ECONOMIC RESEARCH GROUP

MEETING

May 20, 2009

Jim Felker opened the meeting in place of our vacationing Chairman, with 27 members present. Jim commented about the results of the special ballot on the proposed tax increases the State favored to solve the immediate short fall of funds California faces. Since the measures failed to pass, we can expect the usual rhetoric from state politicians with little if any of changing the ways of bureaucratic largess favoring special interest groups.

Jim also mentioned that the restaurant management has changed and the name of the new organization is “Poplar Creek Grill”. We are not certain what changes to the menu selections will be but there will be some remodeling taking place. One thing we must be careful of is our attendance. The past management was generous with our sometimes shortfall it members showing up for the luncheon. This meeting was no exception. The restaurant set up for 32 persons and we only had 27 attend the meeting. This subject will be discussed again in June.

After lunch Floyd Alfson introduced our speaker, Allan Huber, retired employee of United Airlines and current Secretary of Branch 1.

Al’s talk today was regarding his work at SFO International Airport after he retired from UAL and in particular of his involvement with the planning and construction of the new International Terminal. He went on to describe everything from the placement of the runways to the internal security for all terminals and the flow of passengers through customs and baggage claims. In the question period following we also found out about parking and how to secure a cab without being ripped off by a SF cab driver.

A very interesting talk. Thank you Al.

Our next meeting will be on June 17 and our speaker will be Phil Manriquez whose subject will be on the work of FEMA and their help in the wake of a disaster within the 50 States.

The meal selection will be Beef Tri-Tips or Shrimp Louie. Call Bob Way (345-7014) if you haven't already signed up.

W. Schinagl

Secretary