Welcome to The Rotary Club of Louisville
With 350+ members, the Rotary Club of Louisville is the 13th largest club of Rotary International’s 46,000+ clubs around the world. Our Club has been serving others in this community and worldwide since 1912.
We welcome guests and visiting Rotarians from all over the world at our weekly Thursday luncheon meetings. Our programs involve prominent leaders in every field, and our membership represents the business and civic leaders of our community and our state.
We are connected with each other, our community and with other Rotarians worldwide.
OUR MEETINGS
Thursdays at 12:00 PM (networking/lunch begins at 11:30am)
See upcoming speakers here: https://www.louisvillerotary.org/our-meetings/
University Club Louisville
200 E Brandeis Ave
Louisville, KY 40208
Mail:
Rotary Club of Louisville
657 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, Ste D-226
Louisville, KY 40222
CLUB NEWS
This Week's Meeting: Vivian Blade, Future of Work Leadership Expert
The September 12th meeting at the University Club will feature Vivian Blade, Future of Work leadership expert and best-selling author.
"Unlocking Potential: 5 Essential Keys to Future Proof Your Business"
As we look forward to 2030, how will the Future of Work evolve? Vivian will reveal the key trends impacting your business and the 5 non-negotiable priorities that will future proof your business in the now ‘never normal’.
You can still RSVP HERE.
The menu is roasted pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes and corn; a salad with grilled chicken or a vegetarian/vegan and/or gluten-free option is available upon advance request.
There is a $5 meeting fee for those who choose not to purchase a meal - this will include a dessert and tea/coffee/water and, of course, a fantastic program. You can pay $5 cash, check or scan the QR code at check-in to pay with a credit card.
Click Read More to view Speaker Bio:
Next Week's Meeting: Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader, U.S. Navy
The September 19th meeting at the University Club will feature Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader, U.S. Navy
"America's Warfighting Navy"
With over 25% of U.S. jobs tied to global trade and more than 25% of U.S. manufacturing jobs tied to exports, our economy depends on access to the internet, which largely depends upon undersea fiber-optic cables. It is YOUR Navy's mission to protect and defend America and its interests worldwide.
RSVP by NOON on Monday, September 16th HERE.
The menu is roasted turkey breast with stuffing, gravy and broccoli casserole; a salad with grilled chicken or a vegetarian/vegan and/or gluten-free option is available upon advance request.
There is a $5 meeting fee for those who choose not to purchase a meal - this will include a dessert and tea/coffee/water and, of course, a fantastic program. You can pay $5 cash, check or scan the QR code at check-in to pay with a credit card.
Click Read More to view Speaker Bio:
A cryptologic warfare officer, Rader’s active duty operational assignments included Naval Reconnaissance Support Detachment Misawa where she deployed with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1) to Manama, Bahrain, Okinawa, Japan, and Iwakuni, Japan; Fleet Information Warfare Center where she deployed with Commander, Carrier Group Eight embarked aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) to the Mediterranean, the Arabian Gulf, and in support of Operation Deny Flight.
As a reserve officer, she mobilized to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where she served as chief of the Future Operations Communication Team on the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) Joint Command (IJC) staff.
Her shore assignments included Naval Network Warfare Command, a year on active duty serving as lead IO and strategic communication planner for Commander Pacific Fleet (CPF)/Joint Task Force 519, and community lead for Cryptologic Warfare on the Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve staff.
She commanded Navy Reserve (NR) Navy Information Operations Commands in Utah, Florida, and Arizona; NR Joint Intelligence Center U.S. Central Command (JICCENT) 0470 in Texas, NR U.S. 10th Fleet in Maryland, and Naval Information Force Reserve Region Mid-Atlantic in Virginia.
Rader’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.
September 5th Meeting Recap
The September 5th meeting at the University Club featured Josh Heird, UofL Athletic Director. Melissa Cobb provided the invocation and Matthew Molter led the pledge and 4-way test.
You can view the recording on our YouTube channel. Provide feedback about the meeting HERE.
Kim Schatzel, PhD, began her service as the 19th president of the University of Louisville in February 2023. During her presidency, the University received the largest state appropriation in its 226-year history and has also seen an investment of over $450 million in capital projects, including the construction of a state-of-the-art building to support the growth of the Speed School of Engineering and a new 300,000 square-foot Health Sciences Simulation Center and Collaboration Hub. Dr. Schatzel previously served as president of Towson University, as interim president, provost and executive vice president of academic and student affairs at Eastern Michigan University and as dean of the University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Business.
