In this week's featured presentation, we'll learn about the benefits of acupuncture from Jenny Holloman. Also, the 50-50 pot was at a whopping $190 last week, and it went un-won, which means you could vie for an even larger pot this week! Lots of reasons to join us at noon at the country club!
There will be no newsletter next week, but Aug. 14's Rotary meeting promises to be fascinating, with Wesley Sarmento of Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks giving a report on grizzlies on the Rocky Mountain Front. That night join Rotarians Scott Reasoner and Bill Harp, along with other Rotarians, at Centene Stadium for Rotary Family Night at the Ballpark.
Last Week at Rotary
After years helping other entrepreneurs launch their own businesses at Great Falls Development Authority, Jeremiah Johnson recently took the plunge and became a craft brewer himself. We heard all about his enterprise last week at Rotary.
The Front Brewing Co. was already a popular West Bank watering hole and brewery when Jeremiah took over. After consulting with experts about strengthening his brand, he was taken aback when he was told, "The #1 thing you should do is use your own name for the brand. It's a winner." Jeremiah has been asked about the famous mountain man with the same name all his life, and he was hesitant to use it for his business. But when you're marketing a brew called Mountain Main, it's a no-brainer. The Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Co. was launched in May.
When Jeremiah took over the company, it had 3 beers; they now have 6, including the recently released Golden Bobcat, developed in partnership with MSU to celebrate the university's 125th anniversary. The university leaves the brewing to Jeremiah and he estimates that MSU's portion of the license will bring $50,000 into the university coffers this year alone. With MSU's ag emphasis, Great Falls agricultural footprint, and the popularity of craft beers, it was a match made in heaven.
The Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Co. is very much a family business. Jeremiah's wife, Katherine, and various other family members are all in on the project. They've already achieved their first goal of distributing statewide and are focusing on extending the company's reach beyond Montana into the Northwest and, of course, strengthening the brand. One of JJ beers won a national silver medal last year, which helps on all three fronts. The Golden Bobcat brew add to brand awareness.
Their biggest challenge? The scarcity of aluminum. Cans are the most economical - and tasty - way to package their beer and the company is canning 90% of it at present, but it's getting harder and harder to acquire those precious cans. All in all, though, Jeremiah and Katherine just ooze excitement. It was inspiring last week to see this Great Falls couple so clearly "in it to win it" with their new business venture in Great Falls.
Opportunities for Services Above Self
On Thursday, Aug. 9, our club will assist in the United Way effort to Stuff the Bus with school supplies for Great Falls' needy children. You can still write a check, bring supplies to Rotary Tuesday, or sign up for a shift by contacting Rob Rezek at rrezek@dadco.com. [Is your Rotary button #167? Contact Todd Neighbor for your $25 gift card? And thanks for reading the weekly bulletin!]
On Friday and Saturday, Aug. 10-11, the District 5390 Assembly will be in Butte. If you'd like to attend, ask President Neighbor for details.
On Tuesday, Aug. 14, join us for Family Night at the Ballpark - a great way to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Rotarians and support our local ball team!
On Saturday, August 18, the Philipsburg Rotary Club will host they're hosting the Philipsburg August Concert for the 9th consecutive year. For many of those years, Rotarians from our club have gone over to help out by taking tickets, distributing wristbands, and generally doing what needs to be done. If you'd like to help, contact Susan Wolff at susan.wolff@gfcmsu.edu.
Do You Know Someone Who Would Be Interested in Our Evening Option?
A kick-off meeting for potential new Rotarians who could avail themselves of our evening option has begun. Please share the following information with individuals you think would be good recruits.
Milestones
Lots of birthdays to celebrate in the next 2 weeks!
August 8 - Rob Rezek and Derik Sapp
August 11 - Owen Robinson
August 13 - Caitline Walter
August 14 - Cheryl Crawley
Please accept our fond wishes for a happy day and year and our sincere thanks for all you bring to our club.
Weekly Wisdom 73 Years after Hiroshima
Since Auschwitz, we know what man is capable of. And since Hiroshima, we know what is at stake.
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