melton, a member of the Rotary Information Committee, explained that our highly educated Club created our grammatically incorrect topic to allow new members to introduce themselves to the Club. He then introduced the four new members alphabetically, Benton Bragg, Bijoy Sahoo, Lou Solomon, and Jeff Wise, who proceeded to entertain the Club with their witty bios. Benton Bragg — classification: Financial Asset Management. Benton is a lifelong resident of Charlotte and is married to Alice Carlton with one child and one on the way. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University and worked for NCNB/Bank of America in Burlington, N.C., prior to joining Bragg Financial Advisors, Inc. Bragg Financial is a family corporation, composed of his father, two brothers, and a brother-in-law, who manage over $300 million in assets. Benton gave an example of just how close his family has become. While at Wake, he dated a young lady whom he introduced to his brother; his brother later married her. Not to be out-done, he in turn married his sister-in-law's sister — brothers married sisters! Benton feels that his family has had a profound effect on his life and work ethic. Growing up on a south Charlotte farm, his life was filled with chores rather than t-ball. He learned responsibility and entrepreneurialship at an early age. He and his brothers sold puppies, eggs, running cedar, mistletoe, and holiday baskets. His father had them invest every penny they made, and he still has his to this day. They learned many lessons from the farm and the various animals they found there, especially the black snakes. Benton passed on a note of wisdom he learned from his dad concerning how to raise children. You make all decisions for them until they learn to make the exact decision you would make in a similar situation. Bijoy Sahoo — classification: Higher Education, International Business. Bijoy felt he needed a new challenge and moved his family to Charlotte two years ago when he accepted a post with the McColl School of Business at Queens College. Bijoy was educated in India but at the early age of 16 his father died and he inherited his business. Although his father had no formal education, he passed on worldly wisdom to his son. Compete hard in business but never take anyone's business away. In August 1983, Bijoy received a Rotary Scholarship grant for teachers from Rotary District 777 to further his education. Seeking to follow his love of writing, he entered the University of South Carolina to study with James Dickey. He was amazed to learn that in the United States educational system everyone asked questions. In India, no one questions anything; everything is based upon memory. He decided to remain in the United States and continue in ^educating others. In 1999, he received the Rotary Grant for Teachers Fellowship and returned to India. It was during this period that India was struck by a severe hurricane and aid from Rotary helped to rebuild two schools. Bijoy was able to use Rotary Flags from North and South Carolina to educate the children about where he lived in the United States and explain how Rotary has no boundaries in its effort to help others. On one of the flags was written these words of encouragement, "One day you may be a Rotarian." Lou Solomon—classification: Training. Lou explained that there are four things that have had major influence on her life: the Military, the South, Radio/TV, and Ty Boyd. Military: Lou grew up in a military family. Her father was all military, a strict disciplinarian and very conservative. She lived in England, Washington, D.C., and Florida and felt that the military life helped to enrich her life and to prepare her for and even to welcome change. The South: Lou's mother and her family were true southerners, hailing from Aberdeen, Mississippi. Although she goes by Lou, her mother often reminds her that her name is Betty Lou. She spent her summers in Mississippi where she learned to love the people, the food, and the customs. Her grandfather, "Cam," left her with some infinite southern wisdom: "Betty Lou, if you have to tell them who you are, you ain't!" Lou attended Florida State and Ole Miss where she received a degree in Journalism and Communications. Radio/TV; Her first job was in Nashville as PR Director for the Grand Old Opry. She then worked for Gaylord Syndication where she promoted the TV show "Hee Haw," and met the mail room clerk who told everyone he would be a star. No one thought he would, but of course when Alan Jackson made it, they all reinforced his success. Lou eventually made her way to Charlotte as marketing director for WSOC and met her mentor Ty Boyd. Ty Boyd: Four years ago she left radio/ TV to work with Ty Boyd Enterprises full-time as a communications trainer and coach. Last year, Lou decided to pursue her new vision by forming Interact, a company which will "improve people on their feet, sell your ideas, sell yourself." Jeff Wise — classification: Application Service Provider. Jeff is a Charlotte native who formed ConsentSys, a company designed to provide medical information systems for the health care industry. Jeff decided to entertain us with a humorous power point presentation. He created a series of multiple-choice questions and some unusual answers to inform us more about himself. After an informative presentation by each new member Bill adjourned the meeting. * * * |
New Member
2001 Computer Network Services Computer Network Power LLC Wesley dark was born and raised in Morganton, N.C. He graduated from NC State with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Computer Science. While at State, Wesley served as president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Wesley was transferred to Charlotte in 1983 with a technology company and continued on that track with several other companies, including AT&T, Unisys, Gateway, and IBM. Wes's love for the computer business led him and a friend to purchase Computer Network Power (CNP) in early 2000. CNP designs, installs and services computer networks, primarily for the small business sector. They handle the day-to-day issues associated with keeping the networks running and the respective PC users connected. Computer Network Power has seen an increase in demand in assisting clients installing highspeed internet access and e-mail along with their associated security precautions such as firewalls and antivirus software. Wesley is involved with the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and Metrolina Entrepreneurial Council, and is also involved with CMS Partners for School Reform. He is married to Pam and has a daughter, Anna (4), and a son, Davis (9). They are members of Myers Park Presbyterian Church. Pam is the treasurer for Baker & Taylor, a wholesale distributor of music, books, video, and proprietary database products. Wes enjoys golf and spending time with his family. Welcome to Charlotte Rotary, Wes. * * * |
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