ECONOMIC RESEARCH GROUP

MEETING

SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

Chairman Tom Keefer opened the meeting at noon with 24 members present. There were no new members or guests to be introduced; Bob Way asked Tom if he could make some comments on recent events.  Bob related the recent tragedy of the person who was killed in his car in Redwood City, when he was stuck in the middle of the tracks, unable to extricate himself from the on-coming express Caltrain. It was personal to him; his son is a firefighter who was involved in obtaining the “jaws of death” to free the body. Bob was frustrated in not knowing if the individual was stuck in his seat belt, or didn’t have a chance to run from the car.

He then brought up a couple of housekeeping items. He urged us to let him know if we were dissatisfied with the food, or service, in any way. He also mentioned that five of our members, who had signed up for the meeting, were no-shows, and urged us to let him know if we are unable to attend. This was our lowest attendance in 2 years.

GENTLEMEN: PLEASE LET BOB WAY KNOW IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND!

Tom said that our election for 2010 will be at our October meeting. The nominees are: Mort Levinson, Chairman; Bill Schinagl, Secretary; Bob Way, Treasurer; and Dale Schmidt, Ass’t. Treasurer.

Tom said Mort would be passing around a sign-up sheet for Speaker Chairmen assignments for 2010. He urged the members to give it some serious thought, reminding them that the Club exists on the ability of our members to find speakers.

Finally, he reminded us that the speaker for the October 21 Meeting will be Fred Slone, Workforce Development Manager for San Mateo County. His speech is entitled: “What’s Happening with Stimulus Dollars in San Mateo?” Please call Bob Way (345-7014) for a reservation and your meal choice: Lemon Teriyaki Chicken or Prawn Pasta Marinara.

Our ladies luncheon at Dominic’s at Oyster Point will be on November 18. The speakers, representing the Coyote Point Museum, are Linda L. Lanier, President of the Board of Trustees, and Rachel Meyer, Executive Director. Gents, bring your significant others and join us. The menu is: Caesar Salad, with two choices: New York Steak, or Stuffed Petrale Sole. Please call Bob Way with your choices, and/or send him a check payable to Sirs #1, for $22/pp.

Mort Levinson, Speaker Chairman, introduced our speaker, E. Robert Miller, a retired executive from the Property Management Business (50 years), who is currently very active serving as an expert witness throughout the US. He gave us a very good summary of how the system works, with many examples. His key role in any proceeding is to bring to the table the “Standards in the Industry: i.e., what’s right and what’s wrong. One of his story’s involved a local case (Whipple); the lady who was killed in the apartment bldg. by two pit bulls. He represented the lady’s family and her partner. They won the case!

He also urged us to think about a similar “after retirement” profession, and suggested we could change our name from “The SIRS” to “The SORS”—(Sons On Retirement).

It was a good presentation with questions asked. Good job Mort!