August 27, 2021 (Aug 27, 2021)

Thursday Lunches

Thursday Lunch Option

The Board of the Rotary Club of Rockford has selected Toni’s of Winnebago as our caterer for the 2021-22 year.

Michelle, the owner and the caterer, is known for delicious foods with ample servings.

Our Thursday meal will include three courses or a vegetarian alternative each week.

Lunch will be served in boxes so that members can take home any food they don’t eat.

Your reservation to our Administrative Assistant, Judy Cooper is required weekly by Tuesday Noon. RSPV to this email.

The cost is $17.00 per lunch. Making a reservation is a commitment to pay upon your arrival or if you don’t attend so that our club does not lose money.

Those who would rather bring their lunch or not eat are very welcome.

We look forward to meeting in person and on Zoom and for those who are unable to attend in person. Either way we look forward to seeing you Thursday, September 2^nd,as we return to our club meetings.

Signed the Board of Rockford Rotary Club.

September 2nd Program

September 2nd Program

Peter Provenzano is President & Chief Executive Officer of SupplyCore Inc. He has led his family business' growth, which was founded by his father, to be one of the top 20 award-winning Small Business US Defense contractors.

He has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and to hep shape policy. He is a past chairman of the Small Business Advisory COmmittee for the General Services Administration (appointed by Congressman Donald Manzullo, IL-16) and has been welcomed to the Captains of Industry round table at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Peter is a strong supporter of the defense industry and founder of the Great Lakes Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). He champions small business participation in defense contracts as both primes and subcontractors.

In 2012, Peter received the NDIA Kathleen P. Sridhar Small Business Executive of the Year Award for his leadership and strategic impact in the Defense industry. Several organizations have recognized Peter for his service and contributions to Northern Illinois, including the Rockford Register Star (Excalibur Award in 2017) and Crusader Community Health (Spirit of Caring Award in 2018).

In 2021, Peter was awarded Rockford Rotary's Service Above Self Award. These are some of the remarks from that ceremony:

It would be hard to find anyone who follows community development in Rockford, particularly downtown development, who has not heard the name of our next 2021 Service Above Self honoree….Mr. Peter Provenzano. Pete was nominated by Rotarian Jeff Fahrenwald.

Here are just a few of the volunteer efforts Pete has been an important part of over the last several years…

12 years with the Rock River Development Partnership

Chair of the Madison Street Corridor Board for 8 years

Over 5 years on the Riverview Ice House Expansion Team

6 years on the Transform Rockford Steering committee

5 plus years at the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence

The list goes on and on.

Pete has indeed put his time, talents and resources into efforts to benefit Rockford’s Urban Center. The most visible result of this focus is probably our City Market, an event nurtured by his efforts that has attracted some 100,000 visitors each season – truly a highlight of Rockford’s summer celebrations now entering its 12^th year. Not content with outdoor success, our City Market is in the midst of expanding to the Indoor Market on Madison Street, much with the support and guidance provided by Pete

As the Dad of a former youth hockey player, I’m personally grateful for his work in maintaining and improving the Riverview Ice House – where scores of kids will be exposed to figure skating and ice hockey – and some adults will somehow survive broomball on the small ice.

Finally, Pete has been an advocate, donor and volunteer for the Rockford Public Library’s Career Online High School…a program which addresses our community’s need for pathways for achieving high school diplomas for non-traditional students. Just another example of his dedication to community advancement.

This will be a most interesting program and one to invite a guest or prospective member. You can also join via Zoom.

Elise Cadigan will introduce our speaker and act as Rotary Host.

September 9th Program

Police and Fire Chief Selection Process

Dr Rudy Valdez currently works at Kaney Inc. as Engineering Manager and Product Leader. His technical, managerial, and leadership experience spanned over 40 years, most were at Hamilton Sundstrand.

Rudy’s educational background includes a BS in Chemical Engineering, an MBA, and a Doctor of Management (DM) in Organizational Leadership. He is certified in manufacturing management, earned Chief School Business Official administration credentials for Illinois school districts, and passed the Illinois schools’ superintendent exam.

Much of his career was as program manager working on NASA projects, such as the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. Rudy was also director of operations for seven domestic operations facilities supporting the US Space Program and was general manager of UTC Engine & Control System Asia programs.

Rudy has been fortunate to have received many awards for community service including the Excalibur and Jefferson awards in 2013. He also received the Rotary Service Above Self award.

Rudy is a member of many boards and committees. The Fire and Police Commission, which is one of them, is the topic for the presentation today. Rudy will describe the process used to select the new Rockford Fire and Police Chiefs. This is the first time that both positions have been vacant at the same time.

Rudy will talk about the selection process and give us an insight as to what the Fire and Police Commission is looking for in these new leaders. Another interesting and informative program, one that you will want to bring a guest or prospective member. Linda Niemiec will introduce our speaker and act as Rotary host.

Back to School Supply Giveaway

Back to School Supply Giveaway

Rockford Rotary was a major sponsor of the recent Back to School supply giveaway. Hundreds of children attended the event and received free school supplies for the upcoming school session.

Rockford Rotary has sponsored the event for several years. Rockford Rotarians volunteering this year included Doug Mark, Becky Rundquist. Warren Henke, Elaine Beck (?) Jerry Egilske, Bill Coller, Linda Niemiec, Kathy Kwiat-Hess, Linda Johnson and Jim Nelson. Three Loves Park Rotarians and Rockford Satellite Rotarian. Patti Bigger also worked. Mary Ann Norwood and Tom Clabough volunteered but were not needed.

Thanks to all members of the club and particularly those who gave up their Saturday. Members of the organizing committee praised our energy, hard work professionalism and friendliness. VERY IMPRESSED !