Connecting the Dots: How Rotary, Business, and Community Thrive Together
Community development is rarely a solo endeavor. Lasting impact happens at the intersection of business leadership, civic service, and collective action. In Rotary, local economic vitality and social progress are deeply interrelated—when one grows, the other flourishes.
Submitted by: Lisa Neitzel, Rotary District 5580 Public Image (PI) Chair and Team Leader
Every Rotary club has a spark. It could be an idea, the passion, the project, or the person who inspires others to take action. That concept became the foundation of the Spark of Service, Rotary District 5580's overhauled awards program introduced at the 2026 District Conference.
As District Public Image Chair (and owner of a marketing and advertising agency), I was invited to work on the project, and my company staff and I developed program messaging and branding including the new name, online announcements and promotional materials including the design and development of new crystal awards, and resources to encourage recipients to share their accomplishments with local media.
Did you know that we have a new district award category? Congratulations to this year's inaugural environmental award winners : Thunder Bay Rotary Environmental Action Team and Fargo-Moorhead AM for their club Environmental Stewardship projects, and John Forrest of Brainerd for his longtime service as an Environmental Champion. These awardees demonstrated outstanding, sustained and truly powerful impact in their communities.
Submitted by: Erin M. Wood, Devil's Lake Rotary Club
The aroma of simmering sauce and warm spaghetti once again brought neighbors together as Devils Lake Rotary hosted its 52nd annual Spaghetti Feed on September 17. Long before the first plate was served, Rotarians were already at work—donning aprons, preparing food the night before, cooking on event day, setting up the hall, serving guests, cleaning up, and keeping the lines moving smoothly. It is a true team effort and a reflection of Rotary’s commitment to service above self.
Submitted by: Lisa Neitzel, Rotary District 5580 Public Image (PI) Chair and Team Leader
and Poem by Scott Soderberg, Harbortown Rotary Club
Rotary offers young people opportunities to learn, grow, lead, and make a difference. Following another successful year of Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp, students have another opportunity to put their ideas into action and win prize money!
Rotary District 5580’s annual Four-Way Test Essay Contest invites students to explore the principles that guide Rotarians in everything they think, say, and do:
· Is it the truth?
· Is it fair to all concerned?
· Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
· Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
These four questions encourage honesty, fairness, goodwill, and consideration for others, values that are just as important today as ever.
WE CAN ONLY SHARE YOUR CLUB'S NEWS, IF WE KNOW ABOUT YOUR CLUB'S NEWS!
The number one thing most clubs want to know is what is happening around the District, but we can't help spread the word if we don't know what your club is up to.
Please submit a summary of your club events, news and projects to Renae Ronquist and Gloria Mink by the 10th of each month. We can include information in our Monday Minutes and in our newsletter.
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