Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

3.1.18 - Special Guest - RSVP required
2018-03-01 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
RSVP’s will be required to attend this luncheon.
Rotary Club of Grand Rapids members will be given first priority to attend the luncheon.
Each Rotarian will be limited to one guest and the cost will be $20/guest.

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Volunteer Opportunity
2018-02-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Feeding America West Michigan, 3070 Shaffer Ave SE, Kentwood, Michigan, 49512
In recognition of the anniversary of Rotary International. The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids participates in “Days of Caring”.
One of this year’s “Days of Caring” projects will be taking place at Feeding America West Michigan on Saturday, February 24th, 15 volunteers are needed to work with 15-25 STRIVE students and mentors to assist with repackaging food from 9:00am-12:00pm.
Please contact James Eliassen or Christine Lindeman to volunteer

What Does Feeding America West Michigan Do?
Feeding America West Michigan exists to ensure safe food is available to the hungry in our community. In 2016, we distributed a record 29.1 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 24 million meals.
This food comes from hundreds of farmers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers that have edible food they can’t sell because of overruns, order errors, misprints, and other unexpected occurrences.
We distribute that reclaimed food to pantries, shelters, after-school programs, and other anti-hunger agencies in 40 Michigan counties.
More than 900 agencies use Feeding America West Michigan to provide food to an estimated 492,100 people every year. We also send food directly to people in need through our local Mobile Food Pantry Program.
For every dollar donated to our organization, we can provide 4 meals to people in need. A gift of just $21 can feed a family of four for a week.

2.22.18 - Christopher Shires
2018-02-22 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Christopher Shires joined the Gilmore Car Museum as its Executive Director in January 2017, organizing several new exhibitions and driving a collection storage building campaign.
Prior to this, Chris has served as the Holland Museum as its Executive Director leading the organization through American Alliance of Museum’s reaccreditation, rebranding, and new marketing initiatives. Before this position, Shires served as the Director of Interpretation and Programs at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, where he helped develop a series of new public and educational programs and exhibits for the Ford House.
Prior to his time in Michigan, Shires first served as the Interpretive Services Manager and later, the Director of Exhibits, Education and Programs, at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a member of the new museum’s start-up team. Other previous positions were held at the Campbell House Museum and the St. Louis Mercantile Library.
Shires earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Marshall University and a Master of Arts in History, along with a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies, from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.
Chris and his wife Greta have a seven-year-old son, Fuller and five-year-old daughter, Campbell.

Volunteer Opportunity
2018-02-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Feeding America West Michigan, 3070 Shaffer Ave SE, Kentwood, Michigan, 49512
In recognition of the anniversary of Rotary International. The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids participates in “Days of Caring”.
One of this year’s “Days of Caring” projects will be taking place at Feeding America West Michigan on Friday, February 16th, 15 volunteers will be needed to assist with repackaging food from 9:00am-12:00pm.
Please contact James Eliassen or Christine Lindeman to volunteer

What Does Feeding America West Michigan Do?
Feeding America West Michigan exists to ensure safe food is available to the hungry in our community. In 2016, we distributed a record 29.1 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 24 million meals.
This food comes from hundreds of farmers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers that have edible food they can’t sell because of overruns, order errors, misprints, and other unexpected occurrences.
We distribute that reclaimed food to pantries, shelters, after-school programs, and other anti-hunger agencies in 40 Michigan counties.
More than 900 agencies use Feeding America West Michigan to provide food to an estimated 492,100 people every year. We also send food directly to people in need through our local Mobile Food Pantry Program.
For every dollar donated to our organization, we can provide 4 meals to people in need. A gift of just $21 can feed a family of four for a week.

