News: Rotary Club of Louisville
RECENT UPDATES
May 15th Meeting Featuring Kimberly Bunton, President, TKT & Associates
Join us at noon on May 15th at the University Club for our meeting featuring Kimberly Bunton, President, TKT & Associates.
"Selling the Soul of a City: How Louisville’s Culture Closed a Global Marketing Deal"
We didn’t just pitch our agency—we pitched our city. Learn how Bourbon City helped us secure an international automotive company as a client and why every resident plays a role in shaping their city’s economic narrative.
The buffet opens at 11:30am and the program begins at noon. The menu is oven-roasted turkey breast with stuffing, green beans, and gravy; a salad with grilled chicken or a vegetarian/vegan and/or gluten-free option is available upon advance request.
Please register by Monday, May 12th HERE.
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 below to view Speaker Bio.
Business Synergy Mixer with Canopy / YPAL / Independence Bank: May 20
Please join us Tuesday, May 20th, from 5:30-7:30 pm at Independence Bank for our 3rd Annual Rotary Business Synergy networking event in collaboration with Canopy and the Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL). Thank you to Louis Straub and his team for hosting us again!
You can RSVP HERE.
Pre-Meeting Learning Opportunities with AG Rick Harned
AG Rick Harned will host a table at upcoming regular meetings for members who want to learn about different Rotary topics. Just show up around 11:30 am when the buffet opens, grab your meal, and go sit with Rick. You'll get a better parking space, less of a line, and some useful knowledge!
The next opportunity will be Thursday, May 22nd, and the topic will be focused on the Rotary Youth Exchange program: short-term and long-term exchanges, inbound and outbound programs, who is eligible, host family responsibilities, etc. It will last about 15-20 minutes, until our meeting begins.
On May 29th he will be discussing Rotary Fellowships.
No need to RSVP or sign up...just set an alarm on your phone to leave a little early for Rotary. If you are interested in a topic but can't make the meeting that day, just let us know.
Save the Date for the Rotary Heart of America Zones 30-31 Summer Leadership Event
I am excited to announce that our Heart of America Zone 30-31 leadership team has chosen Louisville for a Leadership Training workshop on Saturday, July 19th. Our Club will be hosting a social event for attendees on Friday evening, and we would love to have STRONG representation from our members.
We will begin the evening at the Kentucky Derby Museum with a 5:10pm viewing of the newly-released version of The Greatest Race film on one of the few 360-degree screens in the world, followed by a guided track tour. We will then head over to the Kentucky Science Center for a you-don't-want-to-miss-it Kentucky-themed reception/dinner catered by Bristol beginning at 6:30pm and a screening of City of Ali in the theater with film director Graham Shelby. There will be time for Q&A and to enjoy more food and beverages before we wrap up and encourage attendees to experience some of our downtown nightlife!
If you would like to join us, email [email protected].
April 24th Meeting Recap
The April 24th meeting at the University Club featured Jimmy Kirchdorfer, CEO of ISCO Industries. Alice Bridges shared an on-point golf-themed invocation and Joyce Seymour led the pledge and 4-Way Test. Mayor Craig Greenberg introduced Jimmy.
You can view the recording on our YouTube channel. Provide feedback about the meeting HERE.
Welcome New Members
At the April 24th meeting, Club President Nominee Barbara Sexton Smith inducted new members Angie Howard, Shannon Kisselbaugh and Paris Parada. Sponsors Jean West and Denise Sears helped with the pinning.
Click Read More to read the introductions.
Come Read With 8th Grade Boys at West End School
For our annual Middle School Literacy Service Project at the West End School, we are reading Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary (books are provided) with a class of 8th grade boys. Please join us on Tuesdays from 9:50-10:35 am; email me at [email protected] or call 502-262-2792 to sign up.
Did you know that the WES Library was named after Mike's dad, Ben Brumleve, who served on the Board of the school and was a member of our Rotary Club for many years? I am very proud to serve on the board and encourage more folks to get involved. In addition to volunteer hours, we support the school with a grant, which our District 6710 matches!
