My journey into Rotary didn’t start in a boardroom or at a luncheon; it started with a drive-through Halloween event during the height of COVID-19. Halloween has always been my family’s favorite holiday, and I was determined to ensure my daughter—and our local kids—didn’t miss out on that magic. While organizing that event, I met a fellow Rotarian who saw what I was doing and mentioned that I was already doing the work of Rotary. He suggested that I could do the same kind of work to help people, but on a much larger scale.
At that moment, my focus had to remain on growing my business, but that seed was planted. I spent the next two years researching the global impact of this organization. I learned that Rotary isn’t just a club; it is a specialized engine for community transformation. When I finally joined, I knew I had found my "Why."
As a former foster and adopted child, I have a deep-seated passion for ensuring that our future generation is seen, supported, and protected. My presidency will be dedicated to that mission. We will focus our energy on bolstering our local youth and supporting the small businesses that serve as the backbone of our community. By uniting our efforts, we can Create Lasting Impact that resonates for years to come. While our roots remain local, our reach will continue to be international, providing essential support to global needs that require our collective strength.
Rotary’s motto is Service Above Self, and this year, we will prove that when we unite our professional expertise with our personal passions, there is no limit to the good we can do. I invite anyone with a heart for service to join us at our weekly meetings. Together, we will build a stronger future for the next generation, both here at home and across the globe.
"Deep in my heart I know that I am a part of a great enterprise, and that my life is linked with the lives of others in a way that makes me responsible for them." — Jane Addams
James Shipe