Rotary Club of Duluth #25

Club 25's Thurs Noon Meeting at NEW VENUE – Kitchi Gammi Club – will feature Jodi Slick, Founder/CEO, Ecolibrium3, presenting "Driving the Renaissance of Lincoln Park"

Jodi Slick is the founder and CEO of Ecolibrium3 and leads the organization’s community resilience and sustainability work. In that role she has been a mover and shaker, helping bring funding and vision that have resulted in the stunning renaissance of the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Jodi previously founded Common Ground Construction, a green affordable housing social enterprise. She received her Master of Educational Administration and BS in Broad Field Science (Chemistry and Physics) from the University of Wisconsin Superior. She has also completed training with the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University in Social Entrepreneurship. Jodi was named a White House Champion of Change for Building Resilient Communities in 2013.

Rotary Club 25 volunteered at St Anns assisted living painting the retaining wall on 2nd street. Fun was had by all.
Thank you to Pres. Elizabeth Simonson, Jack Seiler, Dan Maki, Jerry Pelofske , Allison Hanig-Landrus, Chana Stocke.

Highlights from Last Week’s Club 25 Meeting
By Patra Sevastiades
President Elizabeth Simonson (Photo 1) welcomed everyone to the first meeting of Rotary Club 25 in our new location at the Kitchi Gammi Club (“the Kitch”), then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-Way Test.

Past President Branden Robinson (Photo 2) offered the Reflection. He celebrated the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, embodying freedom of expression. He noted that the Kitchi Gammi Club members built a building to express their values: a beautiful place where ideas could be shared, problems solved, negotiations held, and friendships encouraged. He then challenged us with three questions as we begin a new Rotary year: What will our Club build as evidence of our values? What will we leave behind? What will we change?

President Elizabeth Simonson welcomed our guests—our delightful speaker, Dennis Lamkin, and Stephen Ronstrom, who grew up in Duluth, was a Rotarian in Monroe, Louisiana, and Corpus Christi, Texas, and has returned to Duluth! He was the guest of Jack Seiler.

Dan Maki (Photo 3) announced that the previous day, a group of Club 25 Rotarians had gathered to paint a graffiti-scarred retaining wall at St. Ann’s Assisted Living, brightening it with fresh paint. In that effort, Dan Maki was joined by President Elizabeth Simonson, Allison Hanig-Landrus, Jerry Pelofske, Jack Seiler, and Past President Chana Stocke. Past President Al Makynen complimented the volunteers for having their service highlighted on WDIO television that evening.

Geiger Yount (Photo 4) is seeking volunteers to be greeters at the 30th annual Lake Superior Harvest Festival, sponsored by the Sustainable Farming Association, to be held at Bayfront Festival Park on Saturday, September 7. We have participated as greeters for several years at this family-friendly event showcasing the region’s agricultural bounty. It includes a food court, live music, energy fair, crafts, and more. Sign-up sheets will be on tables this coming week.

President Elizabeth Simonson introduced Kim Chick, (Photo 5) Director of Membership & Marketing at the Kitch. Kim welcomed us and introduced Dennis Lamkin, our speaker for the day.

It was fitting that Dennis spoke about the history of the Kitchi Gammi Club (Photo 6), our Rotary Club’s new meeting location. The Kitch was established in 1883. The club bears the Ojibwe name for Lake Superior. Members first met in the Temple Opera Building on the corner of Superior Street and 2nd Avenue East. When the top four floors were damaged by fire, the club relocated to the nearby Lyceum Building while plans were made and executed to build a new club building. Two homes were torn down at the NE and NW corners of 9th Avenue East and Superior Street; in 1914, the club building was built on the NW corner, and the club parking log was established on the NE corner. Dennis quipped, “Just for the record, I wasn’t here when it was built.”

At the time, Duluth was expected to become the next Chicago, perched as it was as the westernmost port of the Great Lakes, a prominent departure point for shipping grain and other agricultural produce from the Midwest and iron from the Mesabi Range to states further east and abroad. The building reflected that dazzling urban vision: the architect of the Kitch was Bertram Goodhue, who designed the famous Flatiron Building in New York City. Lush, high-quality materials were used in the construction and interior and exterior design of the Kitch. Similarly, the Kitch’s landscaping was designed by Olmsted Brothers Landscape Architects. (Frederick Law Olmsted famously designed New York’s Central Park.) The Kitchi Gammi Club is the oldest continuously operating private social club in the United States.
President Elizabeth Simonson thanked Dennis for an outstanding presentation. She added that her grandmother, Elizabeth MacFarlane Spencer, once lived in the house where the Kitch’s parking lot now sits! She noted that next week’s speaker is Jodi Slick of Ecolibrium3. Jodi has been a significant participant in the redevelopment of the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Duluth.

