VOLUME L | February 25, 2010 | Edition 30
Rotarian of the Day
Russ Robinson

Russ Robinson
Our Rotarian of the Day today is Russ Robinson. Russ has been a Rotarian since May 1983. He was proposed by his former business partner, Norman C. Cross, Jr. Before joining Southside Rotary in June 2007, he was a member of the Southeast Tulsa Rotary Club for 23 years. He served as Club President of the Southeast Club in 1995-96 and is the Recipient of the Vocational Service Award and the Rotary Foundation District Service Award. He is also the treasurer for District 6110.

Russ attended the University of Tulsa and holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from East Central State University. He is a certified public accountant, having passed the CPA exam in 1970. He is the managing partner of Cross and Robinson Certified Public Accountants.

As a native Oklahoman, Russell has served and been involved with the following organizations:

  • Trustee for The Meals on Wheels Endowment Fund
  • Past President and Board Member of Cedar Ridge Country Club
  • Board Member of the Margaret Hudson Foundation
  • Board Member of the Byrd Community School
  • Board of Trustees of Southern Hills Church of Christ
  • Member of the Tulsa Memorial Area Planning Council
  • Member of the City of Tulsa Civil Service Commission
  • Treasurer of the Fairway Villas Homeowners’ Association
  • Board Member of Forest Park South Homeowners’ Association
  • Treasurer for several political campaigns

Russell has been married to Joyce, his high school sweetheart, for 45 years. They have two grown children, a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Whitney. They are the proud grandparents of 5 grandchildren, including 3-year old triplets. He is an avid golfer, and when not taking care of grandkids, he and Joyce enjoy traveling.

Russ, thank you for setting up our program today! It’s good to have you in the club.

This Week’s Program

State Auditor and Inspector Steve Burrage
Steve Burrage was appointed Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector by Governor Henry on July 10, 2008. Burrage has more than 30 years of experience in banking and accounting. He has led FirstBank of Antlers since 1982, serving as President, Chief Executive Officer, and now its Chairman of the Board. In addition, he is a certified public accountant and was a partner in Burgess and Burgess Certified Public Accountants from 1977 to 1982.

Auditor Burrage has many years of leadership experience in banking and accounting. Currently serving on numerous civic and financial boards, he is a former board member of the Oklahoma City branch of the Federal Reserve and is the past Chairman of the Board of the Oklahoma Bankers Association. Most recently, Auditor Burrage was asked to help oversee the stimulus process, in which he will monitor the expenditure of federal funds Oklahoma receives over the next few years.

Burrage holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Oklahoma. A member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Steve and his wife Roberta have three children: Mike, Mark and Bradley.

Boards and Commissions

The State Auditor serves on numerous boards and commissions, including:

  • The Archives and Records Commission
  • The Board of Directors for the College Savings Plan
  • The Board of Managers for CompSource
  • The Board of Investors for the Tobacco Settlement Fund
  • The Commission for Local Government Technology
  • The Oklahoma State Pension Commission
  • The Small Business Linked Deposit Board
  • The State Board of Equalization
  • The State School Land Commission
  • The Southwest Intergovernmental Audit Forum

Steve, thanks for speaking with us today! Tulsa Southside Rotary welcomes you!

Southsider Quick Notes

Last week…
- Last week, our ROD was Randy Sullivan, and Mike Terry came to give us an update on the oil and gas industry.

- Start thinking about businesses who may want to sponsor the Henry Bellmon Awards. They will be held this September.

- If you want to pick up some Topeca coffee for the fundraiser, see Josh Butts. We’re supposed to buy or sell 20 bags apiece.

- Want to help out at Biscuit Acres? It’s as easy as bringing plastic Wal-Mart bags and stuffing the tubes. John Benjamin has done a lot for Biscuit Acres, so let’s help out!

- Be Wise Immunize has been set for April 24, which is the last Saturday in April.

- Jessica Cox, our membership chair, has reminded everybody to bring guests! All you have to do is ask somebody to come to lunch.

- Here is the slate of new officers for 2010-2011:

  • Tom Wilson – President
  • Donna Petty – President Elect – Services Director
  • Keith James – Past President
  • Larry Gilbert – Administration
  • Tim Douglas – Treasurer
  • Brian Huddleston – RI Foundation Director
  • Cindy Llewellyn – Publicity Director
  • Jessica Cox – Membership Director
  • Randy Sullivan – Bellmon Awards
  • Janice Nicklas – Bellmon Awards
  • Glenn Burnett – Director at Large

- There will be a Fireside Chat on Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Calistoga’s. New members, this is a chance to sit down and learn more details about our club and what we do in the community.

- Remember to deliver your dictionaries. Fines will be starting soon, so get in touch with your schools!

- Also, dues are due! Be sure to get your checks in and make sure you’re paid up.

- Be sure to check the Upcoming Programs for our speaker list through March 2010. Information on it is subject to change, but we’ll do our best to keep it updated!