MAR 10, 2015 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Bill Robertson

Posted by Shelly Rucks 
on Mar 10, 2015
 
After being warmly greeted by Todd Nicholson and Edwin McCarthy, President John called our March 10  meeting to order with Bob Jones on the piano, David Laird leading us in America the Beautiful, and a beautiful spring day peaking in the windows of the newly redone Crown Plaza Ballroom.
 
We were individually responsible for any moments of inspiration and Doug Bruce introduced guests and visitors, noting that one of our newest members in process, Sherry Howe, was at a table and not in the back.  Sherry gave Todd Nicholson  a Happy Dollar for the best retirement party any one could ask for! THANK YOU, Michael-jon and Past Presidents for your work and coordination.  
This set the theme for much of the business meeting ….
The Club is transitioning – we no longer have a full time assistant!  Jodi Erickson, our new, wonderful Club Administrator is working 25 hours a week; club members will need to do what we can on our own, and be patient, and President John asked us to all step in and help as we can!   
Henning continued the theme of leaving Jodi “alone” and asked us to utilize our continually improving Club Runner  website.  He challenged us all to find the new “Like” button; do it ourselves – log-in and check it out.  See him if you need any assistance or have forgotten your log-in!
Steve Gerber reminded us that RYLA is just around the corner, so spring must be on its way!  MNRyla@gmail.com is you’re looking to get involved and connect!  And, of course, with RYLA, comes the Month of Rotary as April is being affectionately named, and we have Feed My Starving Children the weekend of April 25-26. 
MARK YOUR CALENDARS, and sign up on the web site.  A good chance to practice Henning’s suggestion!
Next week’s program will be our own talented club member Michael-jon talking about Creativity in Minnesota!
Bill Robertson, who became the new Commissioner of the WCHA on April 8, 2014, addressed the Club as a proud Saint Paul native who knew he was in Saint Paul – not the Twin Cities or Minneapolis.  He is proud to have brought the Western Collegiate Hockey Association here and appreciates the strong connection with the Wild and Xcel Energy Center. 
As Commissioner, Robertson is responsible for running the daily business of the organization, including rules and regulations as well as compliance with the 10 collegiate hockey programs.  The WCHA began in 1951 and the teams were realigned three years ago with changes in the Big 10.  Robertson is focused on growing the conference and growing the sport. 
To help, he encouraged all of us to be at the Xcel on March 20 for the games, at 4 and 7:30 pm and  March 21st for the Championship game at 6 pm.  All three games for $69, or one at $35, with $20 student tickets.  Wear a Hockey Jersey!  He is hoping to hit the 10,000 mark and fill the lower bowl.
While Robertson’s dream was to play professional baseball, he has certainly made the most of his adjusted plans.  His career continued to be sports - with the Timberwolves, Mighty Ducks, and Angels; and then in the 90s he was instrumental in bringing the NHL back to Minnesota.  He plans to continue living his dream here in St Paul until he retires to California to play golf every day.  He did not imply that would be anytime soon, however.  He hinted at the possibility of Arizona State joining the Association.  With two more teams, they would have 12 teams and two divisions. 
With follow up questions, Robertson shared a major difference between college football and hockey is that the WCHA receives no income from television contracts, and – in fact – has to pay to have the final on TV.  Spending dollars in hopes of increasing interest and future revenues!
Since the Final Five is not in April, we hope you have the chance to go watch the WCHA and enjoy some of the best of the sport in action.
Recognizing Bill with his certificate and Rotary coin, we recited the four way test.   
Respectfully submitted – with another reminder to sign up for Feed My Starving Children and help with RYLA as you can.
Introduce yourself to Jodi, I’m sure you’ll find her warm and engaging!  Offer to help where you can, and check out the website!
Respectfully Submitted,
Shelly Rucks