ECONOMIC RESEARCH GROUP

MEETING

July 15, 2009

 

 Our Chairman Tom Keefer, having just returned from an extended vacation to the south of Europe opened the meeting at noon with 34 members and guests in attendance. Tom was well rested and eager to get into the information portion of the meeting. We were told our catering manager had been informed that several complaints were received on the quality of the tri tip of beef served at the June luncheon. What is to be done in the future? Members will have to speak up during the meal if dissatisfied and the caterer will make immediate corrections.

 

Tom then asked that new members and guest should stand and introduce themselves.

 

After the luncheon Don Neumann introduced Debbie Griffiths our speaker. In doing so he explained why he had chosen to ask for a representative of the Better Business Bureau to speak. He not only wanted to find out their operational function but where they were located! As he discovered the Bureau for much of the Western US is located in Oakland. There are representatives such as Debbie spaced in local areas but they work mainly from their homes or a rent a desk somewhere. This seems to be the trend business such as the BBB, the United Fund and broad based charities.

 

Debbie told us that their members funded the BBB and her main task was as an arbitrator in disputes regarding performance of service by one of their members. Some of the complaints are due to personality differences or misunderstanding terms of what their verbal or written contract stated. It could be anything from the starting or completion dates of the project. If the dispute regarded the quality of work and the member was in fault then that member could be asked to remove the BBB logo from his advertising material. It was an interesting presentation on an agency we know little about.

 

Bob Dulsky is our next speaker chairman and he has arranged the following program for us on August 19, featuring a presentation by Mr. Fred Slone, Workforce Development Manager for the County of San Mateo. His primary responsibility is to develop programs to assist and re-train people who have been laid off. The group meets prior to 12:00 noon at the Poplar Creek Grill (formerly Dominic’s restaurant at the Poplar Creek Golf Course) in San Mateo.

 

 Please call Bob Way (345-7014) for a reservation and your meal choice. The menu selection is Lemon Teriyaki Chicken or Prawn Pasta Marinara.