TOPIC: THE NATIONAL/REGIONAL ECONOMIC UPDATE AND OUTLOOK
Joel Elvery is a policy economist in the Research Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Dr. Elvery’s primary fields of interest are labor, public, and urban economics. In particular, he studies the regional economy of the Fourth Federal Reserve District, which includes Ohio, western Pennsylvania, eastern Kentucky, and the northern panhandle of West Virginia. A self-professed data geek, he enjoys turning data into information.
Prior to joining the Bank in 2013, Dr. Elvery was an assistant professor in the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. Before that, he held the position of research economist at the Bureau of Labor Statistics in Washington DC. He also worked as a social science analyst at the US Census Bureau’s Center for Economic Studies.
Dr. Elvery holds a BA in economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a PhD in economics from the University of Maryland.
Featured Publications
“City Size and Skill Intensity.” Regional Science and Urban Economics, 2010, 40(6): 367–79.
“Enterprise Zones and Resident Employment: An Evaluation of the Enterprise Zone Programs of California and Florida.” Economic Development Quarterly, 2009, 23(1): 44–59.
During the December 20, 2019 meeting, PP Michelle Mullaly (Sponsor) introduced our newest member, Autaum Kendle, to the Rotary Club of Canton. PP Michelle had the following to say about Autaum:
"Autaum Kendle is a native to Stark County. She graduated from Jackson High School in 2006 before attending the English Nanny and Governess School in Chagrin Falls. Once certified as a professional nanny, Autaum moved to Washington D.C. While working as a full-time nanny, Autaum attended the University of Maryland and received her B.A. in Communication in 2012. Upon graduation, Autaum moved back to Stark County. Autaum attended Kent State University and received her M.A. in Public Relations in 2015.
Once Autaum received her M.A. she pursued a career in the private sector working for Smithers Information first as an event specialist before moving to a marketing role. Due to Autaum’s passion for the community and desire to make a difference, Autaum wanted to pursue a role at a local non-profit. Autaum currently is employed at the YWCA Canton. At the YWCA Canton, Autaum’s role is Director of Marketing and Volunteer Coordination. Autaum is responsible for managing all professional marketing and communications for the agency. Autaum is also the event coordinator and contact person for all events and fundraisers that are hosted by the YWCA Canton or in conjunction with the YWCA Canton. Autaum serves on numerous committees with the United Way of Greater Stark County’s Young Leaders Society and is the marketing lead for Domestic Violence Project LLC’s Take Back the Night and Siffrin’s Self-Determination Runway.
Autaum resides in Jackson Township with her husband Jason and two young children Summar and Oaklee."
Be sure to save the early afternoons of February 29th and March 7th for the Annual ROTARY CHALLENGE at the Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon (event will be on ONE of those two dates)!
Canton Rotarians have participated in this fundraiser for JA for the last several years, and have had to endure FUN, ADULT BEVERAGES, PIZZA, AND GENERAL HILARITY (no, that is not an Iranian military strategist!) Shawn Dougherty has graciously agreed to head up (be the HEAD PIN?) for our team efforts versus other local Rotary Clubs. More info to follow.
The Rotary office received a donor contribution letter dated December 2, 2019 from Bridgette Neisel, Vice President of Advancement with Stark Community Foundation. Bridgette writes:
"Dear Tom ~ This letter is to inform you that the following donor made a generous contribution to the Canton Rotary Endowment Fund at Stark Community Foundation.
Mrs. Barbara Strawn
We are grateful for those who recognize the importance and value of providing long-term support for organizations through charitable endowment funds. It is because of thoughtful contributions like theirs that together we are making an impact on deserving organizations in our community and beyond."
The Rotary Club of Canton would like to extend its sincerest appreciation to Mrs. Barbara Strawn for her generosity and support of the Canton Rotary Endowment Fund!
The Rotary office received a "Thank You" note from Scott Hasselman, Executive Director from the Early Childhood Resource Center. This non-profit organization received a $5,000.00 check from the Canton Rotary Endowment Fund.
Scott writes: "Dear Mark and Rotary Club ~ Thank you for your generous contribution to our building project. We have reserved a place for you on our donor wall. We really appreciate community support, like yours, because it tells us our mission of working with young children and their families is valued and important. Please stop by anytime to see our new building."
The Rotary office received a "Thank You" letter dated December 18, 2019 from Mrs. Christen Sedmock, Allen Elementary Principal (also the daughter of Canton Rotarian Ernie Schott!). The letter reads:
"Dear Canton Rotary ~ Words cannot express the gratitude for your generosity in sponsoring a "non-perishable" drive to stock our food pantry for the students and families of Allen Elementary School. It was truly amazing to see an entire Allen classroom filled with food! We are also extremely thankful for the amount of winter coats, underwear, socks, etc that you have provided our school.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Allen Community, we are located in the Southeast End of Canton. All of our students receive free breakfast, lunch, and a daily snack. Students that attend our after school program also receive dinner at school.
It does take a village to raise a child. We are truly blessed to have so many people wrap around our students and our community!
With Gratitude - Mrs. Christen Sedmock, Allen Elementary Principal"
During the December 20, 2019 meeting, the December Character Count Scholarship recipients from McKinley High School were recognized, Ayden Compton and Mickey Russ. Canton Rotarian Mike Brown, Executive Director of the Eric Snow Family Center YMCA as well as the "Character Counts" leader, introduced the students and read the descriptions of each student, provided by their teacher or counselor when naming them a "Character Counts Scholarship" winner:
AYDEN COMPTON
"On the wrist of Ayden Compton you’ll always see a wristband with the words, “ I AM SECOND”. It is an organization motivated by restoration, relationship rebuilding, revitalizing communities, restoring culture, serving and loving others. If we needed to summarize who Ayden is and where his motivation lies, it’s safe to say it is all those things and more. Ayden consistently seeks to give 100% effort in all of his endeavors. Whether serving the school community, his academics, or competing in athletics, Ayden is going to give it his all. He is responsible and dependable, and an all around team player. Throughout his high school career, Ayden has maintained a 4.0 GPA while participating in varsity athletics and several clubs. Outside of school, he volunteers at the CT Branin Natatorium and at his church, educating young people and keeping them out of trouble. Congratulations Ayden on this well deserved honor."
