Join us the first three Wednesdays of each month at 7:15 a.m. for fellowship and engaging speakers at the Minneapolis Club or online.  Learn how.

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

Upcoming Speakers

April 8, 2026
Peter Beaumont


Peter Beaumont

You Belong: Recognizing and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Business

April 15, 2026
Rotary Exchange Students


Rotary Exchange Students

The Adventure of a Lifetime!

April 22, 2026
Anna Coskran & Jim Vos

Zoom Only MeetingAnna Coskran & Jim Vos

Minneapolis Downtown Commercial Real Estate

Upcoming Events

Apr. 13, 2026 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Virtual, email gaylenoakes@gmail.com for the link

Our Impact

By the Numbers

What's Happening at City of Lakes?

We’re excited to introduce the next three leaders of Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary—bringing energy and momentum into the years ahead:

🔹 Brian Kimmes | 2026–27
Director of Development & Alumni Relations at Dunwoody College of Technology. A connector at heart who leads with positivity—and believes Rotary should be meaningful and fun.

🔹 Bob Baker | 2027–28
Founder of Baker CFO Services, Board Member at Unity Bank, and Treasurer for both our club and District 5950. Known for bringing clarity, structure, and fresh perspective to every challenge.

🔹 Lisa Moncrief | 2028–29
Leads strategy and implementation of commercial loan participation purchases and sales at Wings Credit Union, with a consultative, relationship-first approach.

Strong leadership. Real connection. A bright future ahead. 💙💛

 
Three flagship businesses are opening their doors just for us in an exclusive, behind-the-scenes update on what’s new. Join us for a fascinating off-site at International Market Square.
 
Eyebobs, has been making original readers for original people since 2001. Come get a sneak peek at the latest trends in glasses. The ever-popular Fuse will share their story of beauty, honesty, and sustainability. Rabbit Creek, which serves interior designers and their discerning clients via their lighting and furniture will also be featured.
 
Wednesday, May 13 at 7:15 a.m.
International Market Square
275 Market Street, Minneapolis
Free parking by front door on west side of building
 
Expect breakfast, tours, and fun!

☀️ Our club was honored to host a special multi-club, multi-district breakfast at the Minneapolis Club, bringing together Rotarians and community leaders to hear Rotary International President-Nominee Larry Lunsford and Erick García Luna from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.  Larry will become President in Rotary year 2027-2028 and oversee the Rotary International Convention in Minneapolis where 20,000 people from 140 countries are expected to gather.

Larry reminded us that when the world feels shaken, Rotarians step forward — with more service, more action, and more compassion. Erick shared encouraging economic insights, noting that Minnesota’s economic fundamentals remain strong — a testament to the resilience and strength of our communities.

A highlight: presenting a $25,000 check from the Lawrence Family Foundation to the Host Organization Committee — an investment in the convention here in Minneapolis.

We are grateful for the leadership, inspiration, and the momentum building as we continue doing together what can’t be done alone. 💙✨

At City of Lakes Rotary, we design programs with our members in mind. As our community of professionals evolves, so do we—creating fresh, relevant ways to connect, grow, and enjoy the Rotary experience. Our focus is simple: meet members where they are, both personally and professionally, while making Rotary engaging and fun.
 
Two newer initiatives reflect this approach.
 
COL Dinner Club: Good Food, Great Company
The COL Dinner Club is a rotating, small-group dining experience at some of the Twin Cities’ most talked-about restaurants. Scheduled at various times throughout the year, each gathering offers a relaxed, intimate way to connect beyond the breakfast table—through shared dishes, lively conversation, and a bit of culinary adventure.
 
Whether you’re a foodie or just enjoy a great evening out, Dinner Club is designed to be social, memorable, and genuinely fun.
 
Board of Directors for YOU
For members looking for professional perspective, Board of Directors for YOU offers a confidential opportunity to meet with a small group of accomplished Rotarians from relevant fields. This member-focused program provides a trusted setting to explore challenges, test ideas, and gain practical insight to help move a business or organization forward. All conversations remain strictly confidential.
 
Together, these programs reflect how City of Lakes Rotary continues to innovate—creating experiences that add real value to membership while strengthening relationships and keeping Rotary enjoyable.
A Portrait Series Celebrating the People Who Make Our Club Extraordinary
 

City of Lakes Rotary is powered by people — leaders, innovators, volunteers, mentors, and community builders who bring their talents and heart to everything they do.

Humans of City of Lakes Rotary offers a glimpse into that community through a collection of member portraits and short profiles created to honor and document the people who make our club special. The portraits, photographed by professional photographer and Rotarian Sawyer Brice, capture members in a creative and authentic way.

