At the May 3, 2021 Satellite Meeting, Satellite Co-chair Dick Wilkinson was the speaker. He presented a synopsis of changes to the cannabis laws in New Mexico followed by an introduction to the New Mexico Veterans Cannabis Alliance. Dick founded the Alliance to assist Veterans form businesses under the new laws.  He discussed the reasons the Alliance was created and their vision for the first year of the effort. Congratulations to Dick Wilkinson for embracing this cutting edge service opportunity.

 

At the May 6,2021 Morning Meeting for all Del Sol Rotarians, Brian Baca, President of the Better Business Bureau of New Mexico and Southeast Colorado spoke on the purpose and value of the BBB. Brian is a Rotarian, member of Rotary Club of Albuquerque (Downtown Club).

 

He explained that they work with the New Mexico Attorney General's Office on consumer fraud issues. The BBB is a 501(c)6 not for profit founded in 1941.  He said in a poll of business owners, 84% said Accreditation by the BBB builds trust. Consumers say that they are 88% more likely to buy from an accredited business.

 

One interesting aspect of Brian's talk was describing the "Scam tracker" that the Bureau operates.  He also said 74000 consumers a month check the BBB site in our area looking for businesses.

 

Another interesting part of the meeting was Joe Corazzi discussing a plan to edit our recent Telethon program to make it available as a kind of  hybrid to other charitable and service organizations looking for fundraising opportunities.

 

President Ed said he wants to restart the Rotary Wranglers and Freeloaders.  Hooray, Ed.  Great idea!!

 

On May 13, 2021 at 7:00AM the Morning Meeting for all Del Sol Rotarians will feature Lee Black, retired director of the New Mexico Baptist Foundation.  He will be speaking on his involvement traveling the country addressing school kids about Civil War time history.  

 

This will be another Hybrid meeting that members can attend live at Jimmy's Cafe or via ZOOM. Rotarian Steve Reynolds, owner of Jimmy's says the renovations to the new meeting room are almost done which will make our Hybrid Meetings much better. Club Secretary  Davis Riordan has sent out a link for the meeting.