MICKEY RUSS
"Mickey Russ is a volunteer for the First Fridays downtown, as well as SarahCare, Hartville Thrift Store, and McKinley National Honor Society (NHS) Showcase. She is also an active participant in NHS, Crochet Club, and Academic Challenge. When asked how her life exemplifies character, this was Mickey's response . . .
“A big part of my character is made up of my moral compass, and what guides that is my sense of responsibility for my personal and private life. And I have my dad to thank for that. When I was younger, I never really viewed school as something of importance. That wasn't until my dad came into my life, and it's all thanks to him that I've been set back on the right track. My dad is a big example of having great character, he's understanding, loyal, positive and patient-- from that, he's had so many friends to watch out for him. He helped me realize the importance of being responsible, and choosing the right thing to do when temptations arise. He guided me in directions when I felt lost, and with that, I slowly started to develop who I am as a person, my 'character'. I feel that as long as you're doing the right thing, it will be beneficial to others around you, as well as your mental health. Because in the end, I know that by just doing my part, my responsibility, I can make someone else's life much easier."
During the Friday, December 20, 2019 meeting, Rotarian Becky Clark chaired the "Sweet" treat auction. Below are the names of the winning ticket holders. This auction brought in $445.00 which will benefit the Canton Rotary Charitable Fund. A very big "THANK YOU" must go out to Rotarian Becky Clark for all of her hard work to make this event such a huge success!! Thank you also to everyone who participated by either donating an item(s) or purchasing tickets to "bid" on the sweet, delectable treats.
White Wedding cupcakes - Steve Fettman
Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie - Rick Taylor
1 lb. box of Heggy's - Ernie Schott
Apple Pie - Bob Matthews
Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie - Jim Blake
Chocolate Town Pie - Shawn Dougherty
Chocolate Town Pie - Jim Molnar
Baklava - Karen Brenneman
Bundt Cake - Ernie Schott
Grape Pie - Dan Matthews
Dark Chocolate Drizzle Popcorn - Character Counts
Red Velvet Bundt Cake - Kurt Goodenberger
Coconut Cream Pie - Amanda Tietze
Chocolate Covered Oreos - Scott Sandrock
7 Layer Butterscotch Haystacks - Shawn Dougherty
Boiled Raisin Cake - Ernie Schott
Cherry Pie - Jon Adland
Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake - Frank Fleischer
Holiday Cookie Tray - Karen Brenneman
Cranberry Apple Pumkin Bundt Cake - Wilbur Allen
Potato Chip Cookies - Terri Barry
Rum Cake - Chuck Smith
Fudge with Nuts - Shawn Dougherty
Flourless Chocolate Tart - Bill Maddox
Date Caramel Cake - Chuck Smith
Banana Cream Pie - McKinley High School Counselor
Mixed Cookies - Rick Taylor
Pecan Pie - Chuck Smith
Fudge Jumbles - Rick Taylor
Apple Pie - Ernie Schott
Pecan Pie - Jim Molnar
Dark Chocolate Tart - McKinley High School Counselor
Fudge x 2 - Ernie Schott
Ice Cream for a Year - Michelle Mullaly
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie - Terri Barry
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie - Visitor
Fudge with Nuts - Drew Pelger
German Chocolate Cake - Character Count
White Wedding Cupcakes - Paul White
Assorted Bundt Cakes - Becky Clark
Follow this LINK to view all of the photo's from the Holiday Program!
Mark Daniel Maloney President 2019-20 January 2020
People from all over the world have multiple reasons for joining Rotary. Many new Rotarians each year join for the same reason I did — because Rotary is a great way to benefit your career. When I was a new attorney starting out in Alabama, Gay and I became partners in her father's firm. He instilled in us the value of joining Rotary as a way to build relationships and demonstrate to potential clients that we were serious professionals who held firm to values even more robust than what our profession required.
Rotary's commitment to vocational service is built on the highest ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful work, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society. That last point is so important. No matter our profession, we all contribute mightily to the world when we conduct our work with integrity and always adhere to The Four-Way Test.
I have made balancing the demands of Rotary with professional and family commitments one of my priorities as president. No Rotarian should feel pressured to put in more time than a volunteer position should ever demand. This is true for several reasons, one of them being that the work we do in our day jobs is just as important to Rotary as the work we do in the organization. We carry our Rotary values everywhere, and our professional success helps build a case for Rotary every day we go into the office.
This is particularly important in our efforts to reach younger new members. We want to see a Rotary where no one is ever asked to choose between being a good Rotarian and being a good parent, business owner, manager, or employee. When we ask busy young people to join us, we should not be asking them to give up their time and freedom. We should be rewarding them with an experience that makes everything they already do even more inspiring.
Providing greater balance within Rotary will have another benefit as well: It will create opportunities for other Rotarians, including Rotaractors, to step up and take a leadership role on projects and committees. This will ensure that they remain engaged in our clubs and inspired to be Rotarians for life.
Throughout the world, Rotary is admired for its vocational service and for the time-honored values we instill in all business relationships. As we continue our work to grow Rotary, let us remember that vocational service remains a crucial selling point to potential members.
Rotary Connects the World, and by making Rotary's vocational service work known to people in more professions and at different stages of their careers, we will help grow our organization and make it stronger and more diverse.