U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow is the senior U.S. Senator from Michigan and a prominent national leader who is recognized for her ability to build coalitions and get things done for Michigan and our nation. She is proud to call Lansing home.
Senator Stabenow is a national leader of the effort to make sure all people have affordable, quality health care, including mental health and addiction care and prescription drugs. She led the successful fight to fund our community health centers, and her bill to extend full funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program for 10 years was signed into law last year. Her Know the Lowest Price Act, which cracks down on gag clauses that stop pharmacists from telling customers that they could pay less for their prescription if they pay out of pocket, is now law.
In 2014, a version of Senator Stabenow's Excellence in Mental Health Act was signed into law, marking one of the most significant steps forward in community mental health funding in decades. Last year, the Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, Ingham Counties received more than $3.7 million in additional funding to provide comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment services thanks to this law.
On a partially cloudy day, Rotary was greeted by Chris Chamberlain and a blue mitten…specifically the Buy Nearby Guy mascot on the first floor of the Lansing Center in Hall “C”. The meeting was full of fillins starting with President Elect Pat Hanes filling in for President Dennis Fliehman. The invocation, provided by Pat Munshaw, was a quote by Mother Theresa to be forgiving, kind, honest, happy, and be our best as our best is between us and God. The invocation was followed by the singing of “God Bless America”, and as always, the acoustics in the great hall carried the Rotary voices well.
Introductions of guest began with a good number of guests (and hopefully potential members) joining us, followed by Diane Sanborn’s report that the health of the club is “good”! Following the introductions, Pat Hanes gave us a preview of the format that he is hoping to bring to the group by providing an opportunity for members of the various board liaisons to report on their activities and plans.
Diane Sanborn (filling in for Jim Dixon) reported on the Foundation with a strong message that we are giving away money!!! Specifically, $60,000 for underserved areas. Kevin Schumacher (filling in for Jim Dixon) advised on the Endowment Committee and switched the focus from giving away money to asking for members to help the money grow. He invited all to the May 29th breakfast at the Country Club of Lansing to find out more. The Special Projects Committee (announced by Jenn Dubey) advised of the volunteer opportunity at Cristo Rey, hopefully you were able to attend! Pat Hanes finished by advising on multiple members of Rotary that have been in the news lately and paid special attention to some of the other great things that the wonderful members of Rotary have been working on and accomplishing in the area.
The special musical number of the day was a special treat to have Elliott Wu play a couple of beautiful piano numbers. If you were not able to see his fingers moving on the keys, I will tell you, it was amazing to watch, and even better to hear as he shared his talent with the group. Having such amazing musical talent on a weekly basis is a blessing to us all.
The speaker of the day was Jim Hallan, President of the Michigan Retailers Association (and 29-year member of Rotary). Jim’s message gave us a great overview of the current state of retail along with the outlook for the future of retail in the Michigan area. His message of “keep money in the mitten” was focused not only on shopping local but also supporting retailers who invest in the area by having local stores. The groups goal is to convert 10% of purchases to become local purchases as they remind everyone to “think before you click”. Jim introduced the mascot of the “Buy Nearby Guy” as a reminder to shop local and support local jobs and economy.
Jim mentioned that the only thing constant is change and that service is something that will always rule out as companies find their niche in the marketplace. Current optimism is high but sales have been relatively flat (likely due to weather being a bit gray this spring).
As malls are being converted to community centers and drones and artificial intelligence finding more and more use, retailers are all trying to find their spot in the changing face of retail. Labor shortage and costs are the highest complaints of the current retailers along with rental costs and the inability to find unique merchandise due to easy online availability. Jim reminded that superior customer service trumps al as 86% of purchases are still made in brick and mortar locations.
After Jim’s presentation, the microphone was passed around for questions and the closing bell rang at 1:27 for everyone to be dismissed. Pat announced that next week’s meeting will be held at the Lansing Country Club and Senator Stabenow will be our speaker.
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow is the senior U.S. Senator from Michigan and a prominent national leader who is recognized for her ability to build coalitions and get things done for Michigan and our nation. She is proud to call Lansing home.
