The Scoop...April 29, 2013

President Jim Osmon opened the meeting at 12:10 PM.  Father Ross offered a short but poignant invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by David Runk with the Four-Way Test.  David Frost reported 83 members attended last week’s meeting, noted make-ups and introduced today’s guests.

President-Elect Mike Schoenhofer distributed Member Involvement Forms asking each Rotarian to sign up for least one task team (committee) and project for the upcoming year.  Carl Berger requested additional driver assistance the GSE team coming next week.  President Jim called on Joel Parker, Treasurer Elida Schools, to share reasons to support the Elida School levy.

Dave Collins introduced the program, Marc Bowker, Alter Ego Comics, a downtown business and nominee for the Chamber Small Business of the Year.  Marc established a high-end collectibles web site in 2003 followed by a downtown retail store in 2005.  His presentation focused primarily on comic books noting some of the highest grossing movies in recent years have been based on comic books such as Marvel Comics characters.  In fact, 11 new films this year are based on comics which are just another form of storytelling.  A growing trend nationally is to celebrate Free Comic Book Day on the first Saturday in May.  This year customers may acquire up to 5 free comics if they visit the store on Saturday May 4th.  The event in downtown Lima will be in collaboration with several other businesses to encourage visits to other downtown merchants as well as Alter Ego Comics.  Marc noted comics can promote literacy (particularly reluctant readers), today’s average comic book reader is 25 years old, and the average comic book now retails for about $4.00.  About 75% of his online sales are out of the county averaging $250 per order compared to $20.00 for transactions in the store.

Following a Q & A period and applause for Marc’s program, there was a Rottery drawing in support of Allen county Health Partners.  In concluding the meeting at 1:00 PM, President Jim noted that May is membership month and all Rotarians are encouraged to bring a guest with the meal cost picked up by the club.