Rotary Report

November 12, 2008 meeting at Jim’s Buffet
By Sid Riley and Byron Ward, Club Public Relations

At this week’s Marianna Rotary Club meeting the program chairman was Bill Hopkins, who introduced his speaker, Bob Calvert of Calvert’s Consulting, of Alford. Mr. Calvert is also the associate pastor at the First Methodist Church in Marianna.
Calvert and his wife moved to Marianna from Atlanta in 2004, and settled in Alford. He is still active in his consulting work as well as his church work. His consulting specialty is in helping new bank start-up programs, as well as holding bank start-up projects. He has consulted and assisted on the beginnings of 88 banks, including the start up of First Capital here in Marianna. He has a long list of activities, industrial awards, and certifications, along with having taught banking for fifteen years.
Calvert spoke on the current economy, the banking dilemma, bailout approaches, the new holding bank approval for American Express, and other current problems in the banking community.
President Eddie Hopkins expressed the club’s appreciation to all members who worked on the Oyster Roast, and the success of the event. Also, an update was given on the successful performance of the Chipola Brain Bowl Team, which the club has financially supported.