Mighty Mack Beers called the meeting to order and administered the pledge.
Connor Miller reported that Marky Newhouse won this year's bracket challenge. In second place was Lowell Gruman. 
Sharon Zimmerman offered thoughts of gratitude and reflection.
Mack announced that Rotarian Becca Binder had a baby, Banks Arthur Binder, on Feb. 22
Active Transfering Rotarian Ann Ralston was introduced by Awesome Allison Beers. Ann is a consultant who "helps business leaders identify and overcome barriers to growth with a detective-like sense of curiosity, compassion, and cut-to-the-chase insights." Learn more at www.ralstonconsulting.com
Marlene Bevan reported that Rotary offices will be moving a the end of the month from the Chamber building to the Discovery Center.
Connor Miller reported that Marky Newhouse won this year's bracket challenge. In second place was Lowell Gruman.
Mack also asked if everyone could make sure their Zoom screen name includes their full name, for attendance tracking purposes. Hover over yourself and click on the three dots to do so.
Matt McDonough is looking for information on any historical uses of the GOREC property that are NOT Boyscout camp-related. Email him at matt@discoverygreatlakes.org with info.
Connor introduced the speaker, Kim Pontius. Kim is CEO of Aspire North, the artist formerly known as TAAR. Kim gave an excellent rundown of real estate conditions in our area. Some highlights:
- With the advent of many new technologies and online services, the real estate industry is very much morphing from a transactional model to a tech model
- A housing shortage and record low-interest rates have caused demand to skyrocket, pushing buyer competition to levels perhaps never seen before
- Most homes are on the market for a matter of days, compared to weeks or many months in previous years
- Most homes sold in February 2021 had at least four offers, many above ask
- Millions of more homes are needed to meet nationwide demand, and hundreds (if not thousands) more in our region
- Average and median home prices are up substantially over last year, and inventory is down
- Farmland prices are also on the rise
- No, nobody knows quite how long this surge will last.
- Solutions include building more housing and inter-regional cooperation on housing initiatives
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