Welcoming new members

 

Our March 4 meeting gave us a chance to learn more about several of our newer members. Each received a Certificate of Membership and was invited to offer a few thoughts. Assisting with the presentation were Membership Chair Dianne Moore and President Scott Klaas.

 

Prior to joining, Hamilton Dowden, DC, of Pure Family Chiropractic in New Berlin, had been asked to speak to our club. That visit provided some understanding of Rotary and our club, but Hamilton wanted to learn more. In particular, he was curious about how Rotary served New Berlin and the world. He joined soon after that meeting. "I love what we do," he says.

 

Hamilton says he is excited to serve as vice president during the next term, which starts July 1. "Hopefully continue what you guys built on," he says.

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Pat McLaughlin has "always been involved in doing something; helping people." A licensed broker with Kutschenreuter Financial Services in New Berlin, Pat and his wife have cared for some 30 foster kids over the years. He says it was natural for him to join Rotary.

 

A 30-year resident of New Berlin, Pat spent 36 years in the automotive business prior to joining KFS in 2010. Pat hopes to take in some networking while enjoying the service aspect of our club. "I'll do my best to help you," he says.

 

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Our newest member is part of a husband-and-wife team, one of two such arrangements our club is honored to include. Michael Erickson recently followed his wife, Kathy Erickson, who joined several weeks ago. They alternate their schedules so one is usually able to attend our meetings.

 

Michael owns Above Par Golf Cars in New Berlin. An authorized Club Car dealer, his firm offers rentals, repair work and parts sales to customers throughout the area. According to Michael, Above Par Golf Cars has 67% of the business in Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha and Milwaukee counties. Michael joined the firm, then known as Tiziani Golf Car Corp., 27 years ago. He bought the business in 2010.

 

Kathy Erickson is CFO. She is also special-education teacher with the School District of New Berlin. Her schedule with the school district meshes well with the needs of Above Par Golf Cars. As the school term winds down, the golf car business picks up.

 

Michael was intrigued to hear from Kathy that Rotary Club of New Berlin was involved in New Berlin's Christmas parade. "Any organization that helps other organizations prosper, I'm all in," he says.

 

After these members introduced themselves, Membership Chair Dianne Moore had some suggestions for all club members. Her first was that we read Rotarian magazine regularly (all members receive a subscription). The magazine contains "a real wealth of information," Dianne says. She also suggested that members always wear the Rotary pin. Business people will see that you're a Rotarian, she says, which "puts you one step ahead when looking for business."

 

"Be proud of Rotary," Dianne says.