Mark Patton, Program Coordinator for November introduced the speaker:  Charles Connerly of the UI School of Planning and Public Affairs"Why is Iowa So White.  Charles explained about the impact of meat packing plants throughout Iowa. T.M. Sinclair was founded in 1872 in Cedar Rapids,  John Morrel in 1883 in Ottumwa, Rath Packing in 1899 in Waterloo, Turn of the century J. E. Decker, Mason City, Tobin Packing Co., Ft. Dodge, Iowa Packing Company, Des Moines, Dubuque Packing Company, Dubuque, Cudahy, Armour, Swift, Sioux City.  Kingan, Hygrade, Storm Lake, Rath Columbus Junction.
President Amy called the meeting to order at 7:05 am.  Vernette Knapp had two announcements 1.  She has collected $800 for the Polio Fund Raiser.  We need to continue to contribute to Polio Plus.  2.  Ballots are sent out with instructions on voting for two directors and a president-nominee.  The ballots are to be either mailed to Jean Knepper at 1529 Buresh Ave. I. C. 52245 or email to:  jeanknneper@gmail.com. 
Rotarian's in the News:  D.V.I.P. article on sponsoring a beer party.  President Amy mentioned that there are Beer and Wine Fellowships in rotary.
Roger Christian shared a Rotary Moment:  In 1984 Roger joined the Rotary Club of Iowa  City.  He then was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Iowa City AM.  He enjoys Rotary very much, however, was to be very involved during his owning University Camera. Roger is very happy and enjoys life.  He had several scares with his heart. He says"Life is Pleasurable.  He enjoys doing wood projects, playing with the cats.
President Elect Liz Nichols announced that there will be a Zoom Youth Exchange meeting on Sunday at 1:00 pm with potential outbound Youth Exchange candidate Katherine Geerdes.  Chris and Vernette Knapp, Jenny Seylar, and Liz Nichols will attend.
We need a Can Do Project Chair Person.  
Charles went on to talk about the meat packing unions that surfaced during the 30's and 40's and post World War II led to prosperity for the meat plant workers.
Iowa Beef Packers in Dennison in 1961 non union, assembly line butchers, boxed beef .  Perry and Storm lake average wages 1980 early 1990s fell when IBP acquired plants formerly operated by Oscar Myer.     John Morrel closed on  July 16, 1973. The unemployment rate rose 5.6% in 1971 to 10.3% in 1974.  Hormel in 1974 was $10.74.  1980's Hormel threatened large lay offs.  Pay went to $8.75.  1987 plant closed. Armour plant closed 1975. 
There was a major shift to high fructose corn syrup processing ADM(Archer Daniels Midland), all happening in the 60's and 70's.
Closures:  Ft. Madison, Water Softner Plant, close 2008, Burlington, Chicago-Burlington 2004, Newton-Maytag 2007, Rath, Waterloo, 1984, Dubuque Packing, Dubuque ,1982,
He talked about the murder of Molly Tibetts, family owned meat packing with Hispanics working there. There is an increasing amount of diversity among workers today.
Iowa is a crossroad.  An Agriculture diverse state.   What will become of Iowa?
The meeting was adjourned with the 4-Way Test at 8:00 am.