Nominate a Member for Rotarian of the Year!
It is time to nominate deserving members for our 2024-2025 Rotarian of the Year award. Click HERE to download the nominations form and see criteria for the award. The deadline to submit is May 31, 2025.
Re:Center Ministries Meal Service: May 28
Our next meal service will be Wednesday, May 28th at 5:30 p.m. at 757 S Brook St. We need a couple more volunteers, so please let Larry Sloan ([email protected] or 502-552-3990) know if you can help.
Thanks to our volunteers who came out to serve and fellowship with the men in the addiction recovery program at Re:Center Ministries!
Repair Affair Service Project: June 7
We don't yet know the address, but our project is usually a yard clean-up and/or painting for a senior homeowner, or maybe a wheelchair ramp that needs sealing or staining. Please plan to dress for this type of work. NDHC/Repair Affair will provide all needed equipment, work gloves, water and a box lunch. We will meet at the site at 8:00 a.m., work until noon, have lunch and then clean up the site with the intent of being finished around 1:00 or 1:30. Each volunteer will receive a Repair Affair t-shirt.
Scherman Summer Social: June 8
New Member Service Project at SOS: July 22
Our next new member service project at SOS, 1500 Arlington Avenue will be Tuesday, July 22nd from 5:30-7:30pm. For those of you that have attended, feel free to come back. For those of you that have not made it, I hope you are able to, as this is a fantastic opportunity to give back and meet some of your fellow Rotarians. Come ready to have some fun, pack medical supplies, and you might even shed a tear when you learn about how this fantastic organization is changing people's lives. Learn more HERE.
Register HERE.
District 6710 Conference: May 16-17 in Hopkinsville
We will be celebrating the Magic of Rotary at the Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville on May 16-17 for District Conference 2025! Be prepared to be inspired, entertained and motivated; click HERE for the schedule.
- Keynote Speakers: Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey's and Past Rotary International President Mark Maloney
- Entertainment: Professional magicians, live music, and basket auction Hoptown-style to raise funds for The Rotary Foundation
- Special Event: Friday evening, we will be hosted by DG Dale Leatherman's home club, the Rotary Club of Hopkinsville, at Casey Jones Distillery. The event features an outdoor barbeque, special cocktails, distillery tours, live music, and more
- Service Project: Love the Hungry - Saturday morning
- Favorites: Speech Contest and 10 dynamic breakout sessions
Rotarian in the Spotlight: Dr. Swannie Jett
Congrats to Dr. Swannie Jett and Park DuValle Community Health Centers on the announcement of a new 24,000-square-foot Community Food Center which will feature an indoor farmers market, a training kitchen, a food pantry and events space. A ground-breaking ceremony will take place at 3:00 pm today at 3044 Wilson Ave.
Events & Opportunities: Breakfast of Champions
What: Breakfast of Champions
Date/Time: Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 am
Location: Louisville Thoroughbred Society, 209 E. Main St.
Description: Enjoy a timely discussion and the chance to mix with local business and community leaders with a delicious breakfast spread.
More information: Click HERE
Member to contact: Ken Grossman, [email protected]
Events & Opportunities: Kentucky Refugee Ministries
What: KRM Live with Teddy Abrams
Organization: Kentucky Refugee Ministries
Date/Time: Thursday, May 15th, 7:00–8:30 pm
Location: Trellis Brewing, 827 Logan St. (family-friendly venue, no age minimum)
Description: This unique performance features Louisville Orchestra Music Director Teddy Abrams and KRM musicians from across the globe, showcasing the musical artistry of Cuba, the Andes Mountains, Haiti, Iraq, Panama, the U.S. and more. Share the expression of hope, resilience and strength of the human spirit through a collaborative concert exploring the refugee and immigrant experience across time and musical genres.
