PAUL KANTER introduced Interact student Hemisha Morar, and students discussed the Rotary International Interact Project, known as HydrAID, which is a program through which portable water filter systems are distributed to folks living in conditions in which water is contaminated.  The goal of the Interact project is to raise funds to provide access to drinkable water to as many as 10,000 people for 10 years.  A video was shown to inform us of the situation and the project.  Rotary Club of San Jose sponsors four Interact Clubs, those being at Bellarmine, Lincoln, Santa Teresa, and Gunderson.

JOHN BAIRD then introduced today's program.  Gene Banman is the CEO of Zero Motorcycles Inc, one of the new breeds of "green tech" businesses aiming to stimulate the economy, create jobs while reducing dependence on foreign oil, and reducing emissions to help solve global warming.  Gene drove up to the stage on his Zero Motorcycle, very quietly as it is electric. 

Zero Motorcycles manufactures a line of high performance all-electric motorcycles. The company is Gene's 3rd startup as CEO. Prior to these startups he spent 15 years with Sun Microsystems where he grew up with the company as it went from 700 employees to 46,000 and he rose from Product Line Manager to VP/GM of the Desktop Computer business unit.

Gene has an MBA from Carnegie-Mellon University and a BA in Physics from U.C. Berkeley.  He encouraged the students present to be educated in math and science.

Gene discussed the convergence of technological advances that are enabling the largest technology revolution in the vehicle business in 100 years: the move from internal combustion engine power to an all-electric power train. He talked about how Zero Motorcycles was founded and how the various backgrounds of the people came together to build a new business. He discussed the market strategies needed for future success.

His presentation featured a video produced by Blake Mitchell, an owner of a Zero Motorcycle.   

Gene says the company, in business just a couple of years, booked 200 orders in 2008, and shipped 150 units the first six weeks of 2009.  He said that the months April through July comprise the critical motorcycle buying season - "it's cyclical."  Consumers, he said, buy these Zero Motorcycles for several reasons, including the ability to ride locally because they are quiet; no servicing needed; very lightweight (about 150 lbs. while the typical motorcycle weighs 250 lbs.); no dealer involved, and people have become accustomed to purchasing large ticket items online (the Zero retails for about $7,500).

The company's marketing efforts include 80 folks worldwide (30 in Europe and 50 in the U.S.) who are "demo riders" and whom receive commission if a sale is made through their efforts. 

There are 168 lithium cells on each Zero Motorcycle, and manufacturing is outsourced to existing companies.  The company plans to take 400-500 orders this year, and next month will announce a street legal motorcycle. 

During the Q&A period, Gene told us that the Zero Motorcycle speed is 45 mph, and that each battery lasts up to two hours.

At the conclusion of the program, President Bert presented Gene with a certificate recognizing the Club's donation to an adaptable swing (manually operated so thus very "green")in his honor, then Gene mounted the Zero and quietly rode off the stage.

Meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

Next week: our very own CARL SALAS speaks about "greening."  So with that in mind, please do not print out this summary.

Until then, I'm gone to recharge my batteries. 

Respectfully Submitted By:  Brian Adams, Rotary Summary Committee

Photos Provided By:  Chris Johnson