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Investing in Iowa's Future
Mar 01, 2019 7:00 AM
Bruce Harreld became the 21stpresident of the University of Iowa on November 2, 2015. He received a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University. President Harreld served on the faculty of Harvard Business School from 2008–2014, with dual appointments to the entrepreneurial and strategy units. He was faculty chair of the Building New Businesses in Established Organizations program. As a faculty member, he taught in numerous executive programs in Cambridge, Qatar, Mumbai, and Shanghai. He also has been an adjunct professor at Northwestern University in the Kellogg School of Management, developing the first-ever MBA course on Strategic Use of Information Technology. President Harreld has served in several corporate leadership positions. As senior vice president and division president of Kraft General Foods, he led the strategic unit that formulated strategy and executed acquisitions for this multibillion-dollar company. As president and board member of Boston Market Company, he, along with five other partners, led the organization from 20 stores in the Boston area to over 1,100 stores nationally. As senior vice president of IBM, President Harreld worked with the CEO and senior management team to chart the organization’s transformation from near bankruptcy, led the business transformation team that streamlined operations and reintegrated the global organization, and led the strategy unit that was responsible for the formulation and execution of the company’s overall strategy. President Harreld has also served as a consultant, advising public, private, and military organizations on leadership, organic growth, and strategic renewal, including serving as manager, vice president, and member of the board of the Boston Consulting Group. President Harreld is the author or coauthor of numerous articles and book chapters in such journals and magazines as the Harvard Business Review, California Management Review, and Financial Executive, and books and monographs such as Leading Sustainable Change: An Organizational Perspective(Oxford University Press, 2015) and Core Curriculum Strategy Reading: Executive Strategy(Harvard Business Publishing, 2014). He has also authored or coauthored several case studies for Harvard Business Publishing. President Harreld has received several awards, including the Accenture Award for best business article of the year and the Distinguished Industrial Engineer and Distinguished Engineering Awards from Purdue University.
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Disruptive Technologies,
Mar 08, 2019 7:00 PM
Brian Nelson: Disruptive Technologies, Crypto Currency Expert
Brian Nelson is an Exponential Technologies Entrepreneur, cofounder of 7tk (a private crypto currency club), and a Blockchain Advisor. His fingerprint on the history of Bitcoin was made in 2013 when he, and a couple of key partners, developed the very first surety bond solution for Bitcoin companies that ultimately led to the launch of the first regulatory-compliant Bitcoin exchanges in the U.S. Those exchanges are still around today and continue to play a major role in the massive growth of the ecosystem. As a recognized figure in the Bitcoin and blockchain technology ecosystem, Brian has consulted with many of the top digital currency companies, spoken at numerous industry events, and was one of 40 industry insiders invited to attend the Blockchain Summit with Sir Richard Branson on Necker Island. |
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MidAmerican Energy: Not your Parents' Utility Company
Mar 15, 2019
Kunert is vice president of economic connections and integration with MidAmerican Energy Co. She joined the company in 1996 as a legislative grassroots coordinator in the government affairs department.
She serves in leadership positions on numerous local, regional and state economic development boards and commissions, among them the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, the Iowa Innovation Corp., the Future Ready Iowa Alliance and the Cultivation Corridor. Kunert, who has chaired the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Economic Development Board for many years, currently serves as the Partnership’s 2019 board chair. As vice chair of the Partnership’s Maximizing Momentum 2022 Investor Campaign recently, Kunert’s efforts were instrumental in generating a record-breaking $34.5 million in commitments for the next five years. “Kathryn’s innovative leadership has been crucial in advancing economic development in DSM,” wrote Partnership CEO Jay Byers, one of several past Forty Under 40 honorees who nominated her. “Additionally, Kathryn has been engaged in a wide range of other community organizations, projects and initiatives in the region.” Kunert, who is a member of the 2002 Forty Under 40 class, was also named a Woman of Influence by the Business Record in 2015. |
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Vermeer Manufacturing: Rebirth After the Tornado
Mar 22, 2019 7:00 AM
Mary Vermeer Andringa, Chair of the Board Mary Vermeer Andringa is Chair of the Board at Vermeer Corporation, a global industrial and agricultural equipment company headquartered in Pella. Prior to assuming her current role in 2015, she was CEO and Chair of the Board for one year and President and CEO for five years. Earlier roles at Vermeer included Co-CEO and COO, focusing on her passion for continuous improvement and innovation. Ms. Andringa is a member of the B20, the private sector's channel into the G20, providing leadership on small business and entrepreneurship with the intent to use her voice to remove obstacles and create a better business environment for small businesses to thrive. She also currently serves as the Vice President of the Iowa Business Council. Ms. Andringa was inducted into IndustryWeek's Manufacturing Hall of Fame in 2013. She served a two-year term as chair of the National Association of Manufacturers, the nation's largest manufacturing association and has recently been named Honorary Vice Chair. She also served on President Obama's, Export Council where she represented manufacturing on important trade matters. She is also a past member of the Export-Import Bank Advisory Committee. Ms. Andringa credits her background in education for her inherent proficiency at leadership and inspiring team members to reach new heights in their personal and professional development. After her degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she taught in the Iowa public school system and later in Omaha, Nebraska, for approximately 6 years. She recently completed a two-year term as the co-chair of the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council and has been named one of the Top 100 CEOs in STEM by STEMconnector.