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More information: https://kyrm.org/event/krm-live-with-teddy-abrams/
Member to contact: Mary Ellen Harned
Events & Opportunities: Kentucky To The World
What: Spectacle of Excess: Wrestling As American Performance Art
Organization: Kentucky To The World
Date/Time: June 11, 5:30 pm
Location: Speed Art Museum Grant Hall, 2035 S 3rd St
Description: Step into the world of suplexes, over-the-top personas, and body-slamming storytelling at this one-of-a-kind live experience inside an actual ring, featuring WWE legend and OVW operator Al Snow in conversation with Sam Ford, board chair of Kentucky to the World and the only person to have taught a course on U.S. professional wrestling at MIT.
More information: Click HERE
Member to contact: Ken Grossman, [email protected]
Events & Opportunities: NEW Showcase
What: NEW Showcase of Entrepreneurial Women
Organization: Network of Entrepreneurial Women
Date/Time: Wednesday, June 11, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: The Olmsted
Description: Join NEW as we showcase the amazing entrepreneurial women of our community with an evening of fabulous networking, entertainment, food, drinks, door prizes and presentation of the 2025 Cliff Elgin Award. We will spotlight some young entrepreneurs as well. See photos from last year's event HERE.
More information: Click HERE
Member to contact: Cliff Elgin or Marisa Neal
OUR VISION:
To be Louisville’s premier fellowship of business, professional and civic leaders dedicated to selfless humanitarian and civic service, improving lives in our ever-changing community and the world.
OUR MISSION:
To provide a fellowship of inspired business, professional and civic leaders with exceptional opportunities for humanitarian and civic service, while promoting integrity, understanding and goodwill on a local, national and worldwide basis. We achieve our mission by:
- Developing a strong, growing and active membership that reflects the diversity of vocations and people in our community.
- Strengthening finances to support the club and to carry out the civic, vocational and international service projects that meet the needs of the community and the world.
- Building a dedicated, well-trained and energized leadership team to guide the club and to support the District and Rotary International.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION:
The Rotary Club of Louisville’s mission is to provide a fellowship of inspired business, professional and civic leaders with exceptional opportunities for humanitarian and civic service, while promoting integrity, understanding and goodwill on a local, national, and worldwide basis.
We, as a club, cannot achieve our mission without acknowledging the inequalities in our country and our community, specifically for Black and minority Americans.
We celebrate diversity and equality. We continue to foster supportive programs for our community. We will be tenacious in creating new, innovative solutions to address community needs.
We strongly believe everyone should be heard, be respected, and be supported.
Yes, we still have much work to do. But our club is passionate in addressing these issues. Together, we can continue to foster peace, justice, and #EquityForAll.
Adopted January 2021
CORE VALUES & GUIDING PRINCIPLES
These core values are reflected in the Object of Rotary and The Four Way Test which we use in our daily lives. Adopted June 2012
SERVICE
We believe that our service activities and programs improve lives and communities and bring about greater understanding and peace. Through the plans and actions of our Club, we create a culture of service that not only benefits the recipients but also provides unparalleled satisfaction for those who serve.
FELLOWSHIP
Fellowship leads to tolerance and transcends racial, national and other limiting boundaries. This broadens our lives and perspectives and strengthens our ability to serve.
DIVERSITY
We believe Rotary unifies all people behind the ideal of service. We encourage diversity of vocations within our membership and in our activities and service work. Our membership reflects our business and professional community and is a key to our Club’s success.
INTEGRITY
We are committed to and expect accountability from our leaders and fellow members, both in the results of our efforts and in the processes we use to accomplish our goals. We adhere to high ethical and professional standards in our work and personal relationships. We are fair and respectful in our interactions, and we conscientiously steward the resources entrusted to us.
LEADERSHIP
We are a fellowship of leaders and believe in offering our members lifelong opportunities to develop their leadership capabilities in service to others. As Rotarians, we are leaders in implementing our core values.