The Program
President Jim turned to Laurie Harrison, our speaker chair for the year, who gave a brief background on Dave Duncan, Rotarian of the Day. Dave then introduced Dominique ‘Nikki’ Johnson, a Research Associate at the Dragas Center at Old Dominion University. Nikki graduated from ODU with a Master of Science in Economics in 2019.
Nikki first noted that she had given her presentation to a variety of civic groups but that our club seemed to have the most fun. Her excellent presentation compared the state of our economy pre-pandemic with the dramatic changes in employment since February 2020. For context, she also presented charts comparing the recoveries after recessions in 2001 and 2007.
Nikki emphasized that Hampton Roads had taken a long time to recover from the previous recession because of our dependence on defense spending; the cap on defense spending meant that it took ten years to create 65K jobs. It only took two weeks in March to lose almost 30K jobs. There is an especially adverse impact on women’s employment; because schools aren’t open, many working women have stayed home. It’s hard to tell this story in words, but the Dragas Center has put the entire presentation on their website so we can all see the charts and graphs (www.ceapodu.com).
On the good news side, there has been a rebound in tourism. Hotel revenue took a major hit but, by September, it was up to 85% of 2019 September revenue. Real estate has also boomed. In October, a home took 1.7 months to sell; in 2010 it took 10.5 months to sell. And the median home price went from $229K to $260K (14% increase). Rental prices are also rising; however, those prices are still lower than national averages.
Nikki pointed out that total Hampton Roads spending is about $100B, with Defense at $23B, almost a quarter of the economy reliant on federal budget decisions. The Port of Virginia is also a significant part of our economy and the slowdown in global trade had its impacts also.
If we have additional questions, Nikki volunteered her email address (d1johnson@odu.edu). Again, check out the website for the full presentation. President Jim thanked Nikki and told her that a library book will be donated to Little Creek Middle School with a bookplate honoring her presentation to our club.
The Meeting
President Jim rang the bell at 12:32 p.m. then turned to Bob Heely to get us in a jovial mood; Bob picked a Christmas tune to remind us of the coming holidays. As usual, The Four-Way Test was followed by a fifth question, “will it be fun?”
Visitation/Introduction of Visitors
Joe Massey did not have an update on David Brandt’s daughter; despite a worrisome medical condition, she was supposed to get engaged. Michael Desplains broke his foot, but he was in attendance. Jeff Wells went to the ER with what he feared was Covid-19, but his fear saved his life. He had a pulmonary embolism which the doctors identified and addressed. Past-President Lorna is traveling to Canada to be with her ailing sister. Finally, the Visitation Committee is setting up a Phone Tree to check on Rotarians.
The guests were Jennifer Dilworth and Linda Nimershein.
Club Business
President Jim initiated a new feature, i.e., Pet Introductions. I counted three cats and ten dogs. Among other endearing introductions, Sigur admitted her dog Ollie is a “hot mess.” But if you want entertainment, go to Instagram and search for MrBentleyBull, a 60 lb. Bulldog with personality (your scribe shares a home with this surprisingly agile creature).
Sigur, our Foundation Chair, reminded us that it was Giving Tuesday. For those who are not yet Paul Harris Fellows (plus 8), our club will match your contribution from $100 to $500. Sigur spotlighted Gus Stuhlreyer (Paul Harris Fellow plus 5) and Bill Clendenin (Paul Harris Fellow plus 7) for their recent contributions.
President Jim also noted that our holiday social had to be canceled due to the latest regulations about indoor gatherings. Also, the Wreaths Across America program at the VA cemetery in Suffolk has been canceled by the State Veterans organization. Rachel Bellis brought up the PETA ‘Break the Chain Watch Party’ for which President Jim played the trailer. It was certainly a heart-breaking commentary.
Next week we will have our Annual Meeting in which we vote on the slate of officers for the next Rotary year and update our bylaws. The revisions are mainly to legitimize our processes due to the extraordinary conditions caused by the pandemic, i.e., electronic participation, etc.
Since it was the first meeting of the month, we celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and Rotary membership anniversaries.
Birthdays: Jack Kavanaugh (Dec 03), Joseph Massey (Dec10), John McLemore (Dec 14), Malcolm Branch (Dec 15), Barbara Lifland (Dec 15), Thomas Ambler (Dec 19), Joel Heaton (Dec 20), Angela Kerns (Dec 20), Jason Drane (Dec 22), Dianna Starkey (Dec 24), Bob Ash (Dec 27), Will King (Dec 27), Mike Goldsmith (Dec 29).
Wedding Anniversaries:
- Cohen, Bernie & Lois Dec 04, 1985, 35 years
- Nettles, Michelle & Bill Dec 09, 1989, 30 years
- Branch, Mal & Nancy Dec 21, 1968, 52 years
- Cameron, John & Abby Van Voorhees Dec 27, 2011 9 years
- Cochrane, Lorna & St-Cyr Daniel Dec 28, 2002, 18 years
- Lawrence, Thomas Y. & Ann Dec 30, 1961, 59 years
Rotary Anniversaries:
- Burton, Bryce. 19 years Dec 01, 2001
- Lawrence, Thomas Y. 36 years Dec 01, 1984
- Powell, Bob. 39 years Dec 01, 1981
- Sell, Jim. 30 years Dec 01, 1990
- Shaw, Mark. 35 years Dec 01, 1985
- Goldsmith, Mike. 8 years Dec 11, 2012
- Searing, John. 15 years Dec 12, 2005
- Finch, Chip. 15 years Dec 31, 2005
- Grandy, V, Cy. 15 years Dec 31, 2005
Happy Bucks & Fines
- Tom Ambler was happy to report that his sister received news that her leukemia is in remission.
- Michael Desplaines, with his broken foot, reported how many Rotarians had sent him get well wishes. He also reported that the father of Rotarian Lauren Kiger had dropped off the first installation of a $1M donation from the Hall Foundation to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.
- Gus Stuhlreyer was happy to tell us that his daughter and family have moved back to the US from Dubai.
- Jeff Wells happily reported that he was recovering from his embolism and particularly appreciated a card from Marty Raiss.
- Rafael Corredor, who had been missing in action, was spotted at the meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 1:39 p.m.