The featured event of the meeting was the Annual State of the City address presented by Quincy Mayor Kyle Moore. The Mayor said 2014 will always be remembered as the year the City of Quincy passed the historic $89 million school bond referendum which means the city will see more than $250 million worth of construction projects over a 10 year period.

The Mayor went on to say as for 2015 the City of Quincy will see the groundbreaking for a new $10 million supportive living center on 48th and Maine, the completion of a new branch for People's Prosperity Bank, the completion of $4 million in renovations to QU stadium and in the spring, Blessing Hospital officials expect the $70 million dollar patient addition named the "Moorman Pavilion" to be open.

The Mayor went on to say this past year the Hollister Whitney Elevator Company added 50 jobs and expanded into the Glenayre building. Gardner Denver constructed a $1.65 million flood wall and added 50 new jobs at their Quincy facility. Gates Air added two dozen employees and expanded their operation in Quincy. The Mayor also announced that Prince Agri-Products completed the purchase of the United States Postal Sorting Facility a few days ago.

The Mayor mentioned that the State of Illinois released $1.3 million in funding to complete the engineering and design phase for the Mid-America Port. If completed, the Port would be a catalyst for $94 million per year worth of economic activity.

Some other highlights of the Mayor's speech included:

2014 also brought the culmination of a 4 year effort to bring next generation fiber optic access to city residential neighborhoods.

This past year the City Council passed a 5 year Comprehensive Infrastructure Plan ending the practice of year to year infrastructure spending

In January, the City of Quincy and Quincy Medical Group launched their Employee Clinic, an arrangement that could save the city from $50,000- $200,000 a year on health care costs.

The City also partnered with Blue Cross-Blue Shield for a plan that realizes no increase in the annual insurance costs and projects to save the city $300,000 - $900,000 per year depending on their claim experience.

Finally, the Mayor urged all residents to vote in favor of the referendum to build a new Adams County Jail in April. You can re-live the entire speech by clicking on Mayor Moore's Address.

Jim Benz presented the Club's opening prayer to initiate the proceedings.

Gary Farha, with some obvious trepidation, began the Pledge of Allegiance with a very hardy "I" that could be heard at Steak & Shake.

There was no card draw so the pot remains at $882 for the winner. Not sure we will hold a drawing this Friday. "Gambling" with the cops around is probably not a good idea.

President Curt attempted to read a Thank You note from Jennifer Holcomb for allowing her to speak to the Club a few weeks ago. Somehow the words all came together but we got the message anyway. Anybody got any old "See Spot Run" books we can let Curt have?

Curt also announced that the Exchange Club March Madness Stag will be held on Wednesday, March 18th. The details will be forthcoming on this event.

Curt also mentioned that the Board of Directors awarded $150 for a hole sponsorship for John Wood Community College's golf outing. They also awarded $200 to this summer's Catholic Work Camp.

Gary Farha, keeping his cards close to his vest, announced that he will have a special announcement to make this Saturday, February 28th at 1pm at "The Tower" Conference Room (lower level...enter the front door at Drive Thru side of the building). All Exchange Club members are invited to attend to hear what he has to say. Hors d'oeuvres will also be available.

Special guests at last Friday's meeting included Kellie Kurre of People's Prosperity Bank and guest of Kelly Stupasky and Maggie Strong of GREDF who was a guest of Mike McLaughlin.