June 5, 2018: Perrin Lawson, Deputy Director of the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, joined us on Tuesday to give us and overview of tourism and Charleston. Tourism, as we all know is one of the main economic drivers for the region and as a pillar of our economy represents about 40,000 jobs. With 2.3% unemployment, it’s a wonderful time to be in Charleston but we have challenges Perrin continued.
Tourism represents $7.37 Billion in economic impact to the region with visitors spending $227 per visitor per day and visitors are here an average of 4 nights per stay. He did indicate that the goal of the CVB is not to attract more people but to keep people here longer. The area has 16734 in hotel/motel room inventory at an average daily rate of $152 representing also $2 Billion in estimated labor earnings. He then went on to touch on four points for why the next 10 years will be great for Charleston.
Popularity-Charleston’s popularity is evidenced by the many awards already won in 2018 and he touched on some of the reasons for the awards. Per Conde Nast, Charleston is a leader in Atmosphere, Culture and Sites, Lodging, Restaurants but also in Friendliness, far surpassing our competition and that makes all of the difference.

Another important part of our region is Air Service. We now have 8 airlines, more seats to more cities and about 20 percent lower fares than we use to. This is due in great part to support of low cost carriers who have come into the region.
The Diversity of the economy is also a critical point for the future with Volvo, Mercedes and Boeing providing jobs that were not here, not too long ago. Infrastructure, however, is critical to keeping these economic drivers on track as we move forward.
He concluded with whether we are overselling Charleston on something we can’t deliver on. This worry was brought to the forefront with the Emmanuel AME shootings in 2015 as everyone braced for the violence that would ensue as it had in other places. But it didn’t happen. Charleston, instead, became an example and beacon to the world and that event truly defined what Charleston is really about.
– Don Baus, Keyway Editor
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
• Dale Williams gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
• Chad Woodell introduced our Visiting Rotarians and guests.
• President David Burt presented Health and Happiness.
• President-Elect-Elect Sandy Morckel introduced our speaker Perrin Lawson, Vice President of Business Development/Deputy Director, Charleston CVB
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
June 12, 2018 | Issue 4893 | President: David Burt
COMING EVENTS
• June 12 – No meeting
• June 19 – Steve Dudash, Density vs. Sprawl
• June 26 – Chief Luther Reynolds, Charleston Police Chief
• July 3 – No meeting Happy 4th of July!
• July 10 – Presidential/Board Transition
• July 17 – Stuart Williams, In Place Impact / CofC Entrepreneurship
NEWS BRIEFS
Give your feedback on meeting venues

As most of you are aware, as much as we all love meeting at Riley Park, due to our budget constraints we are having to look for a new meeting venue starting July 1. We have experienced two wonderful venues – Trident Technical College/Palmer Campus and 5 Faber, which is an event venue in the Hall Hospitality Group. Both visits went well and members seemed to enjoy our off-site meetings. The venues had their positive and negative aspects. We want your input as one of these venues might become our new “home”. Please send your thoughts and any other venue ideas to President David or Carroll. The Board wants to make the best decision for our club. We are open to your ideas!
Rotary Global Grant Scholar Candidate – Eric Singleton

The Rotary Global Grant Scholarship is one of the most prestigious study abroad programs available. The scholarship provides up to $50,000 for one year of graduate study anywhere in the world. Through the generosity of Rotarians, our district has funded 100s of students for this life-changing experience.
The Historic Rotary Club’s candidate for 2019-2020 is Eric Singleton. Eric graduated in May, 2018 from the College of Charleston’s Honor College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. He has minors in Spanish and Political Science. As we come to expect from our scholar candidates, his overall GPA is 3.9.
He has chosen Peace and Conflict Prevention as his area of Focus. After reviewing his experiences and accomplishments, it doesn’t seem possible that he is only 22 years of age. Many of these experiences are related to Conflict Resolution and the psychological factors involved. Thus, this Rotary Area of Focus is most appropriate for him. Here are a few examples.
• He studied a semester in Columbia, South America and is fluent in Spanish
• He served as an intern at the EastWest Institute in New York City where he saw firsthand the issues of international conflict resolution.
• Summer 2017: Eric conducted a field study in Cambodia and Vietnam assessing the intergenerational transference of PTSD symptoms amongst survivors of trauma.
• His Senior Thesis addresses conflict within nonprofit organization and how those conflicts affect success of the organization
As with all scholar applicants, Eric has served his community as well as excelled academically. These community activities also reflect his interest in conflict resolution.
• Served as a peer counselor at the College of Charleston.
• Served as a Hispanic outreach counselor at the National Crime Victim’s Center.
• Currently employed as Grants and Programs Fellow at the Coastal Community Foundation (organization founded by members of the Charleston Rotary Club). He is analyzing the results of focus groups from the nine-county service region to assist the Foundation determine grant priorities for the future.