“Did I mention that I love this Club?” President Elizabeth Simonson asked.

The 50/50 winner was Bob Reichert, who won $50.

Golden Nuggets of Club 25 History
Rotary Club of Duluth – Chartered July 17, 1911
By Rachel Martin and Jerry Thoreson

History Nuggets - Rotary Club of Duluth #25 - Charter member and first president of Club 25 was Edward W. Russell who worked for the National Cash Register Company which was located at 425 W. Superior St. which is now the corporate offices of Maurices.
Below is the biography of Russell by Rachael E. Martin, former Club 25 historian. For more biographies of the charter members, go to bit.ly/Club25CharterMembers


Edward W. Russell, the first President of Duluth Rotary Club 25 in 1911, was 41 years old and Sales Agent or Manager of the National Cash Register Co. at 425 W. Superior St. at the time.

He resided in a rented apartment in a fourplex at 815 E. 1st St. with his wife Nellie and their two children, Grace E. Russell, 12, and Edward W. Russell, Jr., 7.

Russell was born in Illinois. His father's birthplace was Kentucky and his mother's birthplace was Ohio. He and his wife Nellie, who was from Iowa, were married in 1897 in Illinois when he was 27 and she was 23. Their first child, Grace, was also born in Illinois, but their son Edward was born in Minnesota, indicating they moved to this area before 1903.

Russell's Rotary classification in 1911 was Cash Registers, but by 1920 his classification was Rancher, with the work address of 425 W. Superior St. remaining the same.

In 1928, when Russell was 58 years old, he died at his residence at 216 N. 14th Ave. E. His funeral services were held at Crawford's Chapel with Christian Science services being read. Ed W. Russell was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery

New Venue for our Weekly Meetings at Noon Thursdays – Kitchi Gammi Club – 831 E. Superior St. PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Zoom available this week.

This week's presentation, "The history & architecture of Kitchi Gammi Club" by Dennis Lamkin. You will leave inspired and with a greater appreciation for our new venue.

Dennis Lamkin, an architectural historian, has designed, supervised and executed the renovation of at least 30 of Duluth's most historic or noteworthy homes as a hobby (without charge). Dennis will share the history of Kitchi Gammi Club, going back to Chester Congdon’s business partner Guilford Hartley who hired famed east coast architect Bertram G. Goodhue to design the Kitchi Gammi Club.

The Kitchi Gammi Club was formed on October 1, 1883. At its first meeting were sixteen original incorporators who have been described as “individualistic men of prominence, respect and leadership in the community.” Throughout the years, the Club has grown in both membership and vitality as a force in the community.

Happy 113th Birthday Rotary Club of Duluth – Chartered July 17, 1911 - Photo of Edward W. Russell, first President of Rotary Club 25 - 1911-1912.

In 1910, when he was 34 years old, Edward J. Filiatrault, Christian E. Tweed, and Arthur A Michaud launched an effort to organize Duluth's first Rotary Club.

The first meeting was in February 11, 1911, as recorded by Christian E. Tweed who served as the temporary secretary, later to become one of the 16 charter members.

According to ClubRunner, Rotary Club of Duluth was chartered on July 17, 1911.

CHARTER MEMBERS OF CLUB 25 included: Arthur A. Michaud – First Secretary, August Fitger, Cameron R. Rust, Christian E. Tweed, Clyde Wetmore Kelly, Edward F. Burg, Edward F. Spinkl, Edward J. Filiatrault, Edward W. Russell – First President, Frank Randall, George Harry Bate, George VanBurgess, Malcolm A. Thomson, Walter W. Bowe, Warren Mendenhall, and William Morrison Burgess

Duluth cityscape photo from the turn of the century. Look closely, upper right is Rust Parker Company, a Wholesale Grocery Co. Charter member Christian E. Tweed was Vice President of the Co.

