Not done due shortened meeting.

Paul recognized all those who participated in the Rotary Institute last weekend; especially organizer Louise Gardiner, registrar Bill Proctor, facilitator Adrian DeCoo and participants Darren Sweeney & Paul Rostrup who got their Part 3.

Not done due to shortened meeting.

1. President Paul thanked KW Mercedes for hosting our meeting and Early Bird draw for our Car Draw event. He also wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving and hoped everyone had an enjoyable holiday as he did since he visited his side of the family in Salmon Arm, B.C. and had a great time.
 

2. Ross Newkirk let members know that another $400,000 was donated to the RAWEF by Audrey Wipper's estate which brings the total to 1.35 million dollars. He also reminded members of the significant impact it has done for 64 women who are either in the program or have finished and are now contributing to their communities. Even though Grace Acun wasn't able to visit this October due to travel document issues; he hopes that she will visit sometime in 2020. He stated that the Foundation report will be forthcoming in 2020 as well.
 

3. Bill Proctor reminded members of the Dom Cardillo Trail Clean-up coming up on Monday, Oct. 28. Online sign up will follow.

In place of our regular 50/50 draw; we had a draw for a $250 gift card from Swanson's Home Hardware which was won by Mike Pollard. Adrian graciously thought that Mike would be fine with donating his winning gift card to the Online Auction which was gratefully received as it will add to the number of items to reach our target of 160 items this year.

Adrian introduced Sarah Hynes, the sales manager for the dealership. She spoke of her connection to the dealership of 10 years and her connection to the transition from the previous ownership to the new owners Pfaff. She explained that the auto industry for high end cars was very good at this time and how Mercedes Benz has maintained levels of sales while other brands declined by 15%. She also outlined the impact of technology and how they are moving to more electric models in the future. A member inquired about the competitiveness of pricing with their dealership which she explained as trying to keep fluctuations to a minimum by following regional and provincial standards on availability of discounts when people negotiate with them. That keeps negotiations shorter and smoother for customers. Lately, availability of certain models has been exceptional so prices reflect that. Asked about electric cars of the future; she indicated that they are coming in 2021 and with the more improved technology the mileage range will be 400 km.
 

Sarah then assisted the Car Draw committee by drawing the two Early Bird draws. The first was for the $500 gift card for Swanson's Home Hardware which was won by William Motz from Brunner, Ontario a mail-in ticket. The next was the Four Kitchener Ranger ticket plus dinner which was won by Jack Underwood from Elmira which was sold at the Market by Lew Ford. rotarycardraw.ca

Closing Remarks & Reminders