By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com
Pratt Rotary hosted community members Kevin Evans of the Rolla Rena Skate Center, Ashley Smith from Pratt Area Chamber of Commerce and Pratt High School students Owen Schmidt and Rylan Rockenback at their Thursday, February 13 meeting, continuing to support community and network in meaningful ways.
Evans was also in attendance to accept a community grant check from the club. This month’s service project was sponsoring a community-wide skate party on February 14. The club’s financial contribution helped cover the costs, allowing the admission fee to be $1 per person. Rotarians providing volunteer support for the party include Sarah Dunham, Crystal Kohman, Suzan Patton, C.L. Meigs, and Jack Galle.
Evans expressed his thanks and told the group that the Skate Center is beginning its 36th season in Pratt, operating since 1945.
Pratt Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ashley Smith was the Rotary’s featured speaker of the week. She informed the club about the Chamber’s many events, accomplishments, and updates. She acknowledged that the Rotary Club of Pratt is a member of the Chamber and reminded members of the opportunity to participate in all Chamber activities. Key points highlighted by Smith included that the Chamber continues to host more events throughout the year; there are currently 200 Chamber members; committees include the Ag Committee, Legislative Committee, Retail Committee, Volunteers in Pratt (VIP), Young Professionals of Pratt (YPP), and the Gala Committee; new businesses are welcomed with ribbon cutting events, along with existing businesses showing growth; Coffee Chat and community connections are open to the community; annual events include Ladies Night Out, Holiday Passport, Gala Awards Fundraiser; legislative events and candidate forums are hosted by the Chamber; partnership roles with economic development and Travel and Tourism are supported; the Chamber Bucks program includes over $100,000 purchased during the holiday season, a service provided to support local businesses; the Annual Chamber Gala recently celebrated award winners; the Economic Development Committee is currently conducting a housing study.
Pratt High School Superintendent Tony Helfrich introduced the Rotary students of the week. Rylan Rockenback and Owen Schmidt shared their activities and educational plans.
