From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives.
One of the world’s most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is The 4-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI president) when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy. This 24-word test for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The 4-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways. It asks the following four questions:

Of all the things we think, say or do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The purpose of The 4-Way Speech Contest is:
• To acquaint a large number of young people with Rotary and The 4-Way Test
• To determine and enhance Rotary’s commitment to our youngsters
• To heighten awareness of Rotary additionally among parents, schools and community
• To recognize, encourage and reward hard work and accomplishments of youngsters

Dear Rotarians,

Given our program today, I found a few interesting quotes by Confucius related to the concept of truth. But before I provide these, a bit of erudition on Confucius himself. Confucius was born in 551 BC and died in 479 BC. It is believed that he held several government jobs during his early 20s and also worked as a bookkeeper and caretaker of sheep and horses (two skills which naturally go together). The philosophy he developed emphasized personal and governmental morality, the correctness of social relationships and justice and sincerity – sounds suspiciously like he could have been a Rotarian to me!
In any event, he had a few thoughts on the truth that I thought were insightful:

“Speak the truth; do not yield to anger; give, if you are asked
for little; by these three steps you will go near the gods.”
“Three things cannot long be hidden: the sun, the moon and
the truth.”
“They who know the truth are not equal to those who love it,
and they who love it are not equal to those who delight in it.”

Please delight in today’s program as these wonderful young men and women talk about the truth, and the other elements of our magnificent
Four Way Test.

David Thorson
President 2016 -2017
Las Vegas Rotary Club

• President David Thorson called the meeting to order.
• Sarah Brown gave the invocation. Greg Maguire led the club in a New Zealand Rugby Ritual. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the Sergeant-at-Arms was Melanie Muldowney.
• There were (0) International Rotarians, (5) Visiting Rotarian and (7) Guests of Rotarians were introduced.
• The drawing began at $4,384.00 plus this week’s donations. The winner gets half the pot and half goes to the Las Vegas Rotary Foundation. Ticket Winner: Paul Maffey who won $10! Lawry Bucks Winner: Bob Fisher.
• President David Thorson announced that District Conference is May 19-21, 2017 in Palm Springs – our club is hosting a hospitality suite and fun will be had by all.
• Carolyn Sparks presented Past President Steve Linder with a Paul Harris plus 8!
• Michelle Johnson from Junior Achievement discussed our support for their Finance Park thanked the club for our help. The program teaches children how to budget and the value of different types of careers.
• Katie Decker introduced three teachers from here three schools and bragged about their impressive achievements.
• Past President Mary Ann Avnet announced that the debunking party for President David Thorson will be held at Treasure Island on June 22, 2017 at 6:30pm.
• Janis Lencke reminded the club to donate to Porsche Piggy to benefit the LV Rotary Foundation. She also announced that Francesca Gilbert and Glen Meier have committed to sponsoring the remote radio broadcast for the car show.
• Marie Walsh announced that they had (148) children and (83) adults at breakfast with books on February 14, 2017. She also announced that the Beckley Reading Week is February 27-March 3, 2017.
• Jackie Thornhill announced that the next Wetzel Awards is at 3pm on March 23, 2017 at Nellis AFB.
• Arleen Sirois announced that the next Wine to Water event will be held at Dr. Kaz Fathie’s home on February 22, 2017 at 6pm. Please bring an appetizer and a bottle of wine to share.
• Kirk Alexander announced that the Dan Stover Music Contest is in need of young musicians to participate. If you know any student that would qualify, please contact Kirk. The contest will be held on March 9, 2017.
• Past President Mary Ann announced that she has (5) facilitators signed up for RYLA. This is a club record!
• Larry Tomsic introduced the speaker, Rob Cornelius, LV Director of Business Development for the USA Rugby Sevens. The organization introduces children to Rugby by sponsoring the “Adopt a Country Program.” With the assistance of the Clark County School District, they host an essay contest, a t-shirt design contest, the “Parade of Nations” event on Fremont Street, and International Festival and a (3) day International Rugby Tournament at Sam Boyd Stadium March 3-5, 2017. If anyone wishes to purchase tickets, use the discount code Rotary17 to receive a 20% discount.
• 25 Club President Chris Bennett reminded everyone of the 25 Club Social on 2/16.
• President David Thorson showed mercy and fined Erik Astramecki a whopping $2.00 for breaking two bones in his arm training for MMA.
• President David Thorson presented the speaker with a “Sole Power Award” and adjourned the meeting.