July 2, 2003

Good news . . . For one member only. The jackpot went to Allan Brent. The losers were Carlos Ortiz and Lenton Sartain.

President Jodi announced the next Board Meeting would be at Lamar Advertising's NEW office, downtown. And Bob Schmidt introduced his guest, his brother. Bill Stracener led our song, America, then David Cresson led our patriotic Pledge of Allegiance, and Ed Painter put our feelings into his prayer.

What followed was a most interesting talk by the CEO of the Baton Rouge General Health, Bob Holman, who recounted the history of the General, prior to his coming in 2000, and since that time. Bob started by giving us Food for Thought, a group of definitions from Julio Melara, President and Associate Publisher of the Baton Rouge Business report. After that delightful introduction, he told us he came here to face six years of losses, and some of the steps taken since a multimillion dollar loss in 2001, to the present profit picture. The number of primary care physicians has increased from 16 to 40; employee turnover has decreased from 31% down to 23%; divestiture of "weaknesses" adds up to nine in the three years; credentialed physicians are rising (to meet the population increases in Livingston and Ascension parishes). Bob showed us a list of recent national and regional recognitions and accomplishments that summed up spectacularly the hospital's turnaround!

Another useful, informative, and factual presentation arranged by Brandt Edwards.

Upcoming programs include July 9, a wonderful view of a fascinating country, Russia, by Natalie Ortiz. And July 16, Senator Jay Dardenne's "Recollections of a Legislative Session." July 23, Myrtle Dorsey of Baton Rouge Community College. And on July 30, "The Robe," presented by Wade Heaton.

I'll mention the jackpot winner of out July 2 meeting again - Allan Brent - May it happen again soon!!!

CW