Rotary News

Monday, January 29, 2007

President Drew called the meeting to order.  Steven Koehler gave the invocation.  Richard Piet of WKZO covered the news of the day and a litany of medical jokes.  Lisa Palchick announced the week's art news and iterated that the information is easily attainable on www.kalarts.com.  Don't forget Art Hop this Friday, February 2.

Kristen Chesak and Bob Brown Jr. were called to the podium by President Drew to exchange their red badges for blue ones.  Each were recognized for joining Rotary committees.

Ed Gordon is arranging a Family of Rotary snow event at Timber Ridge on Sunday, February 18.  This is a family outing with fun for all levels of snow sports.  Don't worry, tubes and boards will entertain the non-skiers.  The event will start at 2:00 p.m, with a group rate.  There are complimentary ski lessons at 5:00 p.m.  You can pay that day but let Ed know so a count can be given to Timber Ridge.

President Drew reminded everyone of the website address, www.kalamazoorotary.org.  This is a greatly improved way to access Rotary communication.

DON'T FORGET!!!!  The February 5th meeting will be held from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Radisson (not at noon).  Bring a guest (maybe potential member), friend and/or significant other for hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and a fun way to share Rotary fellowship.  Our regular $10 meeting fee applies.

PP Ken Young, one of our resident ski patrollers, celebrated the great medical care he was given by the patrol and Bronson Hospital after he encountered a runaway, out of control skier.  The rescuer was rescued!

Program:

PP Randy Eberts, Chair of Bronson Hospital Board of Directors, introduced the speaker for today's program.  Frank Sardone, President and CEO of Bronson Heathcare Group shared the story of the outstanding journey to the 2005 Malcolm Baldridge Award.  This is the highest honor given by the President for performance excellence.  The award is not for a single year but rather for the journey to excellence.  In its 18 years of existence the prestigious award has been granted to only 67 recipients, 6 of which have been in healthcare.  This is an incredible honor for an institution founded right here in Kalamazoo and nurtured to this level of recognition for leadership.  Bronson Healthcare has also recently been selected as among the 100 Best Companies to Work For.  They have made a major commitment to downtown Kalamazoo and have invested $250 million since 2000 alone.  In addition to the new hospital building on the south campus, a highly awarded design, they are currently constructing a $40 million expansion on the north campus expected to open in April featuring neonatal intensive care and Bronson Birthplace among other services.

Bronson will host a Baldridge Sharing Day on March 16, 2007.  For information and to register check out www.bronsonhealth.com.

Congratulations to the 4100 employees of Bronson and thanks for sharing this journey to excellence.  Now the whole nation recognizes Bronson as a national leader in healthcare quality.  You do make Southwest Michigan a better place to live!