2.15.18 - Honorable David Murkowski
2018-02-15 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Judge David M. Murkowski was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In 1979 he graduated cum laude from Marquette University, where he was awarded the university’s Outstanding Student Service Award and the Polanki College Achievement Scholarship. In 1979 Judge Murkowski was also inducted into the National Jesuit Honor Society. He attended Western Michigan University’ s Thomas M. Cooley Law School and was an honor roll graduate in 1983.
Judge Murkowski served as law clerk to the Michigan House of Representatives Civil Rights Committee and worked as a solo practitioner in Grand Rapids until 1993, when he joined the law firm of Dilley & Dilley. He specialized in criminal defense, juvenile neglect and delinquency and probate law, and served as managing partner of Dilley & Dilley, Murkowski & Goller until 2006 when he was appointed to the Kent County Probate bench to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Janet A. Haynes.
In December of 2007, the Michigan Supreme Court appointed Judge Murkowski to serve as the Chief Judge of the Kent County Probate Court commencing January 1, 2008.
Judge Murkowski currently serves as the President of the Michigan Probate Judges Association and as a member of the Judicial Council of the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He has previously served as council member of the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Kent County Family and Children’s Coordinating Council. Judge Murkowski has lectured for the Michigan Judicial Institute, ICLE’s Probate and Estate Planning Institute, the Michigan Probate Judges Association and the Grand Rapids Bar Association . Judge Murkowski is a chapter author of Michigan Probate Litigation: A Guide to Contested Litigation, 211d Ed., a contributor to the Michigan Probate Benchbook, associate editor of Inter-Com, a journal publication of the Michigan Probate Judges Association, and was a contributor to the drafting of the Michigan Trust Code. In 2014, Judge Murkowski was the recipient of the Judicial Contributions in Law and Aging Award by Elder Law of Michigan, was selected as a Leader in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, and was elected as a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation.

PROBATE COURT
Mission Statement – The mission of the Kent County Probate Court is to provide an accessible and person-centered venue to secure the peaceful and sound resolution of matters, where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
The Probate Court is a trial court of statutory jurisdiction in Michigan. It has exclusive jurisdiction over matters relating to: the estates of decedents; trusts; guardianships of developmentally disabled persons, legally incapacitated adults, and minors; conservatorships for protected adults and minors, protective orders; accounts of other fiduciaries; and petitions for hospitalization of mentally ill persons. The Probate Court also has jurisdiction over a myriad of other types of civil actions, in particular where an estate, trust, fiduciary or ward is a party. By the nature of the matters within its jurisdiction, the Probate Court is primarily concerned with the protection of incapacitated individuals and their assets and the proper transfer of assets at death.

Volunteer Opportunity
2018-02-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Ronald McDonald House, 1323 Cedar St NE, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
In recognition of the anniversary of Rotary International. The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids participates in “Days of Caring”.
One of this year’s “Days of Caring” projects will be taking place at the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan on Monday, February 12th. 3 volunteers are needed to make dinner and dessert for residents of from 4:00-pam-6:00pm.
If you are able to volunteer, please contact Jim Siegel.

Mission
To provide a “home-away-from-home” for families of children traveling to Grand Rapids for their child’s medical or mental health treatment.
History
The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Since then more than 350 Houses have been licensed around the world … all with the common mission of keeping families close as their children receive medical or mental health treatment.
The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan (RMHWM) opened on March 23, 1990. The 19,000 square foot facility was designed specifically as a Ronald McDonald House. Located on five park-like acres, the House has seventeen bedrooms with private baths; two are isolation equipped and three are handicap accessible. Common rooms include a large family-style kitchen with four complete cooking areas, a dining room, great room with fireplace, sitting room, sunroom overlooking the backyard that has a playground area and walking path and children’s play house, a laundry room, and recreation room.
Overview of the House
RMHWM registers over 300 families each year. While guests arrive from counties throughout Michigan, other states, and even foreign countries, the majority of the families served reside in the West Michigan area. Families stay at the House for 18 nights, on average, though we have had families stay with us for close to a year. We usually have 35-45 guests at the House each night.

