Mark and Murray gave a wonderful update on the continuing work and successes of Launch Lenawee over the past 5 years. The Adrian Noon Rotary Club has been a sponsor of the program which is held on the first floor of the Adrian Armory, Mary said, and was patterned after Launch Detroit that the Murray’s had heard about during a previous District Conference. They were intrigued with what they heard and knew they could do the same thing here in Lenawee County. The program, Mary mentioned, closely aligns with one of Rotary’s goals and that is to “Grow Local Economies”. Launch Lenawee is a program open to people who want to start businesses in Lenawee County. A small fee is charged so that participants are committed to the program.
The first ever class assembled back in 2018 and has since seen 5 classes that have been offered by 2023. There are a couple of trained mentors from the Adrian Noon Club that have been fully trained by Dave Maxwell and still active in the program – Nate Smith and Yours Truly.
Mary said that she and Mark get email inquiries throughout thew year asking what the program is about, the requirements, etc. so screening of and working with prospects is continuous. Serious candidates are “collected” throughout that period who make up the next class to go through the program.
Typically, May is the beginning of the “Bootcamp” and then every Thursday from 5-8pm, students/entrepreneurs go through the curriculum for 12 straight weeks. There is also homework which amounts to about 3 hours of work between each class. Many candidates are working adults with families, jobs and other obligations, Mary said. These folks are introduced to other organizations and resources that will assist them in their journey. Mary went on to say that it was really important that these people get involved in the community and network with others. “Networking” is a very important segment of the overall training, she said. “We help them establish connections.” Mary thanked those organizations who have worked with Launch Lenawee like Lenawee Now and the Tecumseh Smart Zone and others to help grow business in Lenawee County.
Mark said that microloans ($1,000 - $1,500) have been made available through Launch Lenawee to participants who need money to move to the next level of starting their own business. Launch Lenawee has invited community leaders to speak at the weekly classes to share their experiences in business. They have included Margaret Noe, Catrina Ossman, Naomi and others, Mary said.
Mary introduced several past Launch Lenawee participants and now successful business owners who accompanied them today - Mike Wells, Ryan Waggoner and Jay and Gwynne Marks who spoke about the program and the businesses they started as a result of successfully completing the Launch Lenawee program.
Mary closed by encouraging people in the room to get involved and to share the wealth of expertise that exists to help budding entrepreneurs’ dreams come true.
Florida Hurricane – Gerry who presided at today's meeting said that he’d heard from Chip who is in Florida with his Mother and other that some water and moving people to higher levels, they are both OK.
Grand Opening Open House – Rod P. would like everyone to share in the festivities planned for Tuesday October 4 from 12 to 4pm at his new office on North M52 north of the Skate-adium. Official ribbon cutting planned for 12 noon.
Next Social Event – Be sure to attend our next club social on Thursday, October 6th at the Flying Otter Winery on Chase Road starting at 5pm! Food trays will be bought by the club. If you get there before 5, wine is half off!! Might want to bring a potential member with you as well. Go out Oakwood road, to Labardee Road, to north on Wilmouth to Chase Road and turn left at the winery sign.
Taste of Lenawee – Friday, October 7th at the Adrian Armory event Center. Mark asked for a couple of volunteers to help out from 5:30-7pm. Contact Mark if you can help.
Sam Beauford Fundraiser – Rhonda mentioned that the club may have a fundraiser at the workshop to sell beer and hotdogs. More info coming.
Boundless Playground at Alexander School – Currently, the build is set for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, September 29, 30, and October 1. The greatest need is Thursday and potentially Friday. Arrival is at 7:15am and the build goes from 8:00am - 4:00pm. I'm sure if anyone is interested in helping for a few hours that would be greatly appreciated. Here's a URL for your browser to the signup: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GtxTqZGMtZDjGBg0Q-HdABpggfCXL6ReF0p3mDujzAc/edit
Wreath Sales – An e-flyer will be sent to all members for posting on their social media sites. Catherine Sala and Jim Hartley (from the Adrian Morning Club) are co-chairs. Wreaths this year are $28. Sell, sell, sell.
Fluency Friends – Chair Mary said that Kathy Sielsky, Reading Specialist at Michener Elementary will make a presentation on October 13th about the Fluency Friends Project. Still time to sign up if you’d like.
Comstock Christmas River Walk – Patty announced that the City of Adrian and Civitan are preparing to sell trees again this year during the holiday season. Contact the City on the first floor 9am-4:30pm to order and make your payment. They’re going fast – 283 of 450 have already been sold!
Club Directory – If you have not already, be sure and get back to Yours Truly if there are any changes to the info next to your name. Hearing none, the directory will contain the same info as last year’s.
LHS Annual Halloween Ball - REMEMBER: Patty and our club will be splitting the cost of a table (Seats 8) and any club member wis welcome to join them at the table. If you would like to attend and sit at her table of eight, we now have 3 seats available. Please let Yours Truly know if you would like to go.
District Governor's Golf Outing - September 18 - Go to www.rotary6400.org for much more info
2022-23 District Conference - Go to www.rotary6400.org for much more info
Mark and Murray gave a wonderful update on the continuing work and successes of Launch Lenawee over the past 5 years. The Adrian Noon Rotary Club has been a sponsor of the program which is held on the first floor of the Adrian Armory, Mary said, and was patterned after Launch Detroit that the Murray’s had heard about during a previous District Conference. They were intrigued with what they heard and knew they could do the same thing here in Lenawee County. The program, Mary mentioned, closely aligns with one of Rotary’s goals and that is to “Grow Local Economies”. Launch Lenawee is a program open to people who want to start businesses in Lenawee County. A small fee is charged so that participants are committed to the program.
Guest today were:
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