1/11: Adrian Cain, Charleston Metro Chamber

January 11, 2022

We welcomed Adrian Cain of the Charleston Metro Chamber to our meeting. Great overview of one of the Chamber’s signature programs – The Metro Leadership Visit. Next stop Boston. Don’t forget the Rise Above Hunger event on January 18 and our next social on Jan 27 at Port of Call downtown. 

Adrian Cain leads Membership and Development teams for the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, the oldest operating chamber in the country with 250 years of consecutive operations. Adrian provides strategic planning and oversight for new member sales, renewals, Member Discounts program, sponsorships, fund development, signature event, and leadership programming. With nearly 20 years of development and fundraising experience, Adrian’s focus centers on growing membership while creating greater connectivity and engagement among the Chamber’s more than 1600 members. Adrian moved from Pittsburg to Charleston several years ago to lead fundraising for S.C. Aquarium. 

Adrian focused his remarks on the Metro Leadership Visit, which is now in its 10th year. The goal of the program is to take leaders from the Charleston Metro area to visit other metro cities where they meet local leaders, share learnings, identify similarities, and work to learn approaches to shared problems. The most recent visit from Charleston was to Tampa, Florida, with 70 local leaders.

Adrian said these visits are successful because they:

  • Create greater connectivity among and throughout our business community,
  • Built a deeper understanding and commitment to regional collaboration, and
  • Build lifelong friendships ad partnerships.

Specifically, he pointed out three successful areas of the Charleston community which were strengthened and enhanced by learnings from Metro Leadership Site Visits to other cities: 

  • The Harbor
  • Trident Technical College
  • Charleston School Innovative Leadership

Adrian invited Rotarians to sign up for the 2022 Leadership Site Visit to Boston. While the dates have not been finalized, the trip will likely be in late September and will be limited to 80 participants. 

  • Boston was chosen with several learning/education goals in mind: 
  • What can we learn about building resiliency in Charleston in light of sea level rise; drainage; infrastructure and investment?
  • What is Boston’s driving force behind economic growth?
  • How has Boston balanced historic preservation and growth in the economy?
  • What can we learn by examining their intentional relationship between transit, infrastructure systems, and housing strategies?

When the floor was opened by President Rob for Comments and Questions, several Rotarians spoke:

  • Mayor Tecklenburg highlighted the impact that visiting the River Walk in Tampa has had on the vision for Charleston. He encouraged members to participate in the Boston trip 2022
  • Kirby Teller, who participated in visit to Raleigh, NC, also encouraged members to participate.
  • Another member highlighted that Site Visits can connect you with business and political leaders. He also highlighted that these visits make Charleston more competitive and attractive.
  • President Rob highlighted that church steeples are not as visible as before. Adrian responded, “Growth and density are right in the right place. Workforce housing and attainable housing are not about low-income housing but about building infrastructure with density.”
  • Member Steve Dopp asked about visiting a Site Visit to Greenville, SC. Adrian responded,  “Not yet, but we want to. We also want to visit Austin, TX.”
  • Member Aimee Riley asked Adrian about his “favorite site visit.” He responded that his favorites have been Salt Lake City because they have limited space to develop housing and have succeeded in connecting housing and bus rapid transit lines, and Tampa’s River Walk.

Adrian also highlighted the success of the Minority Business Accelerator led by Charleston Chamber of Commerce. The program helps accelerate businesses in the 3rd year of their evolution, and 17 businesses have applied to participate. Charleston’s Accelerator is modeled after Greenville, SC and was influenced by learnings from visit to Tampa, whose Accelerator is in its 7th year. Additionally, Columbia, Greenville and Charleston are collaborating to launch the SC Minority Business Accelerator.

To access a recording for this week’s meeting, click here

IN OTHER MEETING NEWS  

  • Chip Wyatt gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.  
  • Jan Luth introduced our visiting Rotarians & guests.   
  • President Rob presented Health and Happiness.
  • Past President Sandy Morckel introduced our speaker, Adrian Cain, SVP Leadership and Community Development for the Charleston Metro Chamber.