2.8.18 - Tina Freese Decker
2018-02-08 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Tina Freese Decker, MHA, MSIE, FACHE
Tina Freese Decker is executive vice president and chief operating officer of Spectrum Health, a $6 billion not-for-profit integrated health system based in West Michigan. She is an experienced leader in strategic planning, business development, operations and governance. Tina is responsible for advancing the strategy and leading operations of the organization, including Spectrum Health Hospital Group, Spectrum Health Medical Group, human resources and information services among other departments. In her role, she will continue to help align leadership and operations in Spectrum Health to better meet the challenges and opportunities within the health care industry.
Tina joined Spectrum Health in 2002 as an administrative fellow and was named system director of planning and strategic development in 2003. She was promoted to vice president in 2006. During this time, Tina also served as executive director of the Regional Hospital Network, a group of 21 West Michigan hospitals.
Tina served as president of Spectrum Health United and Kelsey hospitals beginning in 2011, providing strategic direction for the hospitals and subsidiaries. In 2013, Tina was named senior vice president/chief strategy officer for Spectrum Health and in the summer of 2014, she was named president of Spectrum Health Hospital Group, responsible for strategy, operations and growth for Spectrum Health’s 12 award-winning hospitals (Butterworth Hospital, Blodgett Hospital, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Gerber Memorial, Big Rapids Hospital, Ludington Hospital, Pennock, United Hospital, Kelsey Hospital, Reed City Hospital and Zeeland Community Hospital), and 180 ambulatory and service sites. In 2017, she was named executive vice president and chief operating officer.
As a health system, Spectrum Health was named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems—and in the top five among the largest health systems—in 2017 by Truven Health Analytics®, part of IBM Watson HealthTM for the sixth time since 2010. This recognition was based largely on the strength of the Spectrum Health Hospital Group and our flagship tertiary/quaternary care center, Butterworth Hospital. In 2017, Spectrum Health received the Foster G. McGaw Prize, one of the most revered community service awards in health care, sponsored by the Baxter International Foundation, the American Hospital Association (AHA) and its non-profit affiliate Health Research & Educational Trust.
Tina is leading a care transformation initiative at Spectrum Health grounded in culture change, improved decision-making and patient-centric care coordination. She is leading an initiative called Nexus, a $300 million effort to transform care and move to one electronic medical record.
Tina earned her bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and two master’s degrees from the University of Iowa in Iowa City—one in health administration and one in industrial engineering.
Tina serves on the Fifth Third Bank Western Michigan Board of Directors, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association Board of Directors, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Board of Directors, the Grand Rapids Economic Club Board of Directors and the Spectrum Health/Michigan State University Alliance Board of Directors. She also is a member of the Grand Valley State University Office of the Vice Provost for Health Advisory Board and the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board 5. Tina participates in the Health Management Academy, the Healthcare Executive Study Society and the Talent 2025 CEO Council.
Tina was named among Crain’s Detroit Business 100 Most Influential Women in 2016 and Grand Rapids’ Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan in 2016 and 2014. She also received in 2016 the Iowa State University Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Tina was honored as 2015 Modern Healthcare Up and Comer, as well as University of Iowa Outstanding Young Alumni in 2014. She also was recognized by the American College of Healthcare Executives in 2013 with the Robert S. Hudgens Memorial Award for Young Healthcare Executive of the Year, which awards outstanding achievement in the field of health care management.
Tina lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband, daughter and son.

2.1.18 - Rotary in the PM
2018-02-01 16:00 - 17:15 | Our Daily Bread, 3000 Kraft Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49512, United States
Mark Potter and Max Smith are happy to host the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids at Our Daily Bread Ministries for our 4:00pm, “Rotary in the PM” meeting on February 1.
Our Daily Bread Ministries (“ODBM”) began in 1938 with a radio program called Detroit Bible Class. After moving to Grand Rapids, the organization was known as Radio Bible Class for many years until the name was eventually changed to Our Daily Bread Ministries.
ODBM is a non-denominational, non-profit organization with staff and volunteers in over 37 offices around the world working together to distribute more than 60 million resources in 150 countries. Our Daily Bread devotional is publishes in over 50 languages. Ministry efforts include printed materials, radio and TV broadcasts, DVDs, podcasts, books, mobile apps and the internet.
ODBM is located at 3000 Kraft Ave. SE, just south of 28th St. Parking is available on the west and south side of the building.
Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. Tours of the printing facilities and studios will be available.