Schatzel spent more than 20 years in the private sector and is one of only 2% of university presidents nationwide with extensive corporate and entrepreneurial C-suite experience. She holds a PhD in business administration from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
As chair of UofL Health’s Board of Directors, Schatzel fosters collaboration between the university and one of the premier academic health systems in the country. She also serves on the boards of the Atlantic Coast Conference and Greater Louisville Inc and is a member of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, and the Presidents’ Trust of the American Association of Colleges and Universities.
Welcome New Member
At last week's meeting, we welcomed new member Ramona Dallum. Love those Rotary colors! Click Read More to see her introduction.
Give For Good Louisville
Since the Community Foundation of Louisville launched Give for Good Louisville in 2014, communities across Kentucky and Southern Indiana have raised over $60 million for local organizations. The organizations that benefit reflect our community's values by addressing unmet needs, creating innovative solutions, and proactively driving positive change. Donate this Thursday, September 12, between midnight and 11:59 p.m. for the chance to have your donation matched dollar-for-dollar or randomly boosted by a $1,000 - $20,000!
Many of our member-affiliated organizations are participating; click Read More to see the list and please consider supporting their missions.
AMPED
Bernheim Forest & Arboretum
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana
Brightside Foundation Inc.
Canopy
Catholic Charities of Louisville
Cedar Lake Foundation Inc
Center for Nonprofit Excellence
Dreams With Wings, Inc.
Filson Historical Society
First Hour Grief Response, Inc.
Gilda's Club Kentuckiana
Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
Harbor House of Louisville
Jefferson Community & Technical College Foundation Inc
Jewish Family & Career Services
Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana
Kentucky College of Art + Design
Kentucky Humane Society
Kentucky Opera
Kentucky Science Center
Kentucky Waterways Alliance
Kosair for Kids
Leadership Louisville Center
Louisville Ballet
Louisville Central Community Centers, Inc.
Louisville Metro Police Foundation
Louisville Public Media
Louisville Urban League
Louisville Zoo Foundation
Muhammad Ali Center
National Stem Cell Foundation
Norton Healthcare Foundation
New Directions Housing Corporation
OneWest
Park DuValle Community Health Center Inc.
Parks Alliance of Louisville
Simmons College of Kentucky
SOS International Inc
The Cabbage Patch Settlement House
The de Paul School
The Healing Place
The Woman's Club of Louisville
Volunteers of America Mid-States
Waterfront Botanical Gardens
West End School
Whitney/Strong
YMCA of Greater Louisville
If I missed someone, let me know!
You can also support these organizations that we partner with on service projects:
Educational Justice
Evolve502
Imagination Library of Louisville
Kentucky Refugee Ministries
Re:Center Ministries
The Salvation Army Louisville
Click HERE to see the full list and follow the CFL Facebook page for live streams and updates.
Rotaract News: We are Underway!
by Linda Bartrom & Rick Harned
Interact/Rotaract Committee Chair Linda Bartrom and Vice Chair Rick Harned along with Aaron McGahee are excited to share news of our meeting with the University of Louisville toward re-activating a Louisville Rotaract Club! We hope to set in motion access for other schools to participate as well. Some of the swag to be presented at our first meeting, cloisonee' pins and graduation regalia, are shown above. Thanks to Dr. Raymond Green and Renecia Davis for facilitating this (and for pizza). If you would like to stay in the know, join our Louisville Rotaract Facebook group. Click below for the flyer.
Rotary Happy Hour at Colonial Gardens
Unpredicted rain put a damper on the turnout for our Happy Hour at Colonial Gardens, but those who came out had a great time.
Our next Happy Hour event will be announced soon!
Rotary Day at the Volleyball Court: September 22
Join us on Sunday, September 22nd at 12:30 p.m. at the KFC Yum! Center to watch two top NCAA teams that again have a shot as National Champions: the UofL women's volleyball team and the Nebraska Huskers. Limited group seating...first come first served!
Register HERE.
Rotary Honors Scholars Mentoring Schedule
For those interested in serving as mentors for our Rotary Honors Scholars, save these dates for the upcoming school year.