 

MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY

January 18, 2022  |  Issue 5033  President:  Rob Dewey

COMING EVENTS 

    • Jan. 18 – Troy Evans at Teach for America (ZOOM only)
    • Jan. 22 – Rise Against Hunger Food Packing Event w/Chas. Breakfast
    • Jan. 25 – Tonya Matthew, IAAM
    • Jan. 27 – Monthly Social. Port of Call Food & Brew Hall(5PM)
    • Feb. 1 – Matt Martin, Federal Reserve/11 am New Member Orientation Mtg.

 

NEWS BRIEFS

Meeting on ZOOM Only – Jan. 18 (IMPORTANT)

Our meeting this Tuesday, Jan. 18 will only be offered on ZOOM.  Do NOT go to Faber – we will NOT be there.  The meeting link is below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9025034003?pwd=S1JUcTcvV2dJdnpGcFpSVGJsUnlvQT09  

 

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION SESSION 

All new members who have not attended a previous New Member Orientation Meeting are encouraged to join Past Presidents Sandy Morckel and Lisa Van Bergen on February 1 for our next New Member Orientation/Information session. Attending one of these sessions provides new members with the information and tools to help them make the most of their Rotary membership. 

Our next session is Tuesday, February 1 at 11:15am (prior to our regularly scheduled Rotary luncheon) upstairs at Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber Street.

 

Meeting Update – NO EVITES or RSVPs Required

As those of you who have attended recently are aware, we have returned to a buffet-style luncheon. Our attendance numbers have consistently returned to pre-COVID numbers, so as we move forward into 2022 there will be NO EVITE or need to RSVP to weekly luncheons.  We have been printing nametags for guests, so if you are bringing a guest (especially a prospective member), please let Carroll know.  Also, if you have a dietary restriction, please inform Carroll weekly, so a special meal is prepared for you.

Thank you pins

Peter Shahid presided over the presentation of Thank You pins to tow long time Rotarians:

Doug McFarland has been a member since 1974. Professionally, he has worked in broadcasting. His primary community service work is with Boys Scouts of America. Doug is a Citadel alumnus. During his remarks, Mr. McFarland reminisced about popular past members and the year he won Rotary International’s Golf Tournament.

John Bleeker, a well-known Charleston attorney, and one of the longest serving attorneys in South Carolina, was presented with a 90th Birthday cake and the club sang in his honor. Mr. Bleeker is a two-time, Paul Harris fellow; a member of Charleston 50; and a board member of Goodwill.

 

 

January Social at Port of Call Food & Brew Hall: Jan 27

We will be having our upcoming Rotary Social on Thursday January 27th from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the new Port of Call Food & Brew Hall.  This is a great new establishment located at 99 South Market Street Charleston, South Carolina 29401.

The Port of Call is a great space focusing on a variety of locally sourced food from a wide range of cuisines, at the same time providing a large collection of beer, wine, and spirits, with an emphasis on local craft beers.  We are even looking at booking a DJ for the event so don’t miss out on the fun.  

We hope you can join us for networking and fellowship as we support a local business owned by fellow Rotarian Thomas Berry.

Sign up here:

 

International Grant Applications being accepted through March 1

The International Grant application process is officially open for organizations to apply to receive an International grant from our Club. Our Club focuses on projects for people in need in developing countries throughout the world. We have funded projects in the past few years that concentrate on creating infrastructure for basic needs such as potable water, nutrition, sanitation, children’s health, and many others. Our impact has expanded to places such as Liberia, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Paraguay, and Peru.

If you have any contacts with organizations that are doing this kind of important work in the world and could benefit from a grant from our Club, please send them our application form. The application was emailed out last week, but if you don’t have it, please contact Joseph Tecklenburg at [email protected]. Or access the grant application form here.