1.25.18 - Renwick Brutus
2018-01-25 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Please join us for an update about our Club. You will hear from Club President, Renwick Brutus as he reviews his year and provides an update on his goals.
We will have a financial update on the Club, as well as updates from various Committee Chairs.
This will provide the perfect opportunity for our members to ask questions and learn more about more about the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids.

1.18.18 - James Gill
2018-01-18 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
James R. Gill, A.A.E., IAP, is the President & Chief Executive Officer for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. He is responsible for directing the day-to-day operations of the airport.
Prior to assuming his current duties in January 2017, he was Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer for the Allegheny County Airport Authority in Pittsburgh, PA. He was responsible for day-to-day oversight of the airport system and its 460+ staff members, as well as major initiatives such as air service negotiations, airline agreement negotiations, real estate development, etc.
Jim has held a number of positions within the aviation industry including: Contract Administrator Supervisor & Finance Director, both with the Allegheny County Department of Aviation in Pittsburgh, PA beginning in 1993, Deputy Executive Director – Finance & Administration with the Allegheny County Airport Authority, Pittsburgh, PA beginning in 1997, Deputy Airport Director – Finance, Business & Administration/CFO with the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority in Raleigh, NC beginning in 2001, and then returning to the Allegheny County Airport Authority in Pittsburgh, PA in 2001 as the Executive Vice President and CFO. Jim has nearly 25 years experience in the aviation management industry.
Jim holds a Master of Business Administration from Duquesne University with concentrations in Finance, Accounting and Management Information Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting from Duquesne University.
Jim is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), is a member of their Board of Examiners and is a member of their Finance & Administration Committee. Jim is an International Airport Professional (IAP) with Airports Council International (ACI) & International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He is a member of the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Finance Committee, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

1.11.18 - Sean Welsh presenting James Goble
2018-01-11 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Sean Welsh will be introducing James Goble, an expert in Cyber Fraud Dectection, Fraud Detection Operations and Security Operations from PNC Financial Group.
James will be discussing the threats that we face everyday from cyber fraud and ways for us to protect ourselves.

Sean Welsh
Sean began his banking career in 1986 with American National Bank & Trust Company of Chicago after graduating from Michigan State University. After completing his credit training, he managed a large portfolio of loans to middle market companies located throughout the Midwest. In 1991 he joined National City’s predecessor bank, First of America. Welsh held several line and management positions with First of America including Vice President & Group Manager; Corporate Banking and Vice President & Group Manager- Investment Real Estate. In addition, as Vice President of Corporate Finance, he was responsible for delivering First of America’s Corporate Finance capabilities to the Michigan, Illinois and Indiana markets.
Sean currently serves as Regional President for the Western Michigan Market. Previously he served as Senior Vice President and Division Manager for National City’s Corporate Banking group in Chicago and Northern Illinois. Sean relocated to Chicago from Kalamazoo in 1998 to establish National City’s Corporate Banking line of business in Chicago.
Sean currently serves on the Boards of The Right Place, Spectrum Health, Southwest Michigan First, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, Talent 2025 and Economic Club of Grand Rapids. He is married and has three daughters.

1.4.18 - "Rotary in the PM"
2018-01-04 16:00 - 18:00 | MI
Club President Renwick Brutus would like to host you and a guest at his home on Thursday, January 4, beginning at 4 pm for a holiday celebration and as our first “Rotary in the PM” of 2018.
Please join your fellow Rotarians and their guests for this relaxing after holiday celebration to enjoy fun and fellowship.
Rotary will be providing an entree, along with beer, wine and soda. Please bring your favorite dish to pass.
An RSVP would be greatly appreciated by 12 pm on Tuesday, January 2.

