"AMARILLO VENOM"

It's easy to understand why Stephanie Tucker decided to purchase the Amarillo Venom football team; she has the vision of an entrepreneur, the expertise of an established business owner and the enthusiasm of a top notch cheerleader! Stephanie says sports and marketing are in her blood; she started working at the Dilla Villa at age 16 and later became a Texas Tech Raider recruiter. Stephanie was raised on the family farm in Dumas but soon realized that was not her calling. After marrying her football coach husband, Stephanie had three children and while pregnant with number 4 decided to open her own fitness center in Childress and later one in Dumas.

Stephanie's dream was to "Bring Excitement to Amarillo" and upon the recommendation and encouragement of her husband purchased the Amarillo Venom team. Stephanie's faith assures her that everything happens for a reason, so she jumped in and immediately started creating that excitement she dreamed about. Her talent in marketing was put to good use as she began to implement new and innovative ways to promote the team and entice more people to attend their games. Some of her programs include promotional giveaways, pre and post-game parties including birthdays, children's and bachelorette parties. She even works with the Chambers of Commerce across the Panhandle and with local businesses to sponsor regional events.

Stephanie attributes her success in part to "thinking outside the box". First, be creative then listen to the client's needs, use social media, involve area communities, surround yourself with people smarter than yourself and pair up with non-profit organizations.

The Venom Experience includes 6 home games, 6 theme games and 6 nights of entertainment. Just witnessing Stephanie's enthusiasm makes even a non-sports fan like me want to go out and enjoy the excitement that has come to Amarillo through the Amarillo Venom!

In the business portion of the meeting we learned that:

We will have the opportunity to "build good will and better friendships" by volunteering with the Texas Mission of Mercy June 28 and 29. Our club will join the other Rotary clubs and many other volunteers to participate in a free dental clinic event for uninsured Texas. The event will be at the Civic Center and volunteers may contact Gina or Cal Harriman. Cal announced that many from our club have responded which proves that "Service Above Self" is not just a motto, but a way of life. Thanks Cal for organizing this worthwhile effort.

Mel Darnell presented the Rotary Hold-Up Report. Tom and Shelly from Cincinnati, Ohio were last week's recipients. They brought along their pet dinosaur Earl who featured Amarillo and The Rotary Club of Amarillo on his Facebook page. Earl even came along to the meeting last week to see what Rotary is all about!

A hearty round of applause was offered for our own Basil Walker and his lovely wife. Basil, we have missed you tremendously and are so thankful you are feeling better. You being with us made the day complete!

Save the Date:

Kenneth Patterson, District Governor 2013-2014, invites you to attend his installation ceremony at 6:30pm this Friday, June 28^th at The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts in Lubbock. Light hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer will be served.

There will be no meeting on Thursday, July 4^th. Instead, all of the Amarillo and Canyon Rotary clubs will meet together at the Amarillo Club for lunch on Monday, July1st. Officers and Directors will be inducted that day.

Eddie Melin is having another birthday on July1st! Eddie is a very "happy 101 years young" and wants us to join him in celebrating at Happy State Bank, downtown location on that day. Happy Birthday Eddie!

MDA Lock-up: Hold-Up Coordinator and APD Captain, Jeff Lester, will be put "behind bars" on August 22^nd. Please contact him if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation for his bail. The captain can be reached directly at 378-4269.

Thanks to those who helped run our meeting today, including:

Dale Bippus and Mike Abdoo greeted everyone.

David Elizalde sold tickets.

John Kanelis our Past President who presided. Renee' Wilson and Incoming President Mike Goode were absent and in attendance at the Rotary International Convention in Lisbon, Portugal.

David O'Dell who led us in the national anthem and pledge of allegiance.

Dr. Burt Palmer who offered the invocation.

Pam Thomas who introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians.

Shara Hinchey, program chair for June, who introduced today's program.

Melvin Edes and Rocky Gafford for supplying raffle prizes.

Bill Summerhill lead us in the 4 Way Test.