Three scholars will be selected to represent our district at interviews in August. As Eric’s sponsoring club we will conduct practice interviews to assist him prepare. If selected, he will enroll at Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland to earn a Master of Arts in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice. His long-term goal is, “to have a broad network of dedicated public servants and, to connect and utilize them to mitigate conflict and promote peace in Latin America. More specifically, I want to spend my life addressing the often-forgotten role of PTSD and principles of social psychology on peacebuilding and improved community relations. . . One day, I hope to be the President and CEO of an organization such as the Berghof Foundation, which directly utilizes conflict transformation strategies to identify the sociocultural roots of conflict in affected regions, and utilizes psychological tools to create empathic sustainable change.”
RAMP IT UP! Get it done!
Rotary teams with Operation Home to Build Peace of Mind for N. Charleston Homeowner
On Friday, June 1st, with early morning temperatures already tickling 85 degrees and fighter jets from Joint Base Charleston booming overhead, a determined group of Rotarians ventured to a neighborhood in North Charleston with shovels, rakes and other implements of construction to pay a visit on the Perry family.
Mr. and Mrs. Perry are both disabled and were having a lot of trouble getting in and out of their home safely. Often times, they would not leave their front porch unless a family member or friend was there to help them due to their fear of falling on the steep concrete steps.
Earlier this year Operation Home*, a community service organization that’s been serving the Tri-county area for over 20 years and delivers assistance to more than 350 families annually through their critical home repair, wheelchair ramp and heat and cold relief programs, heard about the Perry’s plight and brought it to the attention of the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston (#HeartofCharlestonRotary).
The job at hand was clear: construction of a ramp that the Perry’s could use to safely traverse from their front porch down to the driveway. The folks at Operation Home determined what was needed was $1,500 to cover cost of materials, which Rotary provided through their RCCF grant application process, and 6 to 8 enthusiastic Rotarians with enough grit and determination to get the job done.
“What our RCCF grant review committee really liked about the application was specifically the opportunity for our Rotarians to volunteer.” Rotarian president David Burt said. “I was very pleased with the turn out by our members and with the project itself.” Burt brought along his 13-year old son, Quinn, to help with the project. Quinn enthusiastically added “It was a lot of fun!”
Also on hand were Rotarians Sandy Morckel, Charlie Palmer, Rob Byko, Bob DeGraff, Bryan Buzon, Paul Welborn, and Jack Mitchell; along with Operation Home project managers and master carpenters.
The Perry’s thanked all the Rotarians and team leaders from Operation Home who came out to work on the project, as well as all those who worked behind the scenes to make the project a success.
“It would be great to make this a regular volunteer opportunity for our club members.” Burt said. “The Perry’s received a new ramp for their home.” He added, “But we all got a little peace of mind knowing that Mr. and Mrs. Perry can remain in their own home, living more confidently and securely, without fear of falling.”
*Operation Home focuses services on households with children, the disabled and seniors. The average monthly income for Operation Home families is $1,139. Operation Home collaborates with many area nonprofits, home rehabilitation facilities, social service agencies, and civic and religious groups. They are committed to ensuring that no person has to live in a home that is inaccessible or unsafe. For more information on Operation Home contact Leah Donaldson at [email protected].
US Army 243RD Birthday Celebrated
On June 14, the U.S. Army celebrates its 243nd birthday and the corresponding 243 years of selfless service to our nation. On that day in 1775, our nation’s leaders established the Continental Army.
Today, the Army is the strategic land power of the joint force. The Army is an institution older than our nation itself, and its Soldiers continue to serve as the foundation of our Army and the foundation of the joint force. Readiness remains our Army’s number one priority. They are combat ready because of the extraordinarily-selfless and exceptionally-talented Army Total Force comprised of Regular Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers, as well as the invaluable support provided by Army Civilians, Army retirees and their family members.
At our meeting this past Tuesday, members and guests were treated to a birthday cake celebrating the occasion and all our Army and Army National Guard veterans were asked to stand and were thanked for their service. Happy Birthday, US Army!
Club Member Survey
A club survey was emailed out to all members by Sandy Morckel a few weeks ago. If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to complete the survey as club leaders want to know what is important to you, what you expect from Rotary and what you value most as a Rotarian. The information will be used to help with future planning.
Rotary District Alzheimer’s Gala
Rotary District Alzheimer’s Gala to raise money for Alzheimer’s research is scheduled for Saturday, July 28, 2018 at the Charleston Marriott in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a black tie optional event and designed to provide you with a great experience, as well as an opportunity to contribute to the funding of research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. Save the date – more information to come.
MEMBER NEWS
Proposed New Members
The following membership candidates have submitted an application and signed letter of agreement to the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston:
- Nicholas “Nick” Galizia – sponsor: Sandy Morckel, classification: Architecture/General
- Meredith Mixson – sponsor: Tom Leonard, classification: Relationship Mgr/Community Banking
In the event you know Nick or Meredith, please tell a member of the Board how he/she will serve the ideas of Rotary.