Western High School, 2501 Rockford Ln
- Tuesday, Sept. 17: 8:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 22: 8:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 19: 8:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 28: 8:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 25: 8:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, March 25: 8:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 25: 8:45 a.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 23: 8:45 a.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 13: 8:45 a.m.
- Wednesday, Jan. 22: 8:45 a.m.
- Wednesday, Feb.12: 8:45 a.m.
- Wednesday, March 19: 8:45 a.m.
Celebration Luncheon - Thursday, May 8th is the tentative date.
Please contact me for more information or to sign up: cmooney@bosseconstruction.com
Imagination Library Volunteer Opportunity
Our Youth & Education Committee has already helped the Imagination Library Louisville recruit multiple new families to receive free books! Participants have reported that the task is really easy and fun, as talking with parents of very young children is inspiring.
We have four more dates scheduled, for which two Rotarians are requested to join Imagination Library Director, Maria Gurren, to talk to young parents who may not know they are eligible:
- Saturday, 9/14: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Greater Salem Baptist Church, 1009 W Chestnut St.
- Friday, 10/18: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Shelby Park, 600 E Oak St. (Pumpkin Patch)
- Thursday, 10/24: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Cane Run Elementary School, 3951 Cane Run Road (Literacy Night)
- Saturday, 11/16, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at 3rd Street Neighborhood (Building our Block event with Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell)
Please Support Our INTERACT Blood Drives in October
Rotary Club of Louisville is proud to sponsor the Interact Clubs at Iroquois and Western HS, and train our West End youth in Service Above Self. Our fall blood drives need your support!
10/15 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Western High School, 2501 Rockford Ln - click HERE to sign up.
10/31 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Iroquois High School, 4615 Taylor Blvd - click HERE to sign up.
Watch the video from previous events HERE.
Special shout out to Club Advisors James Gibson and Mika Powell.
Rotarian in the Spotlight: Neville Blakemore
Congrats to Neville Blakemore on his new role as Managing Director of Chicago-based Pursant LLC, a middle-market advisory firm specializing in M&A, private capital market financing, transaction advisory services, financial leadership support and business value-enhancement consulting.
Read the article HERE.
Rotarians in the Spotlight: Fast 50
Congratulations to Matt Riggle with LPX Group and Jeremy Vokurka with Miranda Construction on making this year's Fast 50 list.
Click Read More for the full list.
Here are the Fast 50 companies for 2024 in alphabetical order.
- 3 Ten Enterprises LLC dba 310 Tempering
- 502 Equipment
- AACON General Contractors
- Air Equipment Co.
- Alani Nutrition
- American Roofing & Metal Co. Inc.
- AML Construction
- Arcadia Communities LLC
- Avant-Garde
- Blendex Co. LLC
- Body Shapes Medical Management LLC
- Buffalo Construction Inc.
- Calhoun Construction Services Inc.
- CisCom Solutions LLC
- Congo Brands
- Cornbread Hemp
- CureTech Innovative Therapies
- Dan-O’s Seasoning LLC
- Dealer Trade Network
- Denton Floyd Real Estate Group
- eBlu Solutions
- Excel Services Inc.
- Finish Line Staffing LLC
- First Class Commercial Cleaning
- Hyland Insurance
- Ingenium Talent
- Ironwood Warranty Group
- J&L Marketing
- Jacobs Group Inc.
- KCC Cos.
- Louisville Geek LLC
- Louisville Tile Distributors Inc.
- LPX Group
- Miranda Construction
- Mortenson Dental Partners
- Munson Business Interiors Inc.
- NIMBUS
- Oasis Solutions
- Office Resources Inc. (ORI)
- OnPoint Warranty Solutions LLC
- Presentation Solutions Inc.
- Rainbow Blossom Inc.
- RedTag
- Security Pros LLC
- Stanley Schultze & Co. Inc.
- Strategic Communications
- The Charming Turtle
- Triple Crown Senior Living
- Weber Group
- Zoeller Pump Co. LLC
Events & Opportunities: Louisville Ballet
What: Studio Connections
Organization: Louisville Ballet
Date/Time: Sept. 13 - 22, 2024
Location: The Louisville Ballet Main Street Studios
Description: Studio Connections offers a closer look at the artistry of ballet, bringing magnificent works from the stage to Louisville Ballet’s intimate Main Street studios. Journey through Italy with jubilant excerpts from Napoli, be hypnotized by the dreamlike spirits of La Bayadere, and witness the world premiere of Tinjy Wits by Artistic Director Mikelle Bruzina.
