The presence of Rotary events on Facebook and Instagram was explained in detail by Dee Bandy-Heitz. To remain current, new information needs to be submitted to FB regularly. It was stressed that members need to “like” and “share” the entries in order to spread the image of Rotary beyond the initial exposure. Also, the need for photographs of Rotary events (think: People of Action) need to be included with each entry (use of RI produced imagery and PSAs should be limited. The current Dropbox, which was established to receive input of photographs/videos from members, appears to be dormant. Dee will continue her effort to contact Seth Burns (creator of the account). Also, she feels that the use of paid ads should be used to promote specific events—Tour de Blast, Squirrel Fest, Crafted Beer Festival, etc. Each ad would be tailored to that event and use links that provide additional information. For this step by the Club into the world of social-media to be effective, Dee will prepare articles for the Club newsletter, which will provide club members with guidance.
A proposal by Keith Larson to sponsor a Rotary banner at the Lower Columbia College/Cowlitz Black Bears baseball field was evaluated and received unanimous support to recommend to the Board for consideration.
Dave Minthorn stressed the need for news articles in pertinent publications: The Daily News, Columbia River Reader, District newsletter (UD5020), and The Rotarian. Dave is also promoting the use of “Rotary naming rights” which usually involves a significant donation of funds to a specific project. To produce mutual benefits, care is needed to understand the process, extent, and timing. Several ideas were suggested: Longview’s 2023 Centennial Celebration, Lake Sacajawea (as an ideal location regularly used by the public) and the Library’s centennial in 2026 along with our own Club’s 100th anniversary that same year.
A recent meeting with our Parks and Rec. Director explored several of these possibilities: a Gazebo-like structure near the kid’s playground; replacement of the two sidewalks east of the Hemlock bridge; upgrade of the Martin Dock; and support of construction of a new wooden arch at the site of the previous one. We could also partner with the city to sponsor & plant 100 trees as part of our 100th centennial. We are in the process of receiving estimated costs of these projects.
Two other local opportunities are to support furnishing equipment at the new Youth Center on Commerce Street and/or sponsorship of a Commemorative Book published by the Columbia River Reader to help celebrate the Longview Centennial.
We are still working with the city to add Rotary signs on entrance roadways to Longview.
An interview with Club President, Brooke Fisher-Clark will be scheduled for KLTV, as soon as her schedule allows the time.