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Learn How DMAM Helps Our Community
Apr 05, 2019
Rotary is a service organization founded on the idea that individual clubs have the power to make our community and world a better place. Our Club takes this challenge seriously. This year's grant recipient representatives will address the club with the purpose of informing members how the DMAM Foundation grant funds they received will be used. Knowing that grant money comes from member Sergeant contributions, learning about the specific projects and those who benefit from the financial support is important to the Club. Enjoy the uplifting stories of appreciation of how you've helped our community.
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"Betting on" Sports Gambling in Iowa
Apr 12, 2019
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DMAM Storyteller Project
Apr 19, 2019
Following the model of the Des Moines Register's Storytelling Project, our program committee thought it would be fun to do a DMAM storytelling program. A request for volunteers was put out there, and members responded! |
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Lessons Learned as a Journeyman Backup Quarterback
May 03, 2019
Sage Rosenfels: Lessons Learned as a Journeyman Backup QB is the title.
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The Fareway Grocery Store Story
May 10, 2019
Cramer’s 34-year history with Fareway, dates back to when he began working in the Boone Fareway store at just 16 years old. During college, he moved and worked in the Decorah Fareway store in the meat department for three years. When speaking of this experience, Cramer explains, “I knew it would be important to understand all aspects of our business and why our meat departments are second to none.” After working in two stores as Assistant Manager he was promoted in 1997 to store manager in Des Moines. In 2000, he was promoted to District Supervisor at the corporate office in Boone, where he began working with different territories of stores. In 2008, he was elected to the Real Estate Committee, and has been instrumental in choosing the strategic placement of new Fareway locations. In 2009, Cramer was elected to the Board of Directors for Fareway, and in 2010 Cramer was promoted to Regional Vice President. In 2012, he was promoted to Executive Vice President in charge of all retail operations. Cramer’s promotion to CEO for Fareway Stores Inc. occurred in February 2014. And most recently in 2018, he was named President and CEO of the company. In addition to his responsibilities with Fareway, Cramer is active in many charitable organizations, including MDA, Easter Seals, and served as President for Variety-the Children’s Charity. Cramer is also a board member of the Iowa Business Council and ChildServe in Des Moines. He is also an advocate for animal rescue, having adopted several animals from various rescue organizations. A native Iowan and graduate of Boone High School in 1987 and Luther College in 1991, Cramer has a daughter Ashley, 19, and son Zachary, 14. Cramer and his wife Sheila live in Ames and together have the newest addition to the family Benny, 15 months old. Fareway Stores Inc. is a privately held company that has over 12,000 employees and operates 123 stores in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
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Off Site Meeting
May 17, 2019
ROTARY WILL NOT BE HELD AT WAKONDA ON MAY 17th DMAM Members must register by May 10th to attend Rotary at one of these three locations:
Meetings at each location begin promptly at 7 AM.
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Central Iowa Shelter and Services
May 24, 2019
Melissa O’Neil has been the Chief Executive Officer of Central Iowa Shelter & Services since February, 2016. Prior to her position with CISS, Melissa worked at IJAG as Vice President. She has consistently served in leadership roles including Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania for three years and Graduate Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach for two years. She leads with passion and purpose. Melissa has volunteered her time and talent with Christ the King Girls Basketball team, Indianola Tribe Soccer and United Way of Central Iowa. She received her Bachelors in Communication from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 2001 and her Masters in Advertising from Syracuse University in 2003. Melissa resides in Indianola with her husband - Jeremy, daughter – Katie, son – Patrick and a big, loveable Weimaraner named Mia.