The images shown here represent a sampling of a larger project designed to showcase the breadth and depth of talent within our club.

Each profile highlights what members do professionally, who they serve, and how fellow Rotarians and community members might collaborate or refer business. The project helps members connect more deeply while celebrating the people whose leadership, service, and generosity shape City of Lakes Rotary.

Together, these portraits and stories offer a window into a vibrant community.

Whether you’re a long-time member or exploring Rotary for the first time, we invite you to get to know the people behind the impact.

🔹 Join Us
👉 Visit us for breakfast and a program
👉 Explore membership https://bit.ly/48no0aa
 

Our club proudly sponsored the Annual Community Forum, a signature service event open to all community members. Each year, this forum brings Rotarians and the public together to explore timely and important topics shaping our world. 

This year's forum was titled “Making Sense of AI: Risks, Rewards, and Responsible Use” and examined how artificial intelligence is influencing decision-making, communication, and innovation across sectors. Four distinguished panelists discussed how to evaluate new technologies responsibly, and ways to identify credible sources of AI information.

The conversations sparked at the Community Forum don’t end here. They ripple outward—into workplaces, neighborhoods, and future collaborations—helping build a more informed, engaged, and connected community.

Before 3,000 guests experiencing homelessness arrived at the Minneapolis Convention Center for 3,000 Acts of Kindness, City of Lakes Rotarians were already at work—sorting coats, organizing clothing, and preparing a space designed to welcome with care and dignity.
 
Presented by Coated in Love, founded by our member Danielle Igbanugo, this annual event serves people experiencing homelessness, offering new winter coats, warm clothing, haircuts, a meal, and connections to more than 80 social-service agencies. Nearly 8,000 Minnesotans experience homelessness on any given night, including families, women, and children. For many, homelessness brings isolation and loss, where stability and support can disappear without warning.
 
Through the leadership of Lynn Otis and Bill Jackson, our club’s $5,000 gift was leveraged into $18,750 through a Rotary District 5950 grant—funding over 700 new coats this year.
 
We are honored to stand alongside Coated in Love in offering warmth, dignity, and hope—because when people feel seen and cared for, lives begin to change. 💙💛
 
City of Lakes Rotary gathered for one of our most meaningful traditions—Awards Day, where we honor individuals whose service and leadership shine a bright light on Rotary’s mission.
 
 
Merle Else Heart of Rotary Award — Bill Jackson
Bill’s steady leadership, kindness, and hands-on service have shaped both our club and communities around the world. From major international water and sanitation projects to mentoring service teams, supporting Youth Exchange, and advancing PolioPlus, Bill exemplifies the very heart of Rotary.
 
Richard Parrish Emerging Leadership Award — Lars & Chanda Olson
Lars and Chanda jumped into Rotary with full hearts—from supporting Youth Exchange students to hosting gatherings, counseling students, and building global service connections. Their early leadership and welcoming spirit strengthen the fabric of our club.
 
John Fischer Rotary Hope Award — Mamady Konneh
Founder of  WeNetworkNow, Mamady creates powerful pathways of opportunity for immigrants, refugees, and first-generation Americans. His work provides mentorship, networking, and community that helps aspiring leaders thrive. His commitment to lifting others embodies the hope this award celebrates.  Visit https://WeNetworkNow.org to learn more.
 
Foundation & PolioPlus Recognitions
We also celebrated new Foundation Fellows whose new contributions reached $1000 levels for our COL Foundation, The Rotary Foundation, and $100 or more for Polio eradication.  Major donor gifts total $10,000 or more. Their generosity fuels Rotary’s impact:
 
  • Dick Devore Fellows (COLF)
  • Paul Harris Fellows (TRF)
  • PolioPlus Society Members
Read more for full list of these honorees for this Rotary year.
 

 

City of Lakes member and pilot Mark Labovitz recently gave our Rotary Youth Exchange students Nicole (from Brazil) and Rasmus (from Denmark) a breathtaking airplane tour over the Twin Cities! From high above the metro, they saw lakes, downtown skylines, and autumn colors — an unforgettable Minnesota experience.

At City of Lakes, our members go the extra mile (and sometimes a few thousand feet up!) to make sure our exchange students experience the very best of Minnesota and the USA. These shared adventures reflect the heart of Rotary — friendship, hospitality, and global connection in action.

Calling Exchange Students for the 2026-2027 Exchange Year

And it is already time to invite the next group of students to apply for exchange.  Long term applications are due annually by November 15. Short Term Exchange Program (STEP) applications are due by December 6  for priority placement, and additional STEP applications will be accepted until March.  Visit our website - northstarrotary.com - for additional information.