12.28.17 - No Luncheon - Holiday time celebration
2017-12-28 12:00 - 13:15 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States

12.21.17 - No Luncheon - Holiday time celebration
2017-12-21 08:00 - 17:00 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States

12.19.17
2017-12-19 12:00 - 13:30 | Kuyper College, 3333 East Beltline, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525, United States

12.14.17 - Holiday Luncheon
2017-12-14 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

12.7.17 - "Rotary in the PM"
2017-12-07 16:00 - 17:15 | Ronald McDonald House, 1323 Cedar St NE, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
Please join us for networking, appetizers and drinks at the Ronald McDonald House beginning at 4:00pm.
We will have a modified program followed by an opportunity to network with fellow Rotarian’s and guests. In addition, the staff at Ronald McDonald House will provide a tour of their facility.
We hope that you will bring your spouses, friends, co-workers, clients and prospect members to this fun event. The cost for each guest is $20.
Hors d’oeuvres will be provided, along with beer and wine.
Please RSVP by 12:00pm on Friday, December 1st.

11.30.17 - Tom Haas
2017-11-30 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
President Thomas J. Haas is Grand Valley State University’s fourth president.
During the past 35 years, Tom Haas has been a tenured faculty member, department chair, dean, vice president and president. Just prior to his appointment in 2006, Haas was president of the State University of New York Cobleskill. In addition to his appointment as president of Grand Valley, Haas has also been appointed professor of chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
He is a 1973 honors graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He then earned a Master of Science (MS) in chemistry; another in environmental health sciences from The University of Michigan. Haas also holds a MS in human resources management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY) and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT). Fellowship experiences in higher education include Yale University Faculty Fellow and an American Council on Education Fellow at Western Michigan University. He completed executive leadership programs at Harvard University. He was recently recognized with an honorary degree, Doctor of Science, by Kingston University in the UK and a second from Cracow University of Economics

11.23.17 -No Luncheon - Celebrate Thanksgiving Holiday
2017-11-23 12:00 - 13:15 | MI

11.16.17 - Peter Y. Hahn, MD, MBA
2017-11-16 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
A senior physician leader with extensive experience in service line development, strategic planning, physician engagement and quality improvement. Has proven results leading system-wide change in challenging environments. Was a Mayo Foundation Scholar and a recipient of the Mayo Brothers Distinguished Fellowship Award and the Mayo Foundation Burgher Family Fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine. Served in several leadership roles and was named a “Top Doc” by Portland Monthly Magazine and served as President of the Oregon Society of Critical Care Medicine and founded and led the Northwest section of the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology. Has published extensively and lectured and presented on numerous healthcare topics. Has national level expertise in healthcare policy, reimbursement and regulatory issues, and has served in national and regional leadership roles for different healthcare and related organizations An award-winning leader in community healthcare, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health serves more than 250,000 patients annually from across West Michigan – and beyond. In addition to its 208-bed hospital, which provides a comprehensive suite of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health has a growing number neighborhood outpatient centers and offices throughout West Michigan, as well as a community clinic for the underserved and student health clinics on the campuses of Grand Valley State University and Aquinas College.
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
With more than 500 physicians on staff, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health provides a growing number of specialty health services, including cancer treatment, heart and vascular, neurology, pulmonology and others. Many staff physicians are members of the Metro Health Medical Group.
The hospital is committed to promoting health and wellness through the work of the Metro Health Hospital Foundation, Live Healthy community outreach classes and educational programs and more. Visit us www.metrohealth.net, follow us on Twitter @MetroHealthGr and like us on Facebook/MetroHealth.