More information: https://www.louisvilleballet.org/studio-connections/
Member to contact: Leslie Smart, lsmart@louisvilleballet.org
Note: This section features upcoming events and opportunities to serve with our nonprofit member organizations. Submissions must be from a member (or spouse/partner) of our Club who is either an employee or board member of the organization for which the event/opportunity is being shared. Click HERE to submit.
Events & Opportunities: Salvation Army Louisville
What: 7th Annual Fight for Louisville Breakfast: Embracing Hope
Organization: Salvation Army Louisville
Date/Time: Sept. 17, 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Location: The Olmsted
Description: This free, mission-focused breakfast event, hosted by The Salvation Army Louisville Advisory Board and volunteer Table Hosts, features a special guest speaker who will share his personal story of overcoming poverty and homelessness. Rotary Club board member Louis Seeger is a volunteer Table Host.
More information:
Member to contact: Kelly Hutchinson, kelly.hutchinson@uss.salvationarmy.org
Note: This section features upcoming events and opportunities to serve with our nonprofit member organizations. Submissions must be from a member (or spouse/partner) of our Club who is either an employee or board member of the organization for which the event/opportunity is being shared. Click HERE to submit.
Events & Opportunities: Gallopalooza Auction
What: Gallopalooza Live Auction
Organization: Brightside Foundation
Date/Time: Friday, October 4, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Louisville Marriott East
Description: Don't miss your chance to win one of 60 full-size and tabletop statues. VIP tickets ($150) include prime seating, a commemorative auction program, an open bar all night, admission to the VIP Hors d’oeuvres Reception, and a complimentary copy of the commemorative Gallopalooza book when it publishes in late 2024. General Admission tickets ($75) include two drink tickets. Auction proceeds benefit Brightside’s cleanliness, beautification and education programs to make Louisville cleaner and greener.
More information: https://gallopalooza.com
Member to contact: Michelle Black White, Michelle@brightsidefoundation.com
Note: This section features upcoming events and opportunities to serve with our nonprofit member organizations. Submissions must be from a member (or spouse/partner) of our Club who is either an employee or board member of the organization for which the event/opportunity is being shared. Click HERE to submit.
Events & Opportunities: Kentucky Humane Society
What: Pars for Pets
Organization: Kentucky Humane Society
Date/Time: October 14, 11:00 a.m.
Location: UofL Golf Club
Description: The third annual Pars for Pets four-person scramble includes lunch, complimentary beverages on the course, contests, prizes, a cocktail reception, and a few furry KHS ambassadors to greet you along the way. Registration begins at 11:00 a.m., lunch starts at 11:30 a.m., and shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. It’s guaranteed to be a FURtastic day with two-legged and four-legged friends!
More information: https://www.kyhumane.org/pars-for-pets/
Member to contact: Alisa Gray, gray@kyhumane.org
Note: This section features upcoming events and opportunities to serve with our nonprofit member organizations. Submissions must be from a member (or spouse/partner) of our Club who is either an employee or board member of the organization for which the event/opportunity is being shared. Click HERE to submit.
Events & Opportunities: MELANnaire Marketplace
What: Fall Fest + Night Market
Organization: MELANnaire Marketplace
Date/Time: Friday, October 18, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Location: 4th Street Live
Description: Join us to explore and shop with local black-owned businesses, groove to live entertainment, and dive into a night full of family fun! There’s something for everyone with a dedicated kids’ zone, family photo ops, and so much more.
More information: click HERE
What: Holiday Market Grand Opening
Organization: MELANnaire Marketplace
Date/Time: Friday, October 25, 11:00 a.m.
Location: Mall St. Matthews
Description: Save the date as we kick off another holiday season with a grand opening event!
More information: click HERE
Member to contact: Nachand Trabue, nstyle1913@gmail.com
Note: This section features upcoming events and opportunities to serve with our nonprofit member organizations. Submissions must be from a member (or spouse/partner) of our Club who is either an employee or board member of the organization for which the event/opportunity is being shared. Click HERE to submit.