– Compiled by Rachel Martin – For more Club 25 history, go to bit.ly/RotaryClubOfDuluth25History

It was a beautiful day for Duluth Rotary Club 25's Annual Picnic at Enger Tower and Park
By Darlene Anderson
It was a perfect Duluth summer day with warm sunshine and a light breeze for the Annual Rotary Picnic at Enger Tower Rotary Peace Plaza. Lunches from Great Harvest Bread Company were distributed to Club 25 Rotarians as well as Harbortown Rotarians Nathan Seger, Jamie Jago and Scott Soderberg.

All were welcomed by our new President Elizabeth Simonson, encouraging all to linger awhile after lunch to enjoy the beautiful gardens and the views from Enger Tower and the pavilion.

She also asked Past-Assistance Governor Phil Strom to share a brief history of the Rotary Peace Plaza. Phil noted that it was in honor of our club's 100th anniversary that the club funded the lighting of Enger Tower.

Also, at that time Mayor Don Ness asked the city to provide gardeners to develop the gardens we see today. As part of that project, the Rotary Peace Plaza was designed featuring the Rotary wheel.

All of this activity was in preparation for the 2012 visit from King Harald of Norway who came to rededicate the tower on its 75th anniversary. Today we and many others continue to enjoy the beauty of Enger Park.

The Annual Club #25 Enger Park Picnic - Thurs., July 11 - 11:45-1:00 pm. We will hold our Annual Rotary Picnic at Enger Park near the Rotary Peace Plaza on Thursday, July 11. Celebrate summer in the company of fellow Rotarians while taking in some of the most breathtaking views of Lake Superior. PLEASE RSVP Elaine Hansen at [email protected] ASAP, so we know how many box lunches to order! Remember to bring bug spray and a chair!

Club 25 Changing of the Guard for 2024-25 Club Year
By Patra Sevastiades

Our last lunch meeting at the Holiday Inn began with the ringing of the bell and President Gary Melander (Photo 1) welcoming everyone to Rotary. “How lucky are we?” he asked. “Very lucky!” all responded. He led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-Way Test.

Rob Hofmann (Photo 2) offered the Reflection. He reminded all that Rotary is a place for developing leadership skills. He noted that leadership is what is needed to change the world.


(Photo 3) Sara and Tom Simonson in foreground, President Elizabeth Simonson, Tracey Simonson, Rob and Karen Marks in background.

Three Rotarians who self-reported mentioned Grandma’s Marathon, held last Saturday. Alan Anway (Photo 4) volunteered at the marathon at milepost 5 as a radio operation. The runners were great; the weather conditions were not.


Greg Hanson (Photo 5) completed his 7th half marathon and thanked all the volunteers who made it possible, like Alan.


Greg Hanson has run seven half marathons.

Jay Ott (Photo 6) celebrated the fact that for three years in a row, he has been the first person across the finish line! (He drives the media truck!)

Jay Ott, “first to finish the marathon.”

Jerry Thoreson received the Marsh Nelson Media Award and was featured on WDIO’s segment “The Lift” on behalf of Destination Duluth—and he ran his first 5K ever! Three Rotarians celebrated the marvel of their marriages and their spouses: Bill Gravelle (Photo 7) was thankful for a delightful evening on the Vista Queen last week and recognized his and his wife Barb’s 65th wedding anniversary.


Bill Gravelle celebrates 65 years of marriage to Barb.

Pat Pfahl (Photo 😎 kicked the can in recognition of his and his wife Sue’s 35th wedding anniversary.



“There must have been a lot of June weddings!” said Jim Schwartz, (Photo 9) who recognized his and his wife Barb’s 55th wedding anniversary.

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Then Past District Assistant Governor and Past President Phil Strom (Photo 10) came to the podium and celebrated his 80th birthday!


President Gary Melander said, “This has been an amazing year, and it has gone so fast.” He received a standing ovation for his year of service as president.


A standing ovation for out-going President Gary Melander. (Photo 10)

He welcomed President-Elect Elizabeth Simonson (Photo 11) to the podium and thanked her for making a difference to the Club this past year as president-elect. Then, President Gary Melander swore her in as Club President.


President Elizabeth Simonson invited Zach Walters (Photo 12) to come forward. He was sworn in as the Club’s President-Elect.


The following were next invited to step forward: Tim Mowbray and Jerry Thoreson were sworn in as new Club Board members, and Rob Hofmann (Photo 13) was sworn in as a continuing Board member.



Everyone was seated except President Elizabeth Simonson. (Photo 14) “I love this Club,” she said. She thanked her family for being there. Then she called Rotary Club 25 “the best of the best clubs.”