11.9.17 - Ed Swart
2017-11-09 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Edward C. Swart, PhD, Rotary District 6290 Governor 2017-18
Ed, a semi-retired clinical psychologist, holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University and completed a residency at Northwestern University Medical School. For eight years, he was the clinical director of Ottawa County Community Mental Health Services, and he was in private practice (Psychological Services Center, LC, with PDG Don Moss) for 25 years in Holland, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Muskegon, and Allendale. For several years he was president of one of the largest psychologist-owned practices in Michigan. In his semi-retirement, Ed currently is a consulting supervisor to a local counseling agency.
Volunteering has always played an important role in Ed’s life. He spends several days a week in elementary schools; he chairs the Rotary Leaders for the 21st century leadership training program for middle schoolers which is co-sponsored by the Holland and Zeeland Rotary clubs; he has served on, and chaired, a number of church and community boards, including a local Cub Scout committee and the local chapter of the American Red Cross where he also started the Disaster Mental Health team.
Ed has been a member of the Rotary Club of Holland since 1984 and was President when the club sponsored the Holland AM Club. He has been active in Rotary Youth Exchange as YEO, host parent, Youth Protection Officer, and District Chair, and has mentored Rotary Ambassadorial and Peace Scholars. In the International Rotary arena, Ed has attended Rotary International Conventions in three countries and has served in Honduras for HHOP (Health and Humanitarian Outreach Projects) on their water and sanitation projects.
In 2004, Ed received his Club’s Distinguished Service Award. In the spirit of supporting the work of Rotary International, he is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and that tradition continues in the family with his wife Carol, their three children and his late wife Jan, all being Paul Harris Fellows. Ed and Carol first met in Rotary so it was a natural that he proposed to her at a Club meeting.
They enjoy football – GO BLUE! – theater, concerts, sailing, being active in Rotary, and spending time with their three children and three grandchildren.

11.2.17 - "Rotary in the PM" - RSVP's appreciated
2017-11-02 16:00 - 17:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
We will be hosting this week’s “Rotary in the PM” meeting at the University Club and encourage you to bring guests (spouses, significant other, friends, co-workers and prospective members. As usual we will have a condensed meeting agenda.
Please contact the Rotary office to RSVP for this event.
You will be provided with a drink ticket for beer or wine, along with spiced rum punch and hors d’oeuvres.
From 5:00pm-7:00pm attendees are then invited to join the “Soups and Sips for Scholarships” event taking place at the University. You will be able to take part in unlimited soup tasting and then voting for your favorite, along with raffles and more. Drink tickets will also be available to purchase. Parking will be provided.

10.26.17 - Brian Lennon
2017-10-26 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Brian Lennon specializes in criminal defense, particularly Health Care Fraud and other white collar and drug offenses, corporate internal investigations and compliance matters. As a federal prosecutor in Michigan and Virginia for 15 years and a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division, Brian has conducted hundreds of grand jury investigations, handled a variety of civil cases in U.S. District Courts throughout the country and tried nearly 70 criminal cases to verdict — from drunk driving to complex money-laundering schemes to murder. As Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Michigan, Brian supervised the Health Care Fraud and computer-related crimes units, among others. He also spent four and a half years as a judge advocate for the U.S. Marine Corps, handling both civil and criminal matters.
As a prosecutor, Brian watched some of the brightest and best-intentioned individuals and companies make poor decisions when they became the subject of an administrative, civil or criminal investigation. As a private-practice lawyer, he’s determined to help his clients avoid those missteps. “I understand the real world implications of investigations and criminal prosecutions,” he says. “I fully appreciate the fact that your liberty and livelihood are at stake.”
In 2011, Brian was honored with the prestigious “Superior Performance as a Criminal Prosecutor” award from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

