May 6 2009

The Rotary Club of Lake Murray-Irmo

Minutes of Meeting
May 6, 2009



The invocation was given by Scott Mosely.

John Hanson introduced guest.

Lyman Whitehead asked if there were any birthdays or anniversaries.

Patty Cavanaugh made reference to the flyer “Pause for the Cause” that was distributed on each table.

John Adair stated that there will be two cart presentations today at the Chamber of Commerce, one for $100,000.00 and one for $150,000.00. John thanked all members for contributions to the cart fund. John also stated that Barbara Wilm was voted to be awarded the Vocational Distinguished Service Award for Community Service at last weeks meeting.

Emily King reminded all members that next weeks pancake breakfast is to be held between 6:30 am – 9:30 am. Emily stated that Rotarians would not be charged for their own breakfast, but encouraged Rotarians to pick up and sell tickets for this event.

Reid Danielson, Bill Danielson’s son, gave his classification speech. Reid stated he is a 2003 graduate of Dutch Fork High School. Reid also stated he attended Clemson University, against his father’s wishes, and pursued an architectural degree but during the process changed to finance and graduated in 2007. Reid stated he went to work for Meridian Bank after graduation. Reid stated that he is the “best fruit of his father’s loins” which is a direct quote from Bill Danielson. Reid also stated that he does not have much history which was disputed by Bill Danielson stating he could provide plenty of history on his son if Reid could not remember it. Reid stated that probably should not be done in this venue.

Si Amick also gave his classification speech. Si stated he joined The Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Club in 1989 after being asked by Jim Jeffers to visit the club. Si stated he is the oldest of six children, grew up in Columbia, went to Christ School in Asheville, and graduated in 1980 from USC. Si stated he married his childhood sweetheart, Betsy, in 1980. Si stated in 1991 he established Data Com Systems, built a house on Lake Murray, and he and Betsy had their first child. Si stated they have two children, Allison and Paul.

John Adair introduced the guest speaker, Bob Crutchfield. John stated Bob is a member of The Columbia Rotary Club, serves on numerous boards, and is President of Crutchfield Associates, Inc.

Bob thanked John for the introduction and stated that it is rare for him to speak before a group of which he knows probably 35% of the people. Bob stated in 1986 he started Crutchfield Associates, which is an out-placement company. Bob asked the members what they would do if at 3:30 pm this Friday afternoon they were told that they no longer had a job. Bob stated that there are two to three things in life that he categorizes as “bumps in the road” and are as follows: loss of job, divorce, and loss of a loved one. Bob stated these are the things that make you stop and think about what is really important in your life and establish your true priorities.

Bob stated he spent 20 years working for the Sears Corporation of which part of that time he was a store manager in Brunswick, Georgia. Bob stated there was a time when a new store was being opened and he sent all of his assistant managers to that store and ran his current store by himself for an extended period of time. Bob stated during this time he worked six days a week from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm and decided this was not what he really wanted to do for the rest of his life. At some point he relayed this message to his boss and eventually he was “in transition”. Bob stated this is when you no longer have a job and are searching for what you would like to do. Bob stated at that time he went to work for Lucas Associates, a recruiting firm in Atlanta, Georgia, and moved his wife and children to the basement of his mother’s home in Atlanta. Bob stated this is when you realize whether your wife really loves you or not. Bob stated in 1986 he started a recruiting business in Columbia. In 1990 this business transitioned into an out-placement company which is now called Crutchfield Associates, Inc.

Again, Bob asked Rotarians what happens when you lose a job. Bob stated that when you lose a job you often start looking in the newspaper. Bob stated that 90% of all jobs are not located in the newspaper. He stated that approximately 70% of the jobs come through recruiters and approximately 5% are on the internet. Bob stated that 90% of the people find their jobs through people that they know.

Bob stated when you are “in transition” he suggests that you create a letter that you send to every acquaintance you know letting them know that you are “in transition”. Bob stated in this letter you simply let your friends know that you are in transition and ask them to help you if they have any information on any available jobs. Bob stated you will find out who your true friends are and some of them will give you a call and at that time may request a resume. Bob stated the second letter that you need to write is to companies that you think may have some possibilities and you should send the letter only to the CEO along with a resume. Bob stated that the out placement company can help you with this process and they will also send letters to people that they know.

Bob stated that age used to be a factor, however, it is not the factor that it once was. Bob concluded his talk stating “nothing is as bad as you think” and “nothing is as good as you think.” Bob stated that out placement can help people find out the things that they would like to do and then try to find a place for them to do it. After Bob concluded his talk, one question that was asked was “why do bosses lay employees off on Friday”. Bob stated there is never a good time to lay anyone off, however, people do go home after work every Friday and over the weekend are able to be with their friends and family which may help them to transition into what should be done on Monday. Bob stated if a boss lays an employee off on Monday, the only place they can go is to their attorney. Joel Collins raised an eyebrow at this and after that President Eddie adjourned the meeting.