Recap from the November 4, 2024 Meeting.
Meeting run by: President, Mike Wedell
Thought of the day: Clint Christopher
Welcome Virtual Attendees: Barth Donald, Gretchen Nollman
Welcome Guests: Roberta Reinhardt (Crossroads), Brandon Bull
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
Sarah Lande- Friday Sarah attended an “Inside Iowa” presentation at the University of Iowa. The presentation included a tour of programs and a 10-year plan for the University. Go Hawkeyes. Naomi DeWinter- Congratulations to the CFGM for winning the Chamber Halloween costume contest. Melanie Alexander- The Heartfelt and Handmade Ornament display opens this week. Cultural Alliance Luncheon on Friday 11/15. Carlin Lawhead- Great Hawkeye win this weekend. Jessica Pfab- Holiday Lights at the Lake and iLLUMINATE had great builds last weekend. Gearing up for the holiday season. Holiday Lights at the Lake opens the night before Thanksgiving for a walk-through night and iLLUMINATE opens Thanksgiving night.
Club Business:
- Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine’s Facebook page, @MuscatineRotaryClub.
- It Takes a Village is looking for volunteers for their Pet Festival the Weekend of November 15-17. Talk to Barth Donald to find out more.
- We are looking for members to join the board and/or help with programs and membership. This is a great opportunity to get involved and give back.
- Mobile Food Pantry Volunteer Opportunity: Use the link below to sign up for the next Mobile Food Pantry on Nov. 12. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmtNfi25shfn2S1LYG0e56iVwcMj2VA9X6FB5WU_vS4/edit
City Update about the pocket park- Jodi Royal-Goodwin
The pocket park will be at the corner of 6th and Orange in the development neighborhood. The project was delayed almost a year but will go to the council for approval on Thursday. If everything goes well construction will be in April 2025.
Presentation-
Brandon Bullock- President, HON Company
Brandon became president of the HON company in 2018 and Co-President of Workplace Furnishings in 2022. He and his family live in Muscatine. His two sons attend MHS, and his wife works for Riding for Success.
Office Furniture is approximately 13 Billion Dollar Industry. The industry outlook and trajectory are positive despite bouncy economic fundamentals. HON is successful by diversifying the go-to-market models through contracts, mid-market, customer direct, e-commerce, and build-to-order business, and staying relevant to influencers including architects, commercial real estate, customers, and dealers. Today HON is the highest Market Cap in the Office Furniture Industry. HON continues to focus on growth as evidenced by the recent acquisition of Kimball International to expand brand + manufacturing footprints.
Next Meetings:
November 11- Muscatine Veterans Network
November 18- Hoover Museum
November 25- Eastern Iowa Crisis System- Co-Responders