The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
August 19, 2025 Our 9th meeting of the Rotary year commenced with President Seth Minter ceremoniously ringing the Rotary bell. Todd Rodeffer delivered the invocation, and Dennis Iversen led the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Dennis Iversen reported that 35 members attended, including one via Zoom, which represented 67.3% of the club, and there was a visiting Rotarian, Tom Conklin from Farmington for a total of 36 in attendance.
Happy Money was collected from 10 Rotarians marking happy occasions this week. Rotarian Kim McKee entered the 50/50 drawing but did not win the $138, as she drew the Jack of Spades instead of the 7 of Clubs.
President Seth made announcements. Our club has scheduled two dates for selling Raffle tickets in September. The 1st is at Farmers Market on Saturday 9/6/25 from 8AM-12PM and the 2nd is at Hy-Vee on Saturday 9/13/25 from 8AM-12PM. Signups are to be sent to members. The Youth Task Force in Macomb is asking our club to help with a First Responders event we have participated in before. The date for that is Friday 9/12/25 from 8:30AM-11:30AM. An email was to be sent to get signups for that. He reminded members that on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, we will have a Fifth Tuesday Social. There will be a drawing for the $20,000 Raffle on that date. Seth also reminded the club that on Saturday, October 4, 2025, the Rotary District 6460 will be having a Foundation Dinner in Macomb that is for the Central area. Our club will be getting recognized for the great year of giving to the Rotary Foundation.
Seth then mentioned the upcoming meeting programs Tuesday, September 2, 2025, a representative from the Kibbe Museum from Carthage and Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the program will be on Artificial Intelligence.
His last announcement was for Past President Lynne Campbell and the club for a message sent to the Rotary Board of Directors from Stephanie A. Urchick 2024-25 RI President. Her message congratulated our club for earning the “Club Excellence Award” for the 2024-25 Rotary year. The award demonstrates a commitment by the President and Board of Directors to achieving the club goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shapes our organization’s future.
Todd Lester was then called to introduce the speakers who are both Rotarians, Mayor Mike Inman and MAEDCO President/CEO Kim Pierce. They were presenting a program on the proposed Sport Facility being formed and planned for Macomb.
Mayor Inman commenced the program by providing an overview of several positive developments that have taken place in Macomb over recent years. He noted that the current occupancy rate for buildings on the downtown square stands at 95%. Since the opening of the Pella manufacturing plant, employee numbers have increased from 160 to 650. Additionally, NTN now employs 750 individuals, with the company diversifying its operations and experiencing consistent demand for its products. He also discussed the recent openings of new businesses along East Jackson Street, highlighting ongoing development in that area.
Mike subsequently introduced a new project that has been under consideration for nearly a year: a regional Sports Facility in Macomb designed to attract visitors to the city. This initiative is part of Macomb’s broader economic development strategy. A comprehensive analysis, conducted in partnership with various stakeholders, resulted in an Executive Summary that is available on the Macomb City website.
The presentation continued with Mayor Inman outlining key findings from the Executive Summary and presenting relevant figures related to the project’s impact. He encouraged all attendees to visit the city’s website to review the charts and data illustrating the substantial potential of this initiative.
Kim Pierce followed with remarks on recent retail activity and notable property sales. She highlighted the excitement generated by a California- based real estate company’s investments in local properties; the company specializes in smaller communities, making Macomb an ideal fit. As a result of these developments and with the prospect of the new Sports Facility, Macomb is becoming increasingly attractive to prospective investors. Kim also discussed additional property developments planned for the future.
The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, leaving club members optimistic about Macomb’s proactive approach to fostering business growth in the region.
The club recited the “Four Way Test”, which was followed by ringing the Rotary bell and encouraging everyone to make Rotary Part Of Their Life – and to “Unite For Good”.
Interested in speaking at Rotary or becoming a member, contact Tom Stites at [email protected].