President Elizabeth Simonson reminded everyone of the following, then rang the bell:

On July 4, No meeting.
On July 11, Annual Summer Picnic with box lunches at Enger Park.
On July 18, Lunch meeting at our new location, the Kitchi Gammi Club.


The joy of family: Sara and Tom Simonson, President Elizabeth Simonson, and Tracey Simonson (Photo 15)

Did you know that every minute of the day across the globe there is a Rotary meeting happening? Or a Rotary project being worked on? Or Rotary members working together to change lives?

We do good around the world...EVERYDAY!

This week at Club 25 - Thursday, Noon at Holiday Inn
The Annual Club #25 Changing of the Guard
Join us as President Gary Melander hands the reins over to President-Elect Elizabeth Simonson, for the 112th time in the storied history of Rotary Club 25. In addition, new Board members and Director Chairs will also take an oath as they step into their roles continuing to uphold the Rotary motto: Service Above Self

Announcements:
Next Thursday, July 4, there will be no meeting
July 11 – will be our annual picnic at Enger Park
Starting July 18 – our weekly meetings will be held at Kitchi Gammi Club.

Be a Paddler at the Lake Superior Dragon Boats Festival Aug 23-24 at Barker’s Island in Superior!

No experience is necessary and FUN for EVERYONE and benefits a great cause. It is a great work or organization event that builds teamwork and camaraderie.

Superior Rotary and Duluth Skyline Rotary are the event organizers with proceeds going to 23rd Veteran, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping military veterans living with trauma.

Individual PADDLER'S and TEAMS NEEDED! Fun for all ages! SIGN UP TODAY! Go to destinationduluth.co/LSDragonBoatFestival

Highlights from President’s Night aboard the Vista Fleet, June 20, 2024 - By Al Makynen

How lucky are we? The glittering stars of the Duluth Rotary Club were on Lake Superior to enjoy an evening with President Gary Melander and family (including the real Don Melander). The sixty of us had the Vista Star (and, more importantly, the bar) all to ourselves. We cruised the Duluth Superior Harbor, then out to Lake Superior through the Superior Entry, and then back through the Ship Canal and under the Aerial Lift Bridge. It was challenging to be out on the big lake with the waves building. Those out on deck at the bow had a bit of spray. At times a three-point stance was needed to navigate about the boat. As the Captain’s Salute was given, it was neat for us locals to wave back to the tourists on the pier! For Duluth, during June, the weather was the best it could be. There was great food and plenty of it. There was no program other than brief remarks by President Gary Melander and incoming President-Elect Elizabeth Simonson. (Photo 1)

President Gary Melander with his family (Photo 2)

Are these two the luckiest men on earth? Don Melander and President Gary Melander (Photo 3)

A volunteer for all seasons, District Governor-Elect Elaine Hansen claiming she does not know who has the checkbook. (Photo 4)

Foundation President Dean Casperson (right) chatting with his table mates on how to raise $25,000 next year for Mental Health Services at the Boys and Girls Club. (Photo 5)

Jon Ohman (right) holding court. Did he just finish a duck on the water joke? (Photo 6)

Chana Stocke (left) and Sheryl Homan (right) in from the wind and spray of the bow. (Photo 7)

Waiting for the food line to go down. (Well worth the wait.) (Photo 8)

A happy table with drinks after working through the line at the bar. (Photo 9)

Typical Rotarians (Past Presidents) having fun. (Photo 10)

Highlights from Last Week’s Club 25 Meeting
By Renee Burns

A full room of Rotarians and several guests gathered at the Holiday Inn for the weekly meeting. President Gary Melander (Photo 1) rang the bell and began the meeting with a warm Rotary welcome, as well as his familiar “how lucky are we?”. Greg Hansen (Photo 2) gave an insightful and thought-provoking reflection. Starting with four important words, “I am a Rotarian”.

President-Elect Elizabeth Simonson (Photo 3) mentioned she has been unable to “practice” for the President role as President Gary Melander has only missed one meeting this year! She also asked everyone to sign up for President Gary Melander’s Presidents Night Celebration aboard the Vista Star on June 20.

Next up was information about a new Twin Ports Rotaract Club. Alex Schultz and Kadie Knudson (Photo 4) provided an update on the effort to revitalize the Rotaract Club, starting with broader outreach to all the Universities and Colleges in the Twin Ports. For more information go to [email protected]

President Gary Melander called Jennifer Smith (Photo 5) to the podium for a well-deserved Service Above Self Award. Jennifer Smith has been doing the accounting for the rose sale and Rotary Foundation for several years. Her quiet work behind the scenes in important to the club and the award is recognition of this. Thank you for all you do!