The deadline for the applications is March 1, 2022. If you should have any specific questions, please contact Joseph.

 

Rise Against Hunger 

We are partnering with the Rotary Club of Charleston-Breakfast, Interact and Rotaract in a Rise Against Hunger (https://www.riseagainsthunger.org) event on Saturday, January 22. Volunteers are needed to help pack over 10,000 meals. The event starts at 10am at The Citadel Football Stadium: 68 Hagood Ave, Charleston, SC 29403. The meals we pack will be shipped all over the world to help feed those in need. Check your email for sign-up information. Please use this link to sign up to volunteer –  https://forms.gle/onZ34C32TLHd7LwL7

 

Blue Bucket Collections

Blue Buckets will be on the tables this month in support of those in Kentucky affected by the recent tornados.  Bring your Happy Bucks and consider making a cash donation at an upcoming meeting.  $359 was collected this past Tuesday.  

 

District 7770 All Club Conference 

Registration for The District 7770 All Club Conference is now open. All Rotarians are invited to attend. Our club will cover registration fees on a first come, first serve basis for those wanting to attend.  Individuals are responsible for their own accommodations. The link for The All Club Conference may be found in DACdb under the calendar tab.

Our Family Reunion promises a weekend full of fun, service opportunities and fellowship for everyone.  This will be a time to renew old acquaintances and make new friends.  Celebrate all that District 7770 has achieved in 2021/22!

Join us at the beachfront Sonesta Hotel on Hilton Head Island March 11-13, 2022.  Rooms may be secured at $179 per night by calling 1-843-842-2400 or 1-800-766-3782.  Alternatively go on line at www.sonesta.com/hiltonheadisland using group booking code 0324Rotary.  If you would like to explore Hilton Head further, the same room rate is available for March 9, 10 and March 14.  This rate is only available until February 16, 2022.  After that date, no rooms will be guaranteed to be available or at that rate.  As this is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade weekend on Hilton Head Island, rooms will be at a premium!

The Opening Luncheon will kick off The Family Reunion Weekend on Friday, March 11, 2022.

District Governor Paul Walter, the Conference speakers and the entire All Club Conference Committee look forward to great weekend.

 

Important – Face Masks Optional 

At its meeting this past Tuesday, your Board re-evaluated our current mask policy.  Due to the decline in COVID cases, face masks are now optional for all Rotarians and visitors, who are fully vaccinated.  Those Rotarians and visitors, who are not yet vaccinated, are encouraged to continue to wear masks.

For the safety of our members and guests, we ask all members to please comply with the CDC guidelines and our protocols.

 

No cash? No problem. We now take Venmo!

Thanks to overwhelming demand by our younger, cash-fee members, the club will now accept Venmo payments. Venmo can be used to pay dues, meals for guests, contribute happy dollars and conduct other transactions which previously required cash, check or credit cards. Simply add @rotaryclubofcharleston as a payee on your Venmo account. Thanks Joseph Tecklenburg for helping us reach this incredible technology milestone!

Rob Dewey is now looking into how we can use Bitcoin to pay our dues.

 

Charleston 50: Year Two

Charleston50, a fundraising campaign launched by the Rotary Club of Charleston to fund community grants, has already reached 58% of its 2021-22 goal during the first 24 days of our fiscal year!

Begun last year when traditional events were canceled due to COVID, the project is continuing thanks to the overwhelming response by members who donate $500 annually to support deserving non-profits in our club’s service area.

The Rev. Rob Dewey, club president, said, “Charleston50 was a surprise success for us. After decades of supporting projects by selling tickets and sponsorships, we quickly learned that our members value the impact our club has in the community and the easy way they can give through Charleston50.”

Charleston50 members receive several visibility benefits including being listed on the club’s website and on a slide deck visible for 20 minutes before each meeting; a pin; a sticker; and an opportunity to briefly greet club members. Donations to Charleston50 are made through the non-profit arm of our club and are 100% tax-deductible.

