PROGRAM: Karen Gunnison is the Executive Director of the Murata Business Center in Carlisle. Owned by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC, Murata is a small business incubator that houses start-up companies and provides them an supportive environment in which to grow and ultimately “graduate” into the community. She is a graduate of Ursinus College, earned her J.D. at The Dickinson School of Law and practiced law with the Harrisburg firm of Wix, Wenger & Weidner. She had a general business practice and was a partner in the firm when she chose to retire to be at home with her two young children, who now are both in college. Karen has been an active volunteer in the community, serving on a variety of committees and boards. She is a graduate of the Ann Anstine Excellence in Public Service Series and ran for Cumberland County Commissioner in the 2007 Primary Election. Currently, Karen serves on the Boards and Executive Committees of AAA Central Penn and Modern Transit Partnership, on the board of Salt ‘n Light Youth Ministry and as a member of the Cumberland County Commission for Women. She also serves on the Vision of Hope 2008 Gala Committee. Karen has been married to her law school classmate, Brad, for 25 years, and they live in Silver Spring Township.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS / MEETING LOCATIONS:  
Mar 10                                   Karen Gunnison, President Murata Business Center
Hilton                                     “ Business Incubation in Central PA”

Mar 17                                   Michael Reinsdorf, Bill Davidson and Randy Whittaker
333 Market Street            "Harrisburg Senators-The Next Generation"
RSVP required               

Mar 24                                   NO MEETING

Mar 31                                   Dave Butcher and Mayur Patel,
Hilton                                     WCI Partners and Hersha Hospitality Group
                                                “Why we are investing in Harrisburg’s future? - Two key players tell us why”

Apr 7                                      Peter Greer, Hope International
Hilton

For complete programming go to our website: hbgrotary.org and click on calendar.

NEWS AND NOTES:  
•  Our club is hosting the Youth Exchange Weekend March 15, 16.  Please contact Ron Guss or Caryn Carr to volunteer.

• Get well wishes to Chuck Fromer.  He is at the Holy Spirit Hospital.

• The March 17th Rotary Meeting will be held at the PA State Education Building at 333 Market Street (take escalator from street, enter building and then elevator to 1st floor).
We will have this meeting catered by SirD’s. RSVP is required.  Please contact Linda.

•  The 100 Men Reading Day II is Wednesday, April 16, 2008 from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Harrisburg School District (HSD).  It will consist of approximately 100 men in the community going to various schools in the HSD to read to the students K to 8th grade.   We are looking for men to invest in our children.   Women, please help to sign up at least one man.  Let's be a part of the solution!  To sign up, please visit superreader.org or www.hbgsd.k12.pa.us.  For questions, please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 232-6656.

• Congratulations to 2008 YWCA honorees: Legacy award – Marion Alexander, Future Women of Excellence – Betty Hungerford, Diane McNaughton and Kimberly Aquino (YCDT).  Event is on Tuesday, March 25th, contact Tina Nixon for further information.

• DISTRICT CONFERENCE: Thursday, May 8- golf, May 9-May 10.  Early Registration before 3/16.  Register: Forms are on the information table or Go to our website www.hbgrotary.org and then to the District.
Please make sure you have paid your $100 Harrisburg Rotary Foundation.

•   SUPPORT OUR TROOPS PROJECT
Donate $10 cash or check payable to the Harrisburg Rotary Foundation, in support of our 2007-08 goal to raise another $2,000 to assist the non-profit “Wounded Warrior Project” minister to the personal needs of our severely wounded troops who face long-term rehab in military hospitals. Your contribution is 100% tax deductible.

For meeting cancellations due to inclement weather.... Tune to ABC27-TV
or check your e-mail or call the Rotary office at 234-1208.

ATTENDANCE:
LAST ROTARY MEETING: 3/3/08       52%
Rotarians 82    Active Specials  9    Guests 8   Visiting Rotarians  6 =  105

Minutes by Mitch Tillett: 
The meeting was called to order by our President Elect Barry Ramper at 12:15 p.m.  Barry asked Past President Tom Johnston to conduct the Rotary Minute.  Tom enlightened us about the partnership that Rotary enjoys locally/nationally with other service clubs and government agencies. He shared with us the vital role in the rehabilitation that Rotary has performed in Biloxi, Mississippi.
 
Next, Garry Brinton and Gerald Kohn were called to the podium to give a Harrisburg Rotary Foundation Report.  Dr. Kohn shared with us the impact that the Rotary Foundation has had in leading the way to even larger private charitable donations from members of the community.
 
Next, Harry Derrick announced visiting Rotarians and Guests.  Most notable was Charlie McNutt's wife, Alice McNutt, his life partner of 46 years.
 
Next, David Reed, President & CEO of the United Methodist Home for Children, gave his mini-classification speech.  Dave filled us in on the past and present objectives of the United Methodist Home for Children.  Dave talked about the budget responsibilities, most notable that $700,000 or approximately 20% of the annual budget must be raised from the local community.
 
Rotarians in the news, Bob Hostetter was in the Patriot News for attending the Chocolate Bowl.  Marie Lick appeared also.  There was an interesting article about Marie's dedication to work and her recent accident.  Others also in the Patriot News are Rich Bowra, Steve Krempaski, and Carrie W. Thomas.
 
Kent Frese gave us an update on the Harrisburg Rotary Survey.  He asked that all who receive the request, please take 5 to 10 minutes to complete it.
 
Next, Ron Guss and Caryn Carr reported on the upcoming Youth Exchange Weekend in Harrisburg- March 15-16.  They asked for volunteers to help in the upcoming Youth Exchange Harrisburg Tour.  If you are able to help, please give Ron a call.
 
Last, Bob Hostetter gave an introduction of our Speaker for the Day, Dr. G. Terry Madonna.  Terry is a noted National Political Polster.  Terry shared his insight regarding the upcoming Presidential Elections.  He said that this is going to be recorded as the strangest election in presidential history.  He said that Mitt Romney was the only Republican candidate with one wife and he is a Mormon.  Senator McCain was written off last summer when he ran out of money and now is the Republican Candidate.  He said three things will determine the outcome of the election; the economy, the war in Iraq, and healthcare.  He said it's likely that this will be the longest presidential campaign in history (approximately 8 months).
 
Dr. Madonna gave us some keen incite into the political candidates.  However, it may not matter because the voters in Pennsylvania may not get a deciding vote.  Choices may have already been decided before Pennsylvania votes.