Events

2024-25 District Governor - Dave Cook

Dr. Andy Nish currently serves as the Medical Director of John Stoddard Cancer Center in Des Moines and is passionate about teaching the community how lifestyle changes can improve the health and health span of all individuals.

Sam Summers Bio

Sam Summers was hooked on promoting concerts by 10 years old and gained valuable experience working with bands through high school and college.  Today, Sam’s vision and industry connections and superb team provide Iowa live music lovers the greatest choice of options at Hinterland – a top 10 national music festival; the Vibrant Music Hall and Live Nation; Wooly’s; the Capitol Theater (Davenport); and now the historic remodeled Val Air Ballroom.

STATE OF REAL ESTATE
Panel Discussion moderated by Kevin Crowley

Panelists:

• Tom Hudson NAI - Iowa Realty Commercial
• Adam Kaduce - President of R&R Realty Group
• Phil Hodgin - RDG Planning & Architecture
• Ryan Newton - Commercial Lender SSB

DMAM's annual auction raises funds for winter clothing for Capitol View Elementary School students.  Over the past four years, auction funds have provided north of $30,000 worth of coats, hats, gloves, undergarments, and snow boots in a fun, fast-paced atmosphere!  

We can't wait to see what happens this year!

The DMAM Santa Program is a tradition of DMAM Rotary! Santa, with the help of elves, presents gag gifts to members who "deserve" recognition. It's all in fun!!

Note:  Though Santa will be in attendance, this program is for adults and doesn't cater to children.  

Kevin Foley joined the Des Moines International Airport team in June 2008. Following several promotions he accepted the position of Executive Director in February of 2014.  Prior to joining the Airport, Mr. Foley served as an Associate Professor of Aviation for the University of Dubuque.  His professional experience also includes several key management roles with Dubuque Regional Airport, 1992 – 2000, and a stint as a corporate pilot. Kevin possesses a Master of Business Administration degree as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management. He is a certified flight instructor and a multi-engine commercial pilot.   

The Rotary Club of Des Moines will not meet at the Holiday Inn. Instead, members are encouraged to sign up to attend a meeting at a member's business as part of celebrating Vocational Service DMAM Rotary style!  A few meetings around town will be held simultaneously, so selecting and signing up to attend is important.  As usual, breakfast is included!

Dave Hataj is the second-generation president and owner of Edgerton Gear, Inc., a Wisconsin-based custom gear manufacturer, where he has worked for over 35 years. He is a Journeyman machinist, has a BA from University of California, Irvine, a Masters of Christian Studies from Regent College in Vancouver BC, and a doctorate from Bakke Graduate University, developing a curriculum called Craftsman with Character. The course introduces high school students to the trades and manufacturing as an excellent career path, while developing character and soft skills. The U.S. Navy has recently partnered with Dave to expand Craftsman with Character nationally.

CHRIS PORTER is the director of the artificial intelligence program at Drake University and an associate professor of computer science.  He is also co-founder of Innovation Profs LLC, a company that provides training and consulting on generative AI.  Prior to coming to Drake in 2016, Chris held postdoctoral positions at the University of Paris Diderot and the University of Florida.  He received a joint PhD in mathematics and philosophy from the University of Notre Dame and an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Gonzaga University.

Generative AI came to the forefront of the public eye in late 2022 with the release of ChatGPT.  Since then, many generative AI tools have been released, with significant improvements to existing tools as well as tools allowing for novel applications of AI.  In this presentation, I will lay out the state of generative AI in 2025, highlighting the latest trends and focusing specifically on ethical and legal issues raised by these new developments.

The Club will NOT BE MEETING at the Holiday Inn.  Instead, members can choose to attend a meeting hosted by a DMAM member at their business.

The Vocational Committee organizes and receives RSVPs from members regarding the meeting locations.  Our Founder's Day meetings are popular events for members.  RSVP information with locations can be found in our internal newsletter, the Monday Memo.