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Focusing the Lens on Iowa
May 29, 2019
IMPORTANT: The meeting described below replaces the regular Friday, May 31st DMAM Rotary meeting. Please attend the Multi-Club meeting described below. DMAM Rotarians are asked to sign up to attend the Multi-Club program focusing on Hunger in Central Iowa. Wednesday, May 29, 2019
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Gridshock Documentary: Human Trafficking in Iowa
Jun 07, 2019 7:00 AM
BIO: Vanessa McNeal, Director of Gridshock Documentary Vanessa McNeal MSW, is an award winning documentary filmmaker, national speaker, and 2x TEDx speaker. She speaks nationally on how to confront adversity with grace using her personal story as a vehicle to inspire and empower others. She is known for her investment and wisdom in topics that are often difficult to talk about. Her message has resonated with audiences around the world through the influential topics of overcoming adversity, sexual violence, social change, leadership and empowerment. At an early age, Vanessa experienced child sexual abuse and neglict. Due to the neglect, she wasn't taken to school regularly, so she was placed in a remedial class. She spent time in foster care before she was raised by her grandparents. At age 15, Vanessa was sexually assaulted at a college preparatory program and overcame the many faces of rape culture. Vanessa was the first in her family to graduate high school and went on to pursue her Bachelor's degree at Iowa State University. She received her Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Northern Iowa.
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Willis Auto Campus
Jun 14, 2019
Rich Willis was born in 1952 in Smyrna, Delaware. Rich graduated from High School in 1970 and left the state of Delaware to attend Simpson College in the Fall of '70. He graduated with a Business Administration Degree in 1974. While attending Simpson College, he began working for Chuck Betts, at Betts Cadillac in downtown Des Moines. Upon graduation, he became a full time employee. Rich's father was a Chevrolet dealer in Delaware and so working for Chuck Betts in the automobile business was nothing new. However, he attributes his father and Chuck Betts for much of the success he has had in the automobile business. In 1988, he began to purchase the Cadillac business from the Betts family. In 1990, when Lexus came to the marketplace, Chuck and Rich applied for the Lexus franchise and were awarded such and began selling them in 1990. In the year 2000, he completed the buy-out of the Cadillac and Lexus franchise from the Betts family. Since then, he has added several more franchises including Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, INFINITI, MINI, Willis Powersports and Big O Tires. Over the years Rich has been involved in many community activities and boards, including Simpson College, Blank Children's Hospital, UnityPoint Health Des Moines, John Stoddard Cancer Board, board of IMT Insurance, Principal Charity Classic, Boys and Girls Club, Chair of the United Way Campaign for Central Iowa. Willis Automotive has been a sponsor of the Des Moines Performing Arts’ Broadway Series for the last 12 years, as well as raise money annually for the National Kidney Foundation. Rich and Kim were married 6 years ago in 2012, have 2 sons, 2 wonderful daughter-in-laws, and 6 fantastic grandchildren (with an equal balance of 3 boys and 3 girls). “Rich's dedication to his company, his community, and his family isn't slowing down, either. His two sons, Matt and Jason, have worked their way up through the ranks of Willis Automotive, following in their father's footsteps. Through Rich's continued leadership and mentoring, the Willis family and Willis Automotive look to continue his tradition of integrity, involvement, and business success for decades to come." |
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LCS
Jun 21, 2019
Diane Bridgewater is the EVP, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of LCS. Diane provides strategic, financial and business operations leadership to LCS and the LCS Family of Companies. In addition to directing all financial aspects of the company, Diane is responsible for overseeing the company's insurance business line and captive insurance company results, the group purchasing organization, CPS, information technology, compliance, regulatory and legal matters. She joined LCS in October of 2006. Prior to joining LCS, Diane worked for Pioneer Hi-Bred, A DuPont Company. In her years with Pioneer, she held a number of operational and financial roles including: Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Business Director for North America, Director of Customer and Sales Services for Seed and Crop Protection, Worldwide Finance Director, and other roles. Diane started her career with KPMG. Diane earned her undergraduate degrees in Accounting and French from the University of Northern Iowa and received her CPA certification in 1986. In addition to the LCS board, Diane also serves on the board of Casey’s General Stores (CASY) where she has served as the chair of the audit committee and chair of the nominating and governance committee. In 2018, she completed her service on the board of Bankers Trust where she also served as Audit Committee Chair. Diane’s civic and professional involvement has included not-for-profit board membership for United Way of Central Iowa (currently the co-chair for the 2019 Tocqueville Society campaign), AICPA Governing Council, ChildServe, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central Iowa, Johnston Community School Foundation, and Hospice of Central Iowa. She was a member of the UNI College of Business Executive Advisory board, served on UNI’s President Search Committee, is a member of the ISCPA and the AICPA, and was a regional coordinator for USA Climbing. Diane is the founder and co-owner of Climb Iowa, Iowa’s largest climbing and training center, and Climb Iowa – East Village, a recently opened bouldering gym.
