Guests were introduced by our newest member, DAN EVANS. Lynn Buchanon joined us as he typically does. RUSS DIX brought prospective member Jenna Curtsinger, who was visiting for a second time.

SPENCER HATTON made an impassioned plea for Kiwanis Yard Sale items for THE BIG SALE on May 3rd. He has lined up a stellar roster of volunteers, has a great spot, and is now just looking for stuff to sell. Contact him, ROGER BELL, or LYNN SMITH if you wish to drop off any items before the sale. Otherwise bring them to the Trinity Baptist Church on Friday. Spencer also distributed flyers that we were encouraged to put up at our places of business. He is looking to make $5,000-6,000 on this event. Not bad for a couple of days of hard work.

BECKY SCHOLL announced that there would be a Clergy Day sign up sheet going around at the next couple of meetings.

Annual Voting will be held at the May 6th meeting. The slate of officers has been announced, but there has been a last minute change with the resignation of Dirk Marler (he is leaving Yakima for a job in Olympia). Lynn Smith has agreed to move up to the President Elect position, and now the hunt is on for a new Vice-President. Check your e-mails for notice of who that will be.

KIRSTEN STOFFER explained that she will be asking the club to vote at the May 6th meeting to establish the MLK Playground Equipment as a long term project. That means the funds raised at the upcoming events can be carried over into future years. She expects to have a powerpoint program explaining the plan on the website by Monday.

SALLY BALDWIN introduced Dave McFadden of the Yakima County Development Association/New Vision. His Association started in 1985 as a 100% privately funded group of local business people who were interested in recruiting new, non-retail businesses to our area. Since that time, it has evolved into an organization whose main goal is to keep local manufacturers happy and located in the Yakima Valley. New Vision still recruits, it is their second priority, and has also taken on public policy tasks as well. They are now received about 45% of their budget from public service contracts, while the rest of their income is from private donations.
Dave explained the lengthy process of recruitment using the WalMart Distribution Center in Grandview as an example. He said his office had been working with the WalMart people for 20 months before it was even announced that our area was in the running.
His office also does outreach in the Seattle area by way of hosted receptions at the Seattle Yacht Club. I can personally attest to the numbers he was quoting, as I was on hand to pour Yakima Valley wines at both receptions. New Vision has also worked with a Public Relations firm to help get press exposure, primarily in the Seattle area.
Dave said that New Vision has surpassed all the benchmarks they established in their five year plan, and they still have a year to go. He then took us through the latest training program, designed to help the front line people in the hospitality industry be better ambassadors for our area. If a business person has a good experience while visiting our area, they are more likely to consider us when it comes time to expand or relocate. This Yakima Valley Concierge Program will be up and running very soon.

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