Morrisville Rotary Club

Present: Susan Bartlett, Becky Gonyea, Deanna Wood, Jim Mahoney, Phil Chiaravalle, Marcia Marble, Patti Coultas, Jason McArthur, Rich Furlong, Davis Koier, Ted Lambert, Sharon Menard, Marci Henderson, Gary Nolan, Phil Grant, Tim Sargent.

 Guest: Garrett Hirchak, Owner of MSI, Inc.

 Happy dollars from: Susan Bartlett, Becky Gonyea, Deanna Wood, Jim Mahoney, Phil Chiaravalle, Marcia Marble, Patti Coultas, Jason McArthur, Rich Furlong, Davis Koier, Ted Lambert, Sharon Menard, Marci Henderson, Gary Nolan, Phil Grant, Garrett Hirchak.

 Susan B. made a proposal for the “Christmas Party” that we all come with our partners for the cost of dinner. We each bring at least 2 items to auction. We invite at club expense, past Presidents and guest, Paul Harris recipients and guest, and possible new members. Then sell tickets to others who wish to attend. After some discussion, Jason M. made the motion and it passed unanimously.

 Susan let us know that Karen Lynch has taken a position with the Federal Government and will now be working in Montpelier. She will not be able to attend our weekly meetings but would still like to continue to participate as she can.

 Susan reminded us that dues are overdue for the last quarter. Please remember to pay Jason as soon as possible.

 Marcia gave an update on the coat drive. There are many coats and she still has a need for volunteers. Oct. 31 and Nov 1^st she suggested Rotarians stop in and see how appreciative folks are. Contact Marcia if you can volunteer.

 Marcia said that when she stepped down from being President we gave her $500 from the budget to do projects she determines. She is going to spend $100 on children’s socks to give away at the coat drive.

 Marcia said that the Dictionary Project is coming up again. This year it will be $735 and will go to 3^rd and 4^th graders in Hyde Park, Morrisville and Eden.

 Susan said at the district meeting Saturday they talked about next June in Montreal (June 20-23). Registration is $290 if completed before Dec. 15^th and $50 more after that. They are putting together hotel packages, and if you want to make your own arrangements you should do so now. Additionally, they are looking into buses but need to know how many from this area are registered to make decisions on that.

 Guest speaker: Garrett Hirchak, Welcomed and introduced by Ted Lambert.

 Garrett went over the history of creating Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. from an opportunity he saw at Concept 2 while he was working there. MSI has steadily grown from that first contract to manufacturing and other production work for companies such as House of Troy, Tubbs snowshoe, Diamondback Fly rods, Blodgett ovens, Hearthstone, Century Arms and others.

 They are currently in 4 buildings at 3 addresses. It has been his focus for the past year to consolidate. They are renovating the Manosh Hardwoods building and should move the entire company there in mid-December.

 Garrett went on to say that they are now looking at growth more strategically. Currently there are 5 on the operations team; 15 on production management and specialty staff, and 60 production staff. They will look at the operation to be more efficient once they are all together. Next they will look at marketing. Just last week they started cold calling manufacturing companies in Vermont. They also focus on their employees, with flex hours, cross training and a health and wellness program.

 When asked about potential employees having the skills needed, Garrett said that they interview a lot of people.  It is actually easier now with the economic downturn to find good people. He said that reliability is an issue for all age groups. They are trying to weed out the hard ones.

 Submitted by Patti Coultas