Reporter: rosalie Browning
President Beetle opened this meeting of the Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Club. Former President Skey offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. John Hanson introduced visitors. Lyman Whitehead gave some Health and Happiness.
Bob Berry presented the Rotary Magazine quiz, and he obtained much better results than he had with the previous quiz.
Bill Brooks was inducted as a new member.
Ginny Barr introduced the speaker of the morning. Mitch Journey talked about his retail business, which is located in Forest Acres, and which is a branch of the non-profit organization Ten Thousand Villages. Headquartered in Akron, PA, Ten Thousand Villages is a sixty-one year old business based on the concept of fair trade as poverty reduction. Buyers from the home office travel to different third world villages and interview artisans who select products to be made. Eighty percent of the products are crafted by women. The articles are paid for before they are sold, with half of the money given at the time of the order and the other half at the time of delivery. Different stores stock different items, based on the market. Most items featured for sale are related to home decor, with toys and women's accessories also available. All items are handcrafted.
Volunteers are extremely important to the Ten Thousand Villages concept. The business also supports local charities, offering fundraisers, including off-site sales, in which twenty percent of the sales revenue goes to the local charity. The Columbia store is currently looking for a new site with higher visibility.
After Happy Dollar opportunities, President Beetle adjourned the meeting.
Ros Browning
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