Meeting held on April 5th, 2016, Recorded by Leslie Bagby
President Harold Ingersoll called the meeting to order right at noon. Steve Stearns led the pledges and Scott Hendler gave the invocation. Russell Gallahan led us in reciting the “FOUR WAY TEST”. Vera Keric and Myron Burse were our greeters at the top of the stairs and Carl Noble checked-in our visitors and guests.
Elliott Flick received his Blue Badge. Phil Thoden announced that he is looking for his replacement as the coordinator of the Newsletter reporters for 2016-2017. This is an easy way to be involved and support the club.
Vicky Lindsey invited everyone to the Bookspring StoryBook Heroes Luncheon on May 6th, 2016, at the Radisson Hotel. They are currently holding 2 tables for Rotarians. Please RSVP with Mary Reynolds if you’re interested in attending.
Tillery Castillo is looking for a host for a spring wine tasting, and Russell Gallahan announced another upcoming RCA Red Badge/Mentoring Class coming up on April 12th. Past President Gaines Bagby provided a parking update with multiple ways to get to meetings and park such as Uber, Car2Go and Luxe Valet service. There is also a new parking alternative for Rotarians if the St. David’s parking garage is full. It is at the Austin Centre (same building as the Omni Hotel) and their garage is located at 701 Brazos Street. There is no fee to members to park in this garage.
Joseph Hang shared the 60-second Member Spotlight.
President Harold Ingersoll announced that the Thank Goodness Basket will now be every other week to allow time for fellowship. Michael Portman announced that our Club had donated almost $1,000,000 to Rotary International over the lifetime of the Club, and Past President Tim Von Dohlen made the final donation to push us over the top. Thanks Tim and congratulations Rotary Club of Austin! We then heard good news from Ann Graham, Tom Locke and Tillery Castillo.
Dr. Michael Abelson introduced our speaker, Mark Madrid, the President and CEO of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC). Mark grew up in small Texas towns and he knew from an early age that education and hard work were his way out. 
Hispanics are the fastest growing demographic with an expected 50,000 Hispanic owned businesses in the Austin area by 2020. The GAHCC mission is “to build our members’ personal, business, educational & financial wealth.” Mark stated that their organization provides resources and training to cultivate Hispanic leaders.
Last year, Mark collaborated with AISD on a “Shark Tank like” competition called Start Up Superstars. Students from lower income high schools were invited to participate with the winner receiving a $7,000 scholarship. The GAHCC was recently awarded the 2015 United States Hispanic Chamber of the Year.
Mark believes that a servant’s heart + business mind = Greater Impact. He stated that the heartbeat of the organization is small business owners with a cultural connection.