Insights From Millennials
Kelly Carter, Ben Munson, Les Dossey, Kyle Hall, Ashley Molinaro, and Yhoshua “Books” Yisreal provided insights into the millennial generation.
The Program
Our featured speaker, Les Dossey, led a millennial panel discussion focusing on their lives, dreams, and challenges. He began by sharing a survey he had done on the definition of millennials with the help of Google. With that as background he then introduced his Millennial Panel, which he assembled through his Linked-In community. They were:
Ben Munson – Mortgage Loan Officer, Tidewater Mortgage Services, Inc.
Yhoshua “Books” Yisreal – Founder/Managing Principal, Exact Accounting, LC
Kelley Carter – Director of Marketing Operations, The Braun Agency
Kyle Hall – Project Manager, Resourcive
Ashley Molinaro – LT (Naval Reserves) and PhD Candidate, Old Dominion University and member of the Norfolk Rotary Club
Les engaged the panel in a series of questions for each to answer that began to explore the characteristics of millennials in the workplace as they pursued their careers and families. The questions centered on the following:
- At this stage in your career, on what area do you feel you should focus your energy?
- Describe your professional progress so far with what really energizes you and what frustrates you.
- Probing Rotary, each was asked how they learned of Rotary; if they had reviewed the Norfolk Rotary Club website before attending the meeting; if so, what was their impressions (all good – particularly since it was “mobile responsive”!!);
- and what would make Rotary fun and rewarding for them.
A healthy discussion followed each question helping illuminate their values and goals. One over-arching value came through loud and clear – there is great interest to make a high impact with their time and give back to the community in their volunteer endeavors, something that Rotary can most certainly provide.
President Bryce thanked Les and his panel for an enlightening and insightful program. A book will be given to Azalea Gardens Middle School’s library in their honor.
The Meeting:
Ray Norton was recognized for his contributions to The Rotary Foundation with the awarding of a PHF + 4 pin. President Bryce thanked Ray for his support of The Rotary Foundation. Last Week Marilyn Gowen received a PHF pin and Bob Powell received a PHF+4.
Visitation Report: Jim Baker reported the following updates. Bill Jonak is doing much better and expects to return to the club soon; Eleanor Schoonover is recovering from a bout with pneumonia and Jean Owen is fine and will be back soon.
Introduction of Guests: Wayne Shank introduced the many Rotarians who had invited guests to today’s lunch:
- Barbra Lipskis brought Jim Forrester, Kelley Forrester, Margo McFarland and Charlie Nusbaum;
- Sally Hartman introduced Adia White;
- Jeff Wells presented Beau Turner and Virginia Sanford;
- John McLemore was pleased to have his daughter Jamie joining him;
- Maureen Grover introduced Darian Fisher.
Club Business. President Bryce made the following announcements:
- July 4 at 5 – 10 pm: July 4th looking for volunteers to pour beer at Town Point Park
- Dues and Meals invoices have been emailed out. If you did not get an email or need a printed invoice, please sign the list at the check in table or contact Jane Dembert.
- Please make your annual donation to The Rotary Foundation soon. EREY!!!
Fines and Happy Bucks. the program quickly moved into a “rapid fire” exercise as many Rotarians “qualified” to donate to the coffers of the Norfolk Rotary Charities:
1. George Compo was HAPPY to contribute to the cause in honor of his 40th Anniversary with Saunders.
2. Barbara Lipskis followed immediately announcing the celebration of her 40th Anniversary.
3. Ann Baldwin was delighted to share the happy news that her granddaughter, Hailey Michael, recently graduated from the University of Houston.
4. Lisa Chandler announced the new name for the family real estate firm to “CHANDLER REALTY, Opening Doors, Proudly Local”.
5. Pam Tubbs made a strong pitch to members to “own” a Polio Plus tee shirt for a small investment of $10.00.
President Bryce then made the announcement that Bill Gates, Keynote Speaker at the Rotary International Convention which is ongoing in Atlanta, had pledge an additional $300M from the Gates Foundation to Polio Plus, as well as a $3 match for every additional $1 contributed to the polio fight by Rotarians!!!