Membership Status Changes Needed by June 15
If you plan a change in your club member status by July 1, 2018 to Excused, Leave of Absence or if you are planning to resign, please notify Carroll in writing NO LATER than June 15, 2018. This change will affect July billing. All current members who officially resign after June 15 will be billed $52 to cover Rotary International dues, which are paid the first of each billing cycle. If you have any questions, contact Carroll.
Get involved
Your 2018/2019 Board has starting their planning for the upcoming Rotary year, which starts on July 1. They would like to see everyone get involved with our club and participate on a committee. If you would like to find out how you can serve the club or have service project ideas for the coming year, please contact a Board Member – Alex Dallis, Sandy Morckel, Trey Lucy, Peter Shahid, Lisa Van Bergen, Rob Dewey, Karl Riner, Heidi Finniff, or Kerby Teller.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Rotarian: Tim McVicker
• Joined: 2018
• Sponsor: Heidi Finniff
• Membership Involvement: New Member
• Classification: Human Resource/Consulting
• Profession: Principal, Spectrum HR
• Something Unique About Yourself: Personally, my wife and I love to travel and just returned from a trip to Germany and Austria. It was the best vacation I’ve had yet! Professionally, I prefer to serve others above ensuring a financial return because the return of helping others is far more rewarding.
Birthdays
• June 18 – Mark Smith & Patterson Smith
• June 19 – Erica Taylor
• June 20 – Ja’net Bishop
• June 22 – Kate Marty & Jimmy Stuckey
• June 24 – Cheryl Kaynard
• June 25 – Don Horres
By the numbers
Attendance on June 5, 2018: 80
Not in attendance: Allen, Barry, Barton, Beam, Berlin, Bodkin, Bullard, Carico, Channell, Christian, Clary, Coghill, Cole, Cook, Cooper, E., Cooper, J., Cooper, M., Deavenport, DeGraff, Drafts, Dymek, Echols, Embry, Finniff, Gill, Hart, Hudnall, Husser, Jones, Kaynard, Kerrigan, Krumwiede, LaMotte, Lee, Leonard, Livingston, Lucy, McGhee, Moring, Morris, Pate, Peters, Plotner, Ravenel, Raver, Riner, Rust, Schmidt, Seguer, Strickland, Stuckey, Taylor, E., Tecklenburg, John, Van Bergen, Wachter, Webb, Williams, A.
Out of Town Make-ups: None
WELLNESS TIP
Be Good to Your Eyes
To protect your vision at work and at play, wear protective eyewear. When outdoors, wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of ultraviolet A and B rays. Sunglasses can help prevent cataractscataracts, as well as wrinkles around the eyes.
And when playing sports or doing tasks such as mowing the lawn, wear protective eyewear. Ask your eye doctor about the best type; some are sport-specific.
AREA CLUB MEETINGS
Mondays
- Summerville – Oakbrook: 7:30 a.m., Monday, Westcott County Club, 5000 Wescott Club Drive, North Charleston
- North Charleston: 12:30 a.m., Monday, Hilton Garden Inn, 5265 International Blvd, North Charleston.
- Summerville Evening: 5:30 p.m., Monday, Montreux Bar and Grill, 127 W. Richardson Ave., Summerville
Tuesdays
- East Cooper Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Cooper River Room at Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant
- Charleston: 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, The Riley Park Club, Charleston
- Goose Creek: 12:45 m. Tuesday, Gilligan’s, 219 St. James Ave., Goose Creek
Wednesdays
- Daniel Island: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Daniel Island Club, 600 Island Park Dr., Daniel Island
- St. John’s Parish (John’s Island): 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, 2817 Maybank Highway, Unit 1, John’s Island
- Mount Pleasant: 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Harbor Breeze Restaurant, 176 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant
- Summerville: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sticky Fingers, Summerville
Thursdays
- North Charleston Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Embassy Suites, 5055 International Blvd., North Charleston
- Moncks Corner: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Gilligan’s Restaurant, Moncks Corner
- St. Andrews (West Ashley): 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Bessinger’s BBQ, 1602 Savannah Highway, Charleston.
Fridays
- Charleston Breakfast: 7:30 a.m., Friday, Harbour Club, 35 Prioleau St., Charleston
SOCIAL MEDIA
Our Rotary club actively uses social media — and we encourage you to interact with us through social media.
- We’re on Facebook. Take a look at our page and be sure to “like us”.
- We’re on Twitter. You can follow us @chasrotaryclub.
ABOUT THE KEYWAY
The Keyway has been published weekly as a newsletter for the Rotary Club of Charleston for more than 90 years.
- President: David Burt
- Keyway editor: Don Baus [email protected]
- Executive secretary: Carroll Schweers, [email protected]
- Mailing address: Rotary Club of Charleston, P.O. Box 21029 ,Charleston, SC 29413-1029
- Copyright 2018, Rotary Club of Charleston. All rights reserved.