Program Chair Margaret Curtis presented club member Joe Davis. Joe seen on the right of this photo moderated a panel of local small business owners who talked about operating a business using values that Rotarians incorporate in the 4 Way Test. From left are Russell Hopper who is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and operates Questhouse. This is a facility that treats persons with addictions. The lady in the photo is Tressia Bandy. Locals see her on TV selling the mattresses that the family business manufactures right here in B.G. Carl Chaney is the gentleman in the white shirt. Carl is a dairyman who expanded into added value marketing and agritourism a few years ago. He and his wife Debra opened an ice cream parlor on the corner of their farm near the Woodburn community in southern Warren County. They received the 2008 Small Business of the Year award from the Chamber of Commerce. Joe Davis on the right owns Gerald Printing. It was a delight to hear from all of these business owners.One of the things I brought away from the discussion was how important members of the extended family were to these people. Tressia said her grandmother took the time to encourage her everyday. I asked if her grandmother lived with her and she replied "she lived next door". Joe was raised by an Aunt and Uncle and Carl by his grandmother. Russell says that a lot of people today do not have a core value system. Obviously the four people on our panel were instilled with essential moral values from an early age by key people in their lives. This was such an inspiring program and we thank each of the panel members for taking part of their day and sharing with us.