10.19.17 - Jumpstart’s Read for the Record®
2017-10-19 14:00 - 15:00 | River City Scholars, 944 Evergreen St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507
Join the millions of children and adults who’ll be participating in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record® this year! Jumpstart is celebrating the 12th anniversary of its annual campaign, which gathers over 2 million people together around the world to read the same book on the same day. Read for the Record brings much needed attention to inequities in early childhood education, inspires adults to read with children, spurs policymakers and organizations to take action towards transformative change in early education, and puts books in the hands of children across the country.
This year’s campaign book, Quackers by Liz Wong, is a wonderful story that follows a kitten who grows up believing he is a duck. This tale is about understanding, acceptance, and learning it’s ok to be whoever you want to be. Every year, Jumpstart produces a special edition of its Read for the Record campaign book that features vocabulary tips, reading comprehension questions, and more resources to ‘jumpstart’ a child’s curiosity. Special editions are available in both English and Spanish.
We are asking you to add this volunteer opportunity to your calendar for Thursday, Oct. 19th at 2:00pm at River City Scholars at 944 Evergreen St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. Please contact Mark Johnson or James Eliassen to volunteer.

10.19.17 - Jeff Mason
2017-10-19 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
As CEO, Jeff Mason is charged with implementing and executing MEDC’s core mission of business development and attraction, community development, providing access to capital and improving Michigan’s image and brand.
From 2009 to 2017 Jeff was the Executive Director of Michigan’s University Research Corridor which is an alliance between Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University to transform, strengthen, and diversify Michigan’s economy. The vision of the University Research Corridor (URC) is to play a key role in creating a vibrant Michigan economy that leverages the intellectual capital of its three public research universities, to work proactively to attract the knowledge economy businesses that can find the research activity that feeds new enterprise, educate the workforce, and plants the seeds for the new industries of tomorrow.
Prior to joining the URC as Executive Director he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. In that role Mason led a team responsible for the retention and expansion of existing Michigan businesses as well as the attraction of national and international companies to Michigan.
Before becoming Chief Business Development Officer, Mason headed up the Technology Development Group working to grow Michigan’s technology oriented segments of our state’s economy. Technology Development was engaged in the areas of technology transfer and commercialization, venture capital, entrepreneurship, and business development. Their focus was in the sectors of life sciences, homeland security, and advanced automotive technologies.
From 1990-1999, Jeff served in various roles on the Travel Michigan team, serving eventually as Managing Director of Travel Michigan.
Jeff received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Michigan State University.

10.12.17 - Honorable James Redford
2017-10-12 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
James Robert Redford was appointed interim director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency by Gov. Rick Snyder on Feb. 19, 2016 and director on April 27, 2016.
In September 1984, Redford was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) student program by his brother, who was then a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. Following law school, Redford served five years on active duty and an additional 23 years in the Navy Reserves. His assignments included several Staff Judge Advocate tours and three commanding officer assignments.
In 2007, Redford was selected to serve as a judge of the Navy and Marine Corps trial judiciary, serving as Commanding Officer of the Navy Reserve Trial Judiciary. His last assignment was in 2009 as Legal and Legislative Affairs Counsel to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations in the Pentagon.
In July 2012, Redford transferred to retired status at the rank of Captain (O-6). His awards include the Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (twice), Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six times), Navy Achievement Medal (six times) and National Defense Medal (twice).
Prior to his MVAA appointment, he served as the governor’s chief legal counsel, Kent County Circuit Court judge and assistant U.S. attorney in the Western District of Michigan.
Redford earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from John Carroll University (Ohio) and his juris doctorate from the University of Detroit Law School.
He is married to Dianne Redford and has three children.

10.5.17 -"Rotary in the PM" - RSVP needed
2017-10-05 16:00 - 17:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Please join us for networking, appetizers and drinks at the University Club overlooking beautiful downtown Grand Rapids beginning at 4:00pm.
We will have a modified program followed by an opportunity to network with fellow Rotarian’s while enjoying the view of the city from the 10th Floor. Parking will be discounted.
We hope that you will bring your spouses, friends, co-workers, clients and prospect members to this fun event.
Please RSVP by 12:00pm on Tuesday, October 2nd.
Our Menu for the evening will include:

Domestic and Imported Cheese, Fresh Fruit & Crackers
Spinach Artichoke Dip with Crostinis
Tomato Bruschetta with Crostinis
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Sesame Chicken with Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
Sodas
Rum/Apple Cider Punch
Domestic Import Beer, Banquet Wines (we will provide 1 drink ticket and additional tickets can be purchased for $7)

