Program Summary: Jon Scholes, Downtown Seattle Association, August 28, 2025

Jon Scholes discussed the progress and challenges facing downtown Seattle, emphasizing the growth in residential population and the recovery of the visitor industry post-pandemic. He acknowledged the need for improvements in street safety and the ongoing issue of ground floor vacancies, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic and high operating costs. Scholes expressed a commitment to enhancing the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.

Jon highlighted issues with local government performance, criticizing the fixation on tax revenue rather than outcomes that benefit businesses and residents. He pointed out that the city is set to collect record amounts of money but questioned whether it is providing adequate value in return. Scholes warned that increasing the B&O tax could drive businesses away, as they have alternatives outside of Seattle.

Jon reported strong visitor numbers to the new downtown waterfront park, indicating a successful local engagement with the space. He acknowledged the challenges of negative perceptions surrounding downtown Seattle and outlined strategies to improve its image, including a campaign aimed at locals to promote new attractions. Scholes emphasized the importance of local support for a thriving downtown.

Jon discussed the current office vacancy rate in downtown Seattle, which stands at over 30%, compared to lower rates in Bellevue. He noted that the decline in office occupancy is due to companies reducing their space and the need for a more appealing business environment to attract tech firms. Scholes also warned that falling office values could lead to increased tax burdens on residents.

Program Summary: “China Update,” Sam Kaplan and Spencer Cohen, August 21, 2025

The discussion focused on the current state of China and its implications for Washington State, led by Sam Kaplan and Spencer Cohen, who provided insights into the economic relationship between the two regions. Spencer emphasized that China is Washington State’s largest trade partner, detailing the economic advantages derived from exports, tourism, and foreign direct investment. He also addressed the challenges in the U.S.-China relationship, particularly the impact of tariffs on trade flows through state ports.

The conversation shifted to China’s manufacturing landscape, with a conference room participant highlighting the country’s efforts to advance its manufacturing capabilities amidst a contracting labor force. It was noted that China’s innovations in sectors such as electric vehicles and solar technology counter the perception that China primarily replicates foreign products. This discussion underscored the complexities of China’s economic evolution and its push for higher value-added manufacturing.

Sam Kaplan outlined several economic challenges facing China, including high youth unemployment and substantial local government debt. He pointed out that while advancements have been made in industrial robotics and supply chain development, significant structural issues remain due to the country’s political economy. A contribution to this discussion linked economic growth to political systems, suggesting that China’s growth could have been even more robust with political liberalization akin to that seen in Taiwan and South Korea.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the housing market’s role in wealth accumulation in China, as discussed by a conference room participant. It was noted that many Chinese households depend on real estate as a primary store of value, raising concerns about excessive leverage in the sector, particularly with companies like Evergrande. Sam also highlighted the U.S. administration’s concerns regarding China, mentioning ineffective tariff policies that have inadvertently benefited China and the decline in international students coming to the U.S. due to new regulations, alongside China’s efforts to attract talent from abroad.

University Sunrise Rotary Club: Trip Plans!

February 3, 2025

Seven of us met Friday afternoon to discuss the planning of a third annual club trip.

We have done a Club trip twice in the last two years and they have been fantastic fun (In fact everyone who has been on past trips is enthusiastic about going again).

Here is what we decided:

  • Destination: The Walla Walla area.
    • We plan to spend time visiting local wineries and breweries in the Walla Walla area.
    • TBD–While we are there, we are considering a one-day side trip to the Lewis Clark Valley (Lewiston, ID/Clarkston, WA area) to investigate the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center.
  • The proposed dates are September 4-7.  Please mark your calendar!
  • Please let us know your interest in participating.  We are investigating getting discount room rates and will likely look for a March 1 commitment from participants to get lower room rates.

The participants in the meeting were Bruce Balick, Steve Barton, Ted Hunter, Scott Jamieson, Mike Madden, Dave Mushen, Pam Mushen, and Tom Ranken.

Possible itinerary:

Day One (Thursday):

Depart Seattle in carpools leaving at 10am. Drive to Walla Walla with stop for lunch.  Arrive by 4 pm to check into the hotel.  Rendezvous for dinner and wine walk/tasting at 6pm. 

Day Two (Friday):

Wineries and breweries in the Walla Walla area.  Possible day trip to Clarkston for a Lewis & Clark tour.  Visit the Discovery Center, the Interpretative Center, the Nez Pierce Historical Museum, and the Confluence Campsite.  Lunch in Lewiston ID (beer available for those 19+!).  Leave Walla Walla at 8 am, return by 6 pm.  Visit a famous winery for a tour and dinner. 

