The Club welcomed a new member at the December 21st meeting.  Her name is Brandy Lavender and was sponsored by Linda Gerber with the classification of Account Executive.  Brandy is the second new member who found us through the Internet.  Brandy is an Account Executive for Gallagher Benefit Services and is a consultant for employer sponsored health and welfare plans.  Previously, Brandy was the Office Manager for the locally founded Employers' Coalition on Health, and as an Accounts Receivable clerk for Cincinnati Tool Steel, both in Rockford.
     She graduated from Belvidere High School and attended Rockford University.  She is married to Bryant Benavides and they have two children, Michael age 10 and Stephanie age 8.  She enjoys reading novels based on historical events and people.  She loves music and comedy but mostly enjoys spending time with her family and providing her children with new and exciting experiences like Medieval Times, Legoland, and Six Flags.
    Brandy is a member of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Network of Professional Women, the Belvidere Chamber of Commerce, and IGNITE.  She also volunteers for the Rockford Golden Apple Foundation.  She welcomes opportunities to volunteer at her children's schools, Seth Whitman Elementary, and Caledonia Elementary.  At work, she looks for and coordinates volunteer events for her office staff.  Each year, she participates in her company's annual holiday volunteer event.  Last year, her company volunteered at Resources for Community Living in Arlington Heights.  In 2015, they volunteered at Easter Seals in Villa Park. 
     Brandy has travelled to Cancun, Mexico, several destinations in Florida, San Antonia, Texas, and several destinations in Wisconsin.  Her future travel plans include Ireland, Italy, Spain, South America, California, Georgia, New York, and Alaska.  An interesting note is that Brandy is the oldest of nine children, including 7 brothers and 1 sister!
     We would encourage our members to make an effort to introduce yourself to Brandy and welcome her to Rockford Rotary.