Please download and complete the Pledge Form here, and return it via email to Phoenicia Miracle at [email protected].

 

Support The CART Fund

It is easy for club members to make individual contributions and support The CART Fund electronically. The CART Fund has a new portal www.mycartfund.org, which you can easily access. As a Rotarian and a DACdb user, you automatically have an account already set-up in your name. Your user name and password are the same as it is for the DACdb.

 

MEMBER NEWS

Our thoughts, prayers and well wishes continue to be with Luther Reynolds and Stefany Ceccato, who are both recovering from recent surgeries.  

Welcome New Members!

Graham Kennedy (sponsored by Micheel Smith) – from Marietta, Ga. One son. Has a decade of work and industry in the beer industry. New York Life agent.

Jane Horetsky (sponsored by Robie Scott) – from Pennsylvania; two adult daughters; Master’s degree in organization leadership; currently with Trident Literacy Association, where she leads development.

 

President-elect-elect Cleave

Congratulations to Cleave Hamm who was chosen by the board to be the president of our club in 2023-24, following Virginia Lee who takes over July, 2022.

 

Proposed New Members

The following membership candidates have submitted an application and signed letter of agreement to the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston:

Richard Parker – sponsor:  Dan Ravenel; classification: Hotel/Mgmt.

Julianne Farnsworth – sponsor:  Leslie Fellabom; classification: Law/Commercial Litigation

Amber Mufale – sponsor:  Michael Smith; classification: Law/Commercial Real Estate

Jennifer Brinson – sponsor:  Alan Burgreen; classification:  Interior Design

Adrian Cain – sponsor:  Digit Matheny/Sandy Morckel/Tammy Coghill; classification: Chamber of Commerce

In the event you know Richard, Julianne, Amber, Jennifer or Adrian, please tell a member of the Board how she/he will serve the ideas of Rotary.

 

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Rotarian:  Robbie Wachman

      • JOINED: 11/8/2021
      • SPONSOR: Digit Matheny
      • MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT: New Member
      • CLASSIFICATION:  Roofing/Construction
      • PROFESSION: Operations Director, Southpaw Roofing 
      •  SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF
        In the past, Robbie served the following organizations: Little League as a Coach, the YMCA Miracle League, Habitat for Humanity, Augusta Urban Ministries, and the Ronald McDonald House. Something unique about Robbie is the fact he played baseball for the College of Charleston, and Middle Georgia College where he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds. 

 

Birthdays

  • 1/19 – Past President Anita Zucker & Robin Freer 
  • 1/20 – Mike Sottak
  • 1/24 – Jeff Webb

 

WELLNESS TIP

Reduce stress

Any kind of stress can weaken your immune system. Keeping yours healthy depends on managing your time, mindset and physical health.

Getting enough sleep is essential to alleviating external stressors. “There are more and more studies showing the importance of sleep,” says Kay Durst, MD, FAAFP, of Roper St. Francis Physician Partners Primary Care. “It’s very important to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night and to try to have a good sleep cycle. That definitely reduces your stress and helps your immune system.”

Staying isolated — although necessary during COVID-19 quarantine — can increase stress. If you’re feeling healthy this winter, making social connections can be great for your health. Reach out to people you know, join organizations, and feel encouraged to seek help when you need it. Particularly during the holidays, your mental health should remain at the top of your priority list.

Pets can help, too. “Having a dog or cat, someone you can be around and touch, can calm your nerves,” says Dr. Durst. “And, having a dog can help you get outside more and get more exercise.”

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, Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber, 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, Mt Pleasant Presbyterian Church.  302 Hibben St.  29464.

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: 7:30AM Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber, Charleston

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Our Rotary club actively uses social media — and we encourage you to interact with us through social media.

We’re on FacebookTake a look at our page and be sure to “like us”.

We’re on Twitter.  You can follow us @chasrotaryclub.

We’re on Instagram.  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: Rob Dewey

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