In 1931 Rotarians in France and Germany organized the "petit comite," a small group with the goal of fostering better relations between the people of these two neighboring nations. Since that time, Rotarians throughout Europe have led the way in creating Intercountry Committees to encourage contacts between Rotarians and Rotary clubs across national boundaries.

Intercountry Committees have now been established in many parts of the world to promote friendship as well as to cooperate in sponsoring World Community Service projects, student exchanges and other activities to improve understanding among nations. Frequently, the Intercountry Committees sponsor visits of Rotarians and their families across national borders and arrange intercity meetings and conferences. In some instances, Intercountry Committees are created between countries separated by great distances in an effort to encourage goodwill and friendship with matched or partner areas of the world. The Intercountry Committees coordinate their efforts with the district governors of their countries and always serve in an advisory capacity to districts and clubs.

Intercountry Committees provide an additional means for Rotary clubs and Rotarians to fulfill the responsibilities of the Fourth Avenue of Service-international understanding, goodwill and peace in the world.

("The ABCs of Rotary" by Cliff Dotchterman - reprinted with permission).
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Cindy Sheltmire introduced guest Jake Halliday, Project Leader of the Mid-Missouri Technology Business Incubator as today's guest speaker.

Mr. Halliday shared that other similar college communities like Ames, Iowa and Champaign, Illinois have had business incubators for a great many years.  These incubators use ideas and products created by university research and development to create marketable products that are produced in their local industrial park and create local high-tech jobs and lead to community reinvestment.



This creates a business environment that is driven by technology developed by local research that would otherwise be licensed out to other companies outside of the community.

They are currently raising $8.7 million to build the building which will be located in Reactor Park next to the Red Cross.  They are $2.1 million short of their goal.  Funds are being raised from individuals, businesses, communities, foundations, and MU alumni and there is a 50% tax credit for donors.  More information is on the web at:  www.ourincubator.com or by contacting Jake Halliday at jake@ourincubator.com

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If interested, please e-mail Tony St Romaine, or see Kristen Smarr or Jane Phillips for additional details.
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 Web Editor:  Tony St Romaine

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