Join us as we hear from Michigan Sugar's Community Relations Manager, Tyler Kring. 

This meeting will normally be held on the 1st Thursday of the month.  Due to the holiday, this month an exception.  

Adopt-a-Village in Guatemala is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Maya communities in northwest Huehuetenango through education and skills training. With a focus on leadership and self-reliance, they have partnered with these communities for 30 years to improve local conditions. Their programs include transformative education, bilingual early literacy, and initiatives promoting healthy food for healthy minds. Volunteers play a crucial role in their mission, with various opportunities available for those interested in contributing.

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Bay County Class of 2025 will collaborate with the Bay City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on an impactful tree-planting project aimed at enhancing the community’s economic vitality, placemaking appeal, and environmental sustainability. This initiative will involve planting Armstrong Maple trees in key downtown locations, contributing to the beautification of Bay City while addressing long-term environmental and social benefits. This project will fill 19 currently vacant spots and revitalize Downtown Bay City's vibrant cityscape and include removing old stumps, preparing planting sites, and coordinating the planting of 50 trees. The effort will begin in early spring and aims for completion by June 2025 to coincide with the class's graduation.

Join us at the upcoming Rotary Club of Bay City meeting, where our featured speaker will be Erika Strouse, Program Manager of the Opportunity Center. The Opportunity Center is a Clubhouse program under Bay-Arenac Behavioral Health that offers a supportive environment for adults with serious mental health issues. It focuses on skill development in areas such as employment, community involvement, emotional adjustment, psychiatric stability, and daily living activities. Members engage in various activities, including transitional community-based employment, computer training, meal preparation, money management, clerical tasks, and social skills enhancement. Erika will share insights into how the program empowers individuals to build self-confidence, increase independence, and create opportunities for personal growth.

The Midland Daily News is a daily newspaper serving Midland County, Michigan, providing comprehensive coverage of local news, sports, and opinion pieces.Established in 1937, it has a longstanding history of delivering timely and relevant information to the community.The publication is owned by the Hearst Corporation and maintains its offices at 219 East Main Street in downtown Midland.In addition to its print edition, the newspaper offers an online platform, ourmidland.com, featuring the latest news, sports updates, and opinion articles. 

Join us at the Rotary Club of Bay City as we welcome Heather Fisher, the President and CEO of the CAN Council, as our featured program speaker. The CAN Council plays a vital role in advocating for children and families in Arenac, Bay, Huron, and Saginaw Counties, working to build communities free from abuse and neglect. Heather, who brings extensive leadership experience and passion to her role, will share insights into the CAN Council’s mission, key initiatives, and her vision for the organization’s future. Learn how the council’s impactful programs, such as advocacy, prevention, and education, are creating lasting change in our region.

Join us at the Rotary Club of Bay City as we welcome Lisa Tarkington, Founder and President of Lead, as our featured program speaker. Lisa is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and hosts The Confident Podcast. With degrees in Communications, Social Impact Strategy, and Positive Psychology, she brings over a decade of corporate and entrepreneurial experience to her mission of empowering individuals and organizations to cultivate confidence and drive meaningful change. Lisa will share insights into Lead's programs, which focus on leadership, confidence, well-being, and purpose, and discuss how these initiatives have transformed the lives of thousands by fostering personal and professional growth.

Jim Reaume:

As President & CEO at Bay Future, Inc., I apply my management and leadership skills to foster the economic growth and prosperity of the Great Lakes Bay Area. I have several years of experience in this role, and I have successfully facilitated multiple projects, contracts, and partnerships with various stakeholders, including local governments, businesses, and community organizations.

I have a Master of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, where I developed my analytical, strategic, and problem-solving abilities. I also have certifications in Strategic Planning, Time Management, and Remote Work, which demonstrate my commitment to continuous learning and improvement. I am passionate about creating positive social impact and finding innovative solutions to the challenges and opportunities facing the Great Lakes Bay Area. My goal is to leverage my expertise and experience to support the vision and mission of Bay Future and its partners.

SVSU Students and Advisors will be presenting on their recent trip. 

An update from fellow Rotarian Aland Stamps. 

About Give Local Bay 2025

Give Local Bay is a 24-hour online giving campaign to raise funds for favorite local charities. It unites our community in supporting our local nonprofits, agencies, and parks in Bay and Arenac counties. Your donations help these nonprofits build their endowment funds at Bay Area Community Foundation so that they are able to provide for many generations to come. Donate on May 6 and your gift will be increased by an incentive pool and prizes! The more you help each nonprofit raise, the more incentive money they receive. By donating on May 6, you’re helping to unite our community during a time of uncertainty. We are better together!

A club assembly for Rotary Clubs is an informal meeting where members gather to discuss important club matters, share updates on ongoing projects, and plan future activities. It serves as a collaborative space for club members to engage in open dialogue, brainstorm ideas, and ensure alignment with the club’s mission and goals. The assembly typically includes membership initiatives, community service projects, and any upcoming events. It is an opportunity for members to provide input, ask questions, and take an active role in shaping the direction of the club. The focus is on fostering communication, building camaraderie, and enhancing the effectiveness of the club's service to the community.

Speaker: Kellie Rupp

Update from Jordan Dice and investments in Bay County.