Chair of the Day, Patra Sevastiades (Photo 6) introduced our speaker, Dan Hartman (Photo 7). With a program titled DECC Update, Dan began by informing members what has been happening at the DECC in the last six months. There are eight venues that comprise the entirety of the DECC complex, each with a separate and specific use. His vision is to brand each of these venues with their own identity and sell each to ensure the facility is as well utilized as possible.

Highlights from Last Week’s Club 25 Meeting
By Anthony Nordan

President Gary Melander (Photo 1) rang the Rotary Bell and led us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary Four-Way Test.

Rob Hofmann (Photo 2) provided this week’s Reflection.

We had a few self-reports this week. Celebrating Matrimonial Bliss: John Ohman (Photo 3) announced that he had celebrated his 55-year anniversary. This caused Jack Seiler (Photo 4) to speak up and announce that he had celebrated his 41st anniversary on Tuesday.

Dan Maki (Photo 5) presented two service projects to the club for which he needed volunteers. The first project was cleaning up the North Shore Drive section that Rotary has adopted. The second was helping to paint at St. Ann Assisting Living.

Geiger Yount (Photo 6) announced a gun control forum at the Pent Paddle on Monday, June 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. The objective of this forum was to foster communication and dialogue around the subject of gun control. It is being hosted by Brave Angels, previously known as Better Angels.

Zach Walters (Photo 7) was presented with a Rotary “Service Above Self” award for outstanding work as a Rotarian. He has done a magnificent job recruiting and welcoming new members into Club # 25. Thanks to Zach Walters, our club is growing!

President-Elect Elizabeth Simonson (Photo 8) made the last announcement: President’s Night for Gary’s year of service is Thursday, June 20th, starting at 5:30 p.m on the Vista Star

Presentation: Destination Duluth Part 2 This is a follow-up presentation to the original Destination Duluth presented earlier this year by Jerry Thoreson. He provided us with impressive stats that show people are interested in all the things that Duluth has to offer.

The photos shown during the presentation were all taken by photographers who provide them for free. Destination Duluth links back to all the artists to help show off local talent. Many of these photos are awe-inspiring and display the beauty that can only be found in and around our community. To conclude with the words of Jerry Thoreson, “A photo is worth a thousand people.”

Duluth Rotary Club 25's Thursday noon meeting at the Holiday Inn will feature Dan Hartman, Executive Director of Duluth Entertainment Convention, presenting "What to expect from the DECC in 2024 and beyond"

Dan Hartman is often defined by his passions. These include his affection for sound public policy, creative marketing, producing memorable events, and his love for Northern Minnesota, particularly Duluth.

Today, Dan's long-term goal as the Executive Director of Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is to use its nine venues to enhance the region's economic health. By increasing the number and scale of activities throughout the year, the DECC will draw more people and dollars to our economy.

Fox 21 News was at our meeting yesterday to do a story on Destination Duluth presented by Club 25 member Jerry Thoreson

Destination Duluth, A Non-Profit Organization Highlights The City - Fox21Online DULUTH, Minn. — The passion of one Duluth leader was on display Thursday at a local rotary meeting. Destination Duluth Managing Director Jerry Thoreson says he is spreading the gospel the gospel of Duluth. Thoreson will talk to anyone willing to listen about his enthusiasm for the city. He grew up...

Many years ago Duluth Rotary Club 25 signed up for a section of Scenic Hwy 61 for MNDot's "Adopt A Highway". Early every summer, just weeks before Grandma's Marathon, Rotarians scour the roadsides looking to fill trash bags.

Thanks to all the volunteers including; Vinod Gupta, President Elect Elizabeth Simonson, Dan Maki, Jack Seiler and Renee Burns. Not pictured but part of the cleanup crew, Megan Maki and Allison Hanig-Landrus.

Destination Duluth included a photo of the historical marker on the Lift Bridge commemorating the work of Duluth Rotary and others to have lights on the bridge.

Our Thursday noon meeting at the Holiday Inn Great Lakes Ballroom will feature Frank Bures, presenting "The Shape of the World: Essays on Travel, Culture and Belief from Rotary Magazine.”