9.28.17 - Scott Gilman
2017-09-28 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Scott Gilman, MSA, CBHE serves as the CEO for Network180 in Kent County Michigan. With a budget of $135 million, Network180 is the 4th largest mental health system in Michigan. Network180 connects behavioral health services to more than 10,000 individuals annually through its provider network.
Gilman has more than 23 years of successful healthcare leadership experience, providing fiscal, strategic and operational management across a diverse spectrum of behavioral health and physical health entities.
Prior to joining Network180 in 2013 Gilman served as CEO of the Shiawassee County Community Mental Health Authority for 7 years. Earlier in his career Gilman was the Director and developed Riverhaven Substance Abuse Coordinating Agency during Michigan’s first implementation of Prepaid Impatient Health Plans. Gilman also worked in physical healthcare as family practice and urgent care physician practice manager.
A certified healthcare executive, Gilman holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saginaw Valley State University and a master of science in administration from Central Michigan University.

9.21.17 - Karen McCarthy
2017-09-21 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Karen McCarthy is a Regional Public Affairs Manager for Consumers Energy, based in Grand Rapids. She is responsible for local government and community relations, economic development and charitable giving in southern Kent County and western Ottawa County, and supervises a team of employees with similar responsibilities in southwest and west Michigan.
Karen was a member of the Ottawa County Economic Development Office Board of Directors until it merged with Lakeshore Advantage in late 2014. She serves on the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Environmental Affairs Committee, Tax and Regulatory Affairs Committee and Public Policy Council. She chairs the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Government Matters Committee, which was named the Committee of the Year in 2013. Karen was appointed by the Mayor to serve on the City of Grand Rapids Urban Forestry Committee and the River Corridor Plan Committee. She is a former member of planning commissions in Cascade Charter Township and the City of Kentwood. Additionally, Karen volunteers with the Heart of West Michigan United Way, the Michigan Women’s Foundation, and Cornell University’s Project FeederWatch.
Karen has worked for Consumers Energy for 32 years. She formerly chaired the company’s political action committee and was selected as Employee for Better Government of the Year in 2011. She previously worked for the Michigan Legislature, Michigan State University and DeWitt Public Schools.
Karen graduated cum laude from Furman University in Greenville, S.C., with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, and is an accredited member (APR) of the Public Relations Society of America. In her spare time, she enjoys birding, reading and gardening. Karen and her family live in Alto.

9.14.17 - Kent Riddle
2017-09-14 12:00 - 13:15 | Mary Free Bed, 350 Lafayette SE, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
You may not expect an engineer to be at the helm of the nation’s 4th largest rehabilitation system, but Kent Riddle is more than comfortable in that role. After graduating from Purdue University in Construction Management and Engineering, Kent’s career began on a likely track: commercial and industrial real estate development, building design and construction, and global mergers and acquisitions for Steelcase, Inc.
Kent’s professional path realigned when his wife, Susan, suffered a traumatic brain injury and recovered at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. He joined the hospital board and was invited to become Chief Executive Officer in 2011.
Known around the hospital as the Energizer Bunny, during the past five years Kent has initiated and integrated monumental changes at Mary Free Bed with significant results including:

The number of employees has gr0wn by 74%
A $66 million expansion and renovation project is nearing completion with a leading-edge hospital, designed specifically for rehabilitation, operational for the past year.
The number of inpatient beds on the main campus has more than doubled going from 80 to 167.
The Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Network was created in 2011 and now has 31 hospital members across Michigan – with an additional 100 inpatient acute-care rehabilitation beds in this system.
The Mary Free Bed Foundation was established in 2012 and has raised $20.4 million.

But clearly the most important accomplishment for Kent is the 187% increase in the number of patients served. And, no one understands better than Kent what it means to have futures transformed through rehabilitation.
