WTF ??? 

We have a million other important issues to discuss and resolve than to argue over who gets to say what before the damn meeting can begin!! 

How about, "Thank you for being here. The time is now 4 pm August 4, 2016 and we will begin to address the issues".   

For the love of God people! Pull your head out of your ass and do your jobs!! If you can't figure that out, then find obviously this is not the job for you!!