Frank Bures is an award-winning writer and speaker based in Minneapolis, and a writer for North Home & Life Magazine. He has written over 200 stories for Rotary Magazine, and for many years he wrote the “Culture” column, covering everything from the fine power of culture to the magic of travel, to questions about leading an ethical life. Now the best of those columns has been collected in a book: "The Shape of the World: Essays on Travel, Culture and Belief from Rotary Magazine" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BG5R1FNR

Frank is the author of "The Geography of Madness," which Newsweek called one of the best travel books of the decade.

His stories have been included in Best American Travel Writing, and, in addition to Rotary, he has written for Harper's, The Atlantic, Outside and other publications.

Highlights from Last Week’s Club 25 Meeting
By Tacitus

It was the place to be with the best people to be with. The Rotary Reflection given by Vinod Gupta (photo 1) described how each of us is on a pilgrimage, to fly like an eagle in life and each day to strive to fly higher than the day before.

The Golden Can did not make budget for the Pledge Fund, however Allen Anway (photo 2) came to the rescue to avoid a complete blank and paid a fine for his sportswear worn in recognition of our speaker and fellow Harbortown Rotarian Scott Neustel of Ski Hut.

President Gary Melander announced the noon meeting on July 11 will be our Annual Picnic at the Rotary International Peace Plaza at Enger Park.

Rotarians do not need a reason to gather and celebrate. But if we did, one of the best is to acknowledge and celebrate the work of our President, Gary Melander. To that end, Patra Sevastiades (photo 3) of the Special
Events Committee invited us to join them for a Vista Cruise President’s Night on Thursday evening, June 20.

Chair of the Day, Travis Klingeisen (photo 4) introduced our two speakers, David Kolquist and Harbortown Rotarian Scott Nuesel to update us on the latest efforts by Never Surrender, Inc. to raise funds to fight Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

The latest entry (2023) to raise funds for research, access to advance medication, and medical equipment is the “Tomassoni Tour – Cycle for ALS”. This event, in its second year, provides a premium experience to riders on key sections of the Mesabi Trail (Which runs from Grand Rapids to Ely). This event joins the “Black Woods Blizzard Tour” (1999), and “Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament” (1995).

In the United States there are about 20,000 people suffering from ALS. The number is stable as approximately 5,000 are diagnosed each year and approximately 5,000 die. Life expectancy from the date of onset is 2-5 years. Those who participate in the Never Surrender events help raise the funds in the fight against ALS.

David Kolquist, Scott Nuesel, Gary Melander, Julie from Never Surrender, and Travis Klingeisen (photo 5) gather after the meeting.

Highlights from Club 25 May 9th Meeting
By Highlights from Last Week’s Meeting
By Renee Burns

A full room of Rotarians and guests gathered at the Holiday Inn for the weekly meeting. Past President Branden Robinson (photo 1) gave his usual well-prepared and insightful Reflection. The Reflection noted the similarities between Chambers of Commerce and Rotary Clubs. Each was founded by a diverse group of businessmen and each focus on serving their communities in immeasurable ways.

President Gary Melander introduced our guests, his mother Hariet Besser (photo 2), who by the way is proud of her son as she shared with those of us at the table, and Mary Boyle from East High.

The Golden Can was full with the day’s self-reporting. Past Assistant Governor Al Makynen (photo 3) is just back from a wonderful trip to learn about his Finish roots and claims the timing had nothing to do with trying to get away from chairing the Auction! Past President Barb Perrella (photo 4) practically skipped to the podium with her donation to announce today is her LAST DAY of work and on to retirement! Paul Helstrom (photo 5) announced that Allete going private means even more green investment in the future and Jay Ott (photo 6) kicked the can as the publisher of the Chamber publications, the well-read Duluthian and Chamber Express. Justin Reid (photo 7) had the happy announcement that his son, who will soon graduate from High School is enlisting in the 148th.

Jena Evans re-introduced Mary Boyle (photo 8) , our East High School Junior Rotarian from November. Mary read us her excellent Four Way Test essay linking artificial intelligence to the Four Way test.

Chair of the Day, Renee Burns introduced our speakers (Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Baumgartner and Daniel Fanning (photo 9).

Matt Baumgartner started by describing the work plan adopted by the Chamber for 2024 as Putting the Action into the Action Plan.

Daniel Fanning spoke about the Chamber doing much more work in the policy and advocacy realm.

(Photo 10) Sharing some after dinner fellowship are Renee Burns, Chair of the Day, Daniel Fanning, President Gary Melander and Matt Baumgartner.