Home Page | Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club

Join us the first three Wednesdays at 7:15 a.m. for fellowship and engaging speakers. Learn how.

Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club unites a dynamic network of leaders dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, mutual support, and impactful service that enhances lives locally and globally. Welcome.

Upcoming Speakers

April 2, 2025

Blois Olson

Minnesota Sports Betting Bill

Eric Roper

Ghost of a Chance

Zoom-Only MeetingAnnie Duke

Decision Making Under Uncertainty

By the Numbers

I feel fortunate to be a part of such a great community of caring, compassionate individuals who, together, make a difference to each other and the community.

Jodi M.
Member since 2011

Virtually every member of our club has a passion for one or more areas of service and there is absolutely nothing more satisfying than having the opportunity to help others when you do it with a group of your best friends.

Gary M.
Member since 1987

Every Peer Group, Strategy, Planning, and New Membership meeting has taught more about the meaning of Service above Self. I hope to take these invaluable life lessons from Rotary and give a little to a world that has given me so much.

Sangam N.
Member since 2019

Become a Rotarian, Build Goodwill and Better Friendships

Rotary is all about Fellowship, Service, Leadership, Diversity, and Integrity. We build better friendships through these core values. These are the pillars of Rotary.

Become part of our community that shares your values today.

Our club is a diverse group of business and community leaders where you’ll feel welcome, have fun, and make a real difference. Together, we work to create positive change both locally and globally. By joining now, you’ll not only experience the warmth of a vibrant, supportive group and expand your professional network, but also play a role in shaping the future and leaving a lasting legacy.

To learn more, visit our Membership page: https://bit.ly/3A1XDba or contact Brian Kimmes: https://bit.ly/3X5cOJa. Let’s accomplish great things together!

Celebrating 40 Years of Service, Innovation, and Community

On February 15, 1985, a group of forward-thinking leaders came together to charter the Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club. Forty years later, our club continues to unite a dynamic network of changemakers committed to fostering meaningful connections, mutual support, and impactful service.

This milestone is more than a celebration of longevity it is a testament to our commitment to innovation, leadership, and service that enhances lives both locally and globally. From launching community initiatives to supporting international projects, we have made a lasting difference while creating a strong sense of belonging among like-minded leaders.

As we honor our past, we also look forward to the future, continuing to be a force for good in Minneapolis and beyond. Join us in celebrating 40 years of impact, and be part of what's next!

Board of Directors for YOU

Our Vocational Service team has developed an opportunity for a member to meet with a seasoned group of Rotarians from many fields to help scale their business/organization and address challenges. All information shared in this Board of Directors for YOU program remains confidential.

COL Rotary continues to offer members innovative programs that enhance the value of Rotary membership. Questions? Contact Vocational Service Chair Russ Michaletz.

Volunteers Help Provide Dignity and Hope to Homeless

Our club proudly supported 3000 Acts of Kindness which provides hope, help, and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness. Coated in Love founder and club member Danielle Igbanugo expected to break the attendance record of 3,000 guests —making a real difference in their lives.

Guests at the Minneapolis Convention Center were treated to lunch, complementary haircuts, new coats, hats, boots, toiletry kits, and access to over 50 social service agencies. Community organizations provided resources and information to help guests potentially find housing, staffing or rehabilitation solutions.

Our club provided a grant, outreach to 150 social service organizations, member Rob Scarlett acted as an interpreter, and 12 volunteers took on three-hour shifts to help set up — Lynn Otis, Cindy Lennie, Tina Sheriff, Russ Michaletz, Scott Benson, Hugh Haman, Sheila Gothmann, Maria Bavender, King Bavender, Gayle Noakes, Greg Alm, and Bill Jackson.

We couldn't be more appreciative of our member Danielle who reminds us, "Kindness is the language the deaf can hear and the blind can see." Learn more about her non-profit here http://www.coatedinlove.org/

Click to see more pictures.

Register for Zoom Meetings

The registration for our weekly City of Lakes Rotary Club Zoom meetings has changed. If you'd like to attend a meeting via Zoom, you will need to register in advance: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Hr7YA_SeTTmEyTA9ZLufYw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Register once, and you can attend any of our weekly meeting via Zoom for the entire year!

Promoting Rotary Youth Exchange at MPLS High Schools

Rotary Club members John Vandermyde, Heather Heefner, Lakka Benti, and Lars and Chanda Olson along with son Jorgen visited Edison High School to introduce students and community partners to the exciting opportunities available through Rotary Youth Exchange. They shared insights about the life-changing experiences students can have by studying abroad, immersing themselves in new cultures, and building lifelong connections around the world. More high school visits are planned.

Students interested in a short-term summer exchange should submit their applications by March 1, while those considering a year-long exchange have until November to apply.

For more information on how to participate in Rotary Youth Exchange, visit https://northstarrotary.com/

Don't miss this chance to explore the world!

City of Lakes Rotary Entrepreneur Awards

Club member Liban Kano's Strangers Meeting Strangers (SMS) will host Town Hall 3 https://lu.ma/xjmdgo89, a gathering of Minneapolis entrepreneurs at Theatre in the Round this spring.

We will present two "Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club Entrepreneur Awards"

Best New Business Idea Award ($1,000)
Best Existing Business Pitch Award ($1,000)

This event continues the SMS tradition of creating meaningful spaces for community connection and entrepreneurial growth. SMS and Overbrite Studio will produce broadcast-quality content for SPEAK MPLS https://www.speakmpls.com/, ensuring that the voices of our entrepreneurial community are amplified far beyond the event itself.

This is an exciting collaboration between our Vocational Service Team and Liban Kano's organization in support of young future business leaders.

Boost Your Business with a Rotary Corporate Membership

Investing in a Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary corporate membership for employees is a smart move for companies/organizations that value leadership, ethics, and community engagement. Here's why:

Expand Networks Connect with business and community leaders to open doors for collaboration and growth.

Develop Leadership Skills Strengthen public speaking, ethical decision-making, and leadership abilities through mentorship, project management, and officer roles.

Gain Insights from Business Speakers Learn about industry trends, leadership and social impact.

Exclusive Corporate Rates Enjoy special membership pricing for employees sponsored by your company.

To find out how you can offer this benefit to employees, please contact VP Membership Brian Kimmes for details Brian.kimmes@gmail.com

Be the Change

Elevate Your City, Elevate Your Self

Support our Work

Upcoming Speakers

Blois Olson

Eric Roper

Zoom-Only MeetingAnnie Duke

Upcoming Events

By the Numbers

What's Happening at City of Lakes?