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The Opportunity to Safeguard Benefits for Both Seniors and Young Americans
Jul 26, 2019
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2019 State Fair's Top 11
Aug 09, 2019
Mindy Williamson is the Director of Marketing for the Iowa State Fair. The 2015 Iowa State Fair was her first as Marketing Director, but Mindy has been a Fair lover and attendee for many years. Most recently, she worked for the advertising agency, Amperage, specializing in non-profit and governmental clients. For about 9 years prior to that, Mindy worked for the Iowa Corn Growers Association as the Communications and Public Relations Director, managing public relations, media, and internal/external communications. Some of her most successful events included the Iowa Corn Indy race and the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series. Mindy has her certification in volunteer management and has nearly completed her accreditation in public relations. She has a BS in Biological Pre-Medical Illustration from Iowa State University with a specialization in botany. Mindy and her husband, Kevin, live on an acreage in Madison County and have two kids, Taelor and Trent, a few crops, show pigs and a dog named, Otis. Note: This meeting is free to DMAM members and their families as described above. Visiting Rotarians are welcome to attend but must purchase their own tickets and breakfast at the Cattlemen's Beef Quarters. |
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Impacting our Community
Aug 16, 2019
Jeff Chelesvig is President & CEO of Des Moines Performing Arts, an organization he has led for more than two decades. Under Jeff’s leadership Des Moines Performing Arts, which owns and operates the Des Moines Civic Center, has grown to present seven series including the Willis Broadway Series. He is a member of the Broadway League’s Board of Governors where he serves on the Executive Committee and Intra-Industry committee. Additionally, Jeff serves as President of the Independent Presenters Network. In 2005 Jeff was honored with the League’s Samuel J. L'Hommedieu Award for Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management. |
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Pulling Back the Curtain on Property Taxes: What SF634 Means to You
Aug 23, 2019
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District Governor's Message to DMAM
Aug 30, 2019
Erna Morain was born in the Netherlands but embraces Iowa with a passion—enough to be named the Waukee Citizen of the Year in 2017 for all her community service. She is a living example of Rotary’s 2019-20 theme “Rotary Connects the World”, and holds as friends, hundreds of Rotarians around the US and the world through her Rotary activities. A successful commercial property realtor in Holland, Erna moved to the US in l983. She met her husband, Steve, through a business connection years later, and they married and moved to Waukee in 2004. Both are hands on volunteers in many organizations in the Des Moines area. Steve has retired as General Counsel of Farm Bureau and its insurance companies and stays busy working on boards of Des Moines University, the Iowa Law School Foundation, Insurance Hall of Fame and other organizations, and is a 40 year member of the Rotary Club of Des Moines. Erna and Steve share five adult children and two grandsons. They love traveling and have been all over the US and 27 foreign countries. Erna is a graduate of the Waukee Leadership Institute. She also served on the Waukee Economic Development Corp and currently is on the Waukee Betterment Foundation. She has been a board member, Interim President, and Ambassador of the Year of the Waukee Chamber of Commerce. Erna saves her greatest passion for Rotary. She joined the Waukee Club in 2006, served yearly as a board member and President in 2013-14. She served two years as an Assistant Governor before being nominated as District Governor. She takes special pride in serving as DG, since her father-in-law, Fred Morain, was a DG in the District in 1970-71. She also considers it a personal challenge to encourage more women to seek leadership in Rotary. Erna and Steve are still pretty good athletes. They still find time in their schedules to ski, swim, hike, bike and walk. Erna once completed 15 straight RAGBRAIs. She and Steve hope to walk a mile or two in each Rotary city in the District on their Club visits this year to personally view each Club’s local projects. |