Neal Johnson told us some of his interesting background and history.  It seems that somehow, Neal started out in the small town of Artesia, New Mexico and ended up traveling the world.  Neal told us something else important too, besides about his fascinating career.  He told us that the experience he & Donette had of working under the leadership of Betty Switzer and our Rotary team during the production of the Jewels & Jeans Barn Dance caused Donette Wagner to be willing to take on the challenge of running for District Governor.  Donette said that the experience made her realize just how much FUN we have as Rotarians doing good for our community and that encouraged her to be ready for this challenge!
 
Neal told us something else too.  He said that in all his travels and dealing with Rotary Clubs during the time he was District Governor, he had never seen an International Committee run as well with as much outcome based results as the one Chaired by David Smith here in the Pagosa Springs Rotary Club.  We can feel proud to be associated with these efforts! 
 
Neal introduced us to his life work of addressing "Business as Mission".  An interesting concept of reaching out to areas in poverty to create jobs.  Those jobs them multiply to create economic development which means more than just a pay check but the self-esteem of having created that pay check.  He has published a book to that effect and now is a professor teaching business management part-time through online courses.  Other than that, Neal's careers include being a Bank President, a lawyer and serving in the military as a Judge Advocate General's Corp (JAG).  I believe we will be fortunate to have Neal on our Rotary team!