April 28, 2008 – Four young business people from western Florida completed a five-day Rotary International Group Study Exchange Monday on St. Croix where the local Rotary clubs shared in hosting the business exchange.
David A. Beck, assistant regional Rotary district governor, introduced the team at a media conference at DeeAnna's restaurant in Christiansted.
"This project is a young leaders outreach," Beck said. "This is to interact and study new ideas and projects."
The Rotary Group Study Exchange sends young professionals from one geographic area to another to learn about culture and vocations by mixing with business leaders and Rotarians in diverse environments.
"The exchange really opened my eyes to the challenges faced daily by business people here," said team member Daphne Macfarlane.
Local Rotarians kept the team members busy taking them on cultural, business, historical and economic tours.
Point Udall and a private tour of Government House were among the island highlights for the group of business people which included: Macfarlane, who is employed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, David Meadows, entrepreneur, Alexandra Rosado, aesthetician, and Kelly Weatherby, graphic artist.
Vocational exchange days focusing on team member's businesses were held with the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce, National Park Service, Small Business Administration, Dee Dee's Hair Care and Caribbean Printing Services.
But the natural beauty of the islands appeared to have the most effect on the visitors.
"The trip to Buck Island and learning about the turtles was incredible," Macfarlane said.
The team members, all under age 40, go through a selection process. Although they are not presently Rotarians, they are looked at as prospective Rotarians. The team leader is the only Rotarian member in the exchange.
That team leader, Carole Ketterhagen Owenby from Florida, said, "What made this exchange so special was the people." She added, "The relationships made will be ongoing."
The team, which also spent a day on St.Thomas, is leaving Monday for the British Virgin Islands, Bahamas and Jamaica.
The Rotary Clubs hosting the exchange were St. Croix, St. Croix West, St. Croix Mid-Isle and St. Croix Harborside.
The local Rotary clubs have sent three teams on exchanges and they have hosted five teams over the years.
Next on the St. Croix exchange team agenda is a trip to Australia.
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