President Phil called on Col. Alden Cunningham, once again, to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Susan Baker came forward to deliver her invocation. She read a self-composed poem on managing adversity.
Visitors:
Moving on to guests of Rotarians, Mike Heffernan introduced Diane Plank, daughter-in-law of the late Jay Plank, a long-time member of our Club. Susan Baker brought along Denise Radulovich, Karen Guerin and Rick, her longtime partner. Jennifer Pence introduced Debbie Hall, who may be assisting us with a membership initiative.
Announcements:
Jay Miller gave his monthly shoutout to the Rotarian magazine. One article featured the amazing leadership and action of a group of Rotaractors who went to the first UN RotaractDays in Geneva.
Bobba Venkatadri gave us an update on the Club’s third global grant. This one will digitize a Tribal Girls School in Busarajupalle, India, along with our previous projects, will change the lives of 2000 girls.
Mike Heffernan gave us some historical background on our Make-a-Difference Community College Scholarship. Rotarian Jay Plank offered the Club $50,000 in 2007 as long as we would match it. Between the members and the Service Fund, Burlingame Rotary met and exceeded that challenge. That $110,000 seed money has grown over the years and allows us to help Burlingame High School students attend a San Mateo County Community College.
Mike then turned the mic over to Diane Plank who told us a bit about Jay. Jay grew up in Texas and began college there. But he did not finish. Instead, he went to flight school and became a pilot for United Airlines. He was an advocate of a college education. He encouraged the parents of his 17 nieces and nephews to send them to college and he provided money to each family to set up college funds. Jay fulfilled his dream of a college education by going to Notre Dame de Namur earning a degree while still working.
Thanks to the generosity of Jay Plank, we have awarded $150,000 in scholarships to Burlingame students attending community college. Mike announced that he would be contributing $5,000 to the MAD fund. The long-term goal is to grow the investments so we can continue supporting college-bound BHS students in perpetuity.
Program:
Donna Colson introduced Rotarian Susan Baker, CEO of the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce. Susan has an impressive background. She has led the Chamber since 2022 and breathed new life into it.
Susan explained how the recent growth was accomplished. In her short tenure the Chamber has grown from 171 members to over 300 members, a 76% increase. The declining membership nationwide was a result, in part, of the pandemic and those questioning the value of the organization.
The Chamber embarked on three strategies to turn this trend around.
Rebuilding Tangible Values for Members
Launching Targeted Programs
Mixers – increasing from 4 in 2022 to 20 in 2024
Strengthening Community Engagement
Strategic partnerships (e.g. with Rotary) and collaborative events
Innovating and Adapting
The Chamber will not be resting on their laurels. They are looking to the future by planning new events, reimaging mixers and expanding the audience.
Susan pledged to help Burlingame & Hillsborough Rotary build on the success of our 100th Year Gala to revitalize our Club. This partnership will begin with a joint mixer to be held on Tuesday, April 17 at the Burlingame Community Center from 5:30 to 7:00. Save the date!
President Phil thanked Susan and presented her with a certificate indicating that our Rotary Club would be donating five polio vaccinations in her honor.
From Fighter Jets to Fast Cars: The Wild Ride of a True Car Aficionado
A true "Car Nut," Ed will share his remarkable journey—from Devil’s Lake, ND, to serving as an Air Force officer, becoming a Hell’s Angel member, rising to Pebble Beach Concours Chief Judge, and beyond.
