Whitney Martin is the Program Director of Made for Rockford, a high-touch talent attraction initiative under the region’s tourism bureau. A former Emmy-nominated and multi–Associated Press award-winning journalist, Whitney spent years telling the stories that shape communities, now she’s using that same storytelling power to help Rockford grow.

     Prior to returning to Rockford, Whitney served as the Morning New Anchor for WDJT CS 58 in Milwaukee from May of 2017 to November 2019.  She began working for WTVO-TV Channel 17 as the Assistant News Director and Morning Show Anchor from October 2019 until June 2024.  During that time, she also served as Interim News Director from March 2022 to May 2022 when a permanent News Director was hired.

     In July 2024 she was hired as the Program Director for "Made for Rockford", an initiative of the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Her experience as a boomerang resident positions her to succeed in the role.  She was from Rockford but moved away and chose to come back.  She will also work on the Bureau's national public relations efforts, telling the story of Rockford's turnaround to organizations around the country.

     Whitney was born and raised in Rockford and attended Rolling Green School and graduated from East High School.  Just for fun she competed in the 2024 version of Rockford's "Dancing with the Stars.

     Whitney will talk about "Made for Rockford" and her role as Program Director.  This will be an interesting and informative program about how the RACVB is working to promote Rockford to prospective workers.

     Denise Now will introduce our presenter and act as Rotary Host. 

 

     The Rockford Rotary December Social will be held on December 11th at 5:30 PM at the Prairie Street Brewing Company at 200 Prairie St.  We will be in the bar area as usual.
     Just a heads up, parking may be tight because the Excalibur Awards are being held in another part of the building at 6:00 PM so plan accordingly.
     See you Thursday for a little holiday cheer and socialization.

 

     Our annual Holiday program will feature singers from Auburn High School to lead us in some holiday music to get us in the holiday spirit.

     Mary Ann Norwood will be hosting our program and we hope to have more information next week.

 

     At our December 4th meeting, President Paul inducted 2 new members into Rockford Rotary.  Sharon Bagalio works for OSF St. Anthony Medical Center.  She was previously a member of the Rotary Club of Yarmouth, Maine and was sponsored by Denise Noe.  Maliha Khan is the co-owner and co-founder of the Institute of Languages, Mathematics, and Sciences.  She was sponsored by Linda Niemiec.

     We welcome Sharon and Maliha to Rockford Rotary and encourage our members to make an effort to meet them and welcome them to Rockford Rotary. 

 

     Foundation Chair, Bob. Canfield presented Monica Glenny with her Paul Harris plus+2 pin at our December 4th meeting.  After the initial contribution of $1,000 to the Rotary International Foundation which qualifies a person as a Paul Harris Fellow, each additional $1,000 donated earns the next level of recognition.  This means that Monica has contributed at least $3,000 to the RI Foundation.  Congratulations to Monica for her continued support 

 

     It's that time of year again when the "Rundquist Ringers" man the Salvation Army Kettles.  During the past 10 years we have collected over $13,500 for the Salvation Army and their many worthwhile projects.

     We have filled all of the slots for next Saturday, December 13th.  Thank you to all of our members who helped us raise money for the Salvation Army.

 

 

Rotary Lunches 

 

     We will continue to serve lunches for $12 each week.  We currently are having food from the Beef-A-Roo, but we will alternate each month between Beef-A-Roo and the Sandwich Shop.  Monica will be more than happy to take your money for lunch. 

 

Jim Coffey, Secretary