Events & Opportunities: Whitney/Strong
What: A Night for Life
Organization: Whitney/Strong
Date/Time: Saturday, October 26
Location: Mellwood Art Center
Description: This event is so much more than just a night out—it's a pivotal opportunity to come together with others who are committed to ending gun violence and building safer communities. Every ticket sold and every auction item donated brings us one step closer to a world free from gun violence. Together, we can create real change and save lives.
More information: https://e.givesmart.com/events/Cei/
Member to contact: Whitney Austin, Whitney@whitstrong.org
Note: This section features upcoming events and opportunities to serve with our nonprofit member organizations. Submissions must be from a member (or spouse/partner) of our Club who is either an employee or board member of the organization for which the event/opportunity is being shared. Click HERE to submit.
Events & Opportunities: Canopy
What: 4th Annual Canopy Good Business Summit
Organization: Canopy
Date/Time: November 20, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Kentucky International Convention Center
Description: The annual GBS highlights the innovative ways Kentucky businesses are showing up for our people and environment and provides practical ways businesses can engage in Business Beyond Profit. Featured speakers include Rotarian Maggie Harlow, Chef Edward Lee and Rob Samuels. The program will also include a Mission Marketplace and presentation of the Impact Awards.
More information: https://canopyky.org/cgbs24/
Member to contact: Ben Smock, bensmock@canopyky.org
Note: This section features upcoming events and opportunities to serve with our nonprofit member organizations. Submissions must be from a member (or spouse/partner) of our Club who is either an employee or board member of the organization for which the event/opportunity is being shared. Click HERE to submit.
UPCOMING SPEAKERS
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Vivian Blade
Speaker: Vivian Blade, author
Workplace Resiliency
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader
Speaker: Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader
America's Warfighting Navy
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Brian Johnson
Speaker: Brian Johnson, Dan O's Seasoning
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Senator Rand Paul
Speaker: Senator Rand Paul
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Nick Campisano | DG Dale Leatherman
Speaker: Nick Campisano | DG Dale Leatherman
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Eric Gregory
Speaker: Eric Gregory, Kentucky Distillers' Association
More info
Louisville Weekly Club Meeting: Soozie Eastman
Speaker: Soozie Eastman
Soozie Eastman, President, 502 Film; Chair, Louisville Film Commission
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Angela Billings
Speaker: Angela Billings
Crisis Communications
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: DeVone Holt
Speaker: DeVone Holt, Muhammad Ali Center
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Jon Carloftis
Speaker: Jon Carloftis
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Lance Burton
Speaker: Lance Burton, Master Magician
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Dr. Kevin Cosby
Speaker: Dr. Kevin Cosby, Simmons College
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Beth Stubbs
Speaker: Beth Stubbs, Rotary International Treasurer
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Dr. Ty Handy
Speaker: Dr. Ty Handy, President, JCTC
More info
Mayor's State of the City Address
Speaker: Mayor Craig Greenberg
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Jake Cannon
Speaker: Jake Cannon, President, Kroger - Louisville Division
More info
RCoL Weekly Club Meeting: Condrad Daniels
Speaker: Condrad Daniels, President, HJI Supply Chain Solutions
More info
SPARKS NEWSLETTER
- ROTARY Sparks 09-10-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 09-04-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 08-28-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 08-22-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 08-12-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 08-06-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 07-29-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 07-22-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 07-16-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 07-08-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 07-01-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 06-26-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 06-17-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 06-06-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 05-30-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 05-22-2024
- ROTARY Sparks 05-16-2024
People of Action
Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change
The Rotary Club of Louisville has supported over 40 International Youth Exchanges.
Youth
Service
The Rotary Club of Louisville is a strong supporter of people with special needs.
Community
Service
The Rotary Club of Louisville has supported the End Polio Now campaign since 1979.
International
Service
The Rotary Club of Louisville is a leader in supporting the community.
Vocational
Service
WE CONNECT PEOPLE
Rotary unites more than a million people
Through Rotary clubs, people from all continents and cultures come together to exchange ideas, and form friendships and professional connections while making a difference in their backyards and around the world.
WE TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES
We take action locally and globally
Each day, our members pour their passion, integrity, and intelligence into completing projects that have a lasting impact. We persevere until we deliver real, lasting solutions.
WE SOLVE PROBLEMS
No challenge is too big for us
For more than 110 years, we’ve bridged cultures and connected continents to champion peace, fight illiteracy and poverty, promote clean water and sanitation, and fight disease.
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.