Day 3:(Saturday):

Wine tour to three or four famous wineries in the area, led by Scott Jamieson.  May include a venture across the border to Oregon or into the Palouse. 

Day Four: (Sunday)

Return to Seattle or continue the L& C trail to Astoria or?  (Your own plan.  Could include Goldendale for an observatory visit or drive down Columbia Gorge with a stop in Hood River or myriad possibilities). 

Are you in??

-Tom

-Tom Ranken | 206.890.8387 | tom@usrotary.org

Program: University Sunrise Service Foundation Annual Report to Members, January 2, 2025

The mission of the Foundation is to enable members to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty. The Foundation may fund activities or make direct grants to individuals or organizations and may combine its financial resources with other Rotary clubs and Districts, for the greater good.

The program will be presented by the Board of the Foundation along with members of the Screening Committee. Board members are Tom Ranken (Chair), Stuart Webber (Treasurer/Secretary), Pam Mushen, Dave Mushen, and Lincoln Ferris. Screening Committee Members are Mike Madden, Nancy Bolin, and Hal Beals.

University Sunrise Rotary Service Foundation Presentation 010225Download

Program: Michael Bronsdon, “Puget Sound’s Triangle of Fire: Forts Worden, Flagler, and Casey,” August 22, 2204

Forts Worden, Flagler, and Casey were developed to prevent enemy incursions into Puget Sound. When were they built, and what became of them?

Michael Bronsdon is a Pacific Northwest native who grew up camping and learning about the natural and human histories of the West. This fed a lifelong interest in history and the outdoors.

Michael earned B.A. (History), and MBA degrees from the University of Washington. His professional career included several years in book publishing, followed by 26 years in the software/technology industry.

Michael relocated to Bainbridge Island (Fletcher Bay neighborhood) in 2021 with his wife Cathy. He appreciates learning and sharing the stories of the communities of Bainbridge Island and the Pacific Northwest.

He volunteers with the Bainbridge History Museum and joined the board earlier this year.

He is a passionate skier and hiker, and also enjoys choral singing, winemaking, photography and travel.

Program: Arpita Dacy, Mrs. Universe America, “Women’s Empowerment through Leadership Examples,” June 20, 2024

Arpita Dacy is the embodiment of female empowerment, dedication, and perseverance. She believes in leading by example and aims to be a good role model for women and youth through her journey. She is a devoted mother of a 7-year-old daughter, a Senior Tech Leader at Amazon, University of Washington Alumna degreed in Electrical Engineering, Professional Mentor, Motivational and STEM Speaker, Global Beauty Awards Nominee in multiple categories, and the National winner of the most esteemed pageant of Mrs. Universe America 2023-2024 hosted by internationally acclaimed and several award winning non-profit AmPowering. Arpita will be competing in the Mrs. Universe worldwide competition later this year in South Korea representing our WA state and America. Arpita is passionate about community engagement and is actively involved with various organizations to advocate for women’s issues and to promote cultural inclusivity, diversity and equity. She plans to use all her platforms to continue to motivate females to pursue their passions and create a greater impact in society.

Our Club’s Foundation: Bukobero Health Clinic – Uganda

As a part of Rotary, our club’s foundation is able to partner with other clubs and districts on local as well as global projects. We participated with 43 other Rotary clubs in this project led by Sheila Hosner of University District Rotary. Here’s part of Sheila’s progress report and some images of the planned health clinic at Bukobero, Uganda as well as a photo of the recent stage of construction.

“We raised a total of $103,677! Forty-three Rotary Clubs in four districts contributed and the project also received two district grants. …I can’t thank everyone enough for their contributions…

Below I have shared two drawings of what the building will look like when it is completed and a picture taken just days ago of where we are now. The construction picture on the right corresponds to the perspective of the bottom drawing. We expect the building completed by June or July 2024.”

Our Club’s Foundation: Painting at Escuela Belen

Through our participation in international projects with TINFA (Technology and Information for All), the University Sunrise Service Foundation has made connections with community schools and Rotary Clubs in Guatemala. Principal Flori Acabal of Escuela Belen Elementary School reached out to us recently with an urgent request: could we help with repainting the school while the kids are away, during Holy Week (which was the next week)? 

We connected with the President of Club Rotario de Retalhuleu and their club agreed to participate. Our foundation rushed approval of this request and Principal Flori was able to buy paint and start the project with teacher and parent volunteers.

Here are a few “Before” photos, of the school:

And some progress photos:

Principal Flori expects to finish repainting by the end of this week, 4/8-4/14. She says the kids will be much more enthusiastic about coming to the school with its fresh colors.