Five inbound Rotary Youth Exchange students from around the world recently gathered in Cedar Falls for their first District 5970 Youth Exchange meeting of the academic year. The event provided an opportunity for students to connect with one another, learn more about the exchange program, and begin building friendships that will last a lifetime.

This year's inbound students represent five countries and are being hosted by Rotary clubs throughout northeast Iowa:

• Anders from Denmark, hosted by the Charles City Rotary Club
• Juan from Colombia, hosted by the Decorah Rotary Club
• Sayo from Japan, hosted by the Waterloo Rotary Club
• Kohaku from Japan, hosted by the Cedar Rapids Daybreak Rotary Club
• Bianca from Italy, hosted by the Cedar Rapids Metro North Rotary Club

Several members of the District 5970 Youth Exchange Committee were also in attendance, helping welcome the students and support their transition to life in Iowa.

Rotary Youth Exchange is one of Rotary's most impactful programs, providing students with opportunities to experience new cultures, develop leadership skills, and build international understanding. At the same time, host families, schools, and communities benefit from the global perspectives these young ambassadors bring to their local communities.

District 5970 is currently accepting inquiries from students interested in participating in a future Rotary Youth Exchange. Students and families who would like to learn more about this life-changing opportunity are encouraged to complete the Rotary Youth Exchange Application Inquiry Form.

Marion Rotary extends its appreciation to the many clubs, host families, volunteers, and District 5970 Youth Exchange Committee members whose dedication makes this remarkable program possible each year.

Interested in Rotary Youth Exchange?
To learn more about becoming an exchange student, complete the Rotary Youth Exchange Application Inquiry Form and explore the opportunities available through Rotary's international youth programs.

Photo courtesy of District 5970 Youth Exchange.

Support Marion-East CR Shoes For Kids Program

Help us fund our Shoes for Kids program by donating your cans and bottles! Simply take them to any Can Shed location in the Cedar Rapids or Marion area. When your return is complete and payout is ready, request that the funds be donated to the Marion-East CR Shoes For Kids account.  If they have any issues finding the account, please ask them to do a hard copy donation.  This will then get the funds to the account, and we will receive the donation for the program. 

Once our account reaches $100.00 or more, Can Shed will send a check to us via mail. It's important to mention the account name to ensure the funds are correctly allocated.

This is a fantastic opportunity to support our Shoes for Kids program throughout the year. Spread the word and take your cans and bottles in to make a difference!

Marion Rotary extends its congratulations to Tom Barnes, who was recognized as a 2026 Corridor Business Hall of Fame Laureate by Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa during ceremonies held September 24th at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cedar Rapids. Tom was one of three laureates honored this year for their leadership, business success, integrity, community commitment, and lasting impact on Eastern Iowa. 

Tom, founder and CEO of Barnes Manufacturing Services, was recognized for building a company that has grown from a small manufacturing operation into a nationally recognized precision manufacturing business serving customers throughout the United States. Junior Achievement highlighted Tom's entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to quality, and investment in people as key factors in his selection for this prestigious honor.

While business success is certainly part of the story, what makes the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame unique is its emphasis on leadership that extends beyond the workplace. According to Junior Achievement, laureates are selected not only for their business accomplishments but also for their impact on their communities, their integrity, and their ability to serve as role models for the next generation of leaders. The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership has contributed to the economic growth and well-being of Eastern Iowa communities. 

Tom joins an impressive group of Eastern Iowa business leaders who have previously received this distinction. This year's Corridor Business Hall of Fame also honored Robin Therme of CIVCO Medical Solutions and Nick AbouAssaly of Simmons Perrine PLC and the City of Marion, while entrepreneur Cale Henderson was recognized as the Entrepreneur Honoree.

The mission of Junior Achievement is to prepare young people for success through programs focused on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Proceeds from the Corridor Business Hall of Fame support those efforts, helping equip students with skills that will benefit them throughout their careers and lives.

Members of the Club proudly participated in Marion's annual Fall Into Marion Parade, joining community organizations, local businesses, and residents in celebrating the season and community spirit. Rotarians and family members rode the rebuilt float, greeted parade spectators along the route, and handed out candy to families enjoying the festivities.

The parade provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with community members, share the Rotary spirit of service, and showcase our club's commitment to making a positive impact in Marion and throughout the surrounding area. Thank you to all the Rotarians, family members, and volunteers who helped make this year's parade participation a success.

Rotary is much more than service. It is also a pathway to personal and professional growth. Through club involvement, leadership opportunities, and meaningful projects, members often discover new strengths, develop valuable skills, and build lasting relationships.

Whether you are leading a committee, participating in a service project, or connecting with fellow Rotarians from around the world, Rotary provides opportunities to expand your network, strengthen communication and leadership abilities, and explore interests you may never have pursued otherwise.

Members like Linda Low have transformed personal passions into action by chartering Global Partners in Peace, an online Rotary club that connects peacebuilders worldwide. Others, like Nicole Peña, have found Rotary to be a welcoming space to explore new interests, build confidence, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Rotary also offers extensive learning resources through its Learning Center, where members can access hundreds of self-paced courses covering leadership, facilitation, Rotary's Areas of Focus, and more. These tools help members continue learning and increase their impact both within Rotary and in their communities.  Learning Center

Every Rotary journey is unique. By embracing new experiences and following your curiosity, you may discover unexpected opportunities for growth, connection, and service. The next opportunity you say "yes" to could open the door to a new passion, a new friendship, or a new way to make a difference.

Rotary Program Spotlight

July 28, 2026 Speakers: Keith Rippy and Kimberly Bramley, Owners of Midwest Safety Partners

Our club was pleased to welcome Keith Rippy and Kimberly Bramley, co-owners of Midwest Safety Partners, for our July 28, 2026 program.

Keith and Kimberly are passionate advocates for workplace safety, emergency preparedness, and lifesaving education. Together, they lead Midwest Safety Partners, a Cedar Rapids-based company dedicated to helping businesses, organizations, and individuals develop the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in emergency situations. The company specializes in CPR, AED, first aid, and other safety training programs designed to protect employees, customers, families, and communities. 

Keith Rippy brings decades of leadership and emergency services experience to the organization. He served as CEO of Area Ambulance Service in Cedar Rapids for 19 years before partnering with Kimberly in the acquisition of the company in 2024. His extensive background in emergency medical services has given him firsthand insight into the critical importance of rapid response and preparedness when medical emergencies occur. Keith is committed to expanding access to lifesaving training across the Midwest and helping organizations build a culture of safety. 

Kimberly Bramley is a local entrepreneur, safety instructor, and co-owner of Midwest Safety Partners. She is actively involved in delivering training programs and works closely with businesses to ensure they remain compliant with safety requirements while equipping their teams with practical emergency response skills. Kimberly's approach emphasizes long-term partnerships with clients, helping organizations create safer workplaces and better-prepared teams. 

Midwest Safety Partners was formerly known as National Safety Training Service (NSTS), a respected provider of health and safety training for more than 30 years. Founded in 1991, the organization built a strong reputation throughout Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin for CPR, AED, and first aid instruction. Following the ownership transition, the company rebranded as Midwest Safety Partners to reflect its broader mission of providing comprehensive workplace safety training, blended online and in-person learning opportunities, and compliance support services for employers. 

Today, Midwest Safety Partners offers a full range of safety and emergency response education designed to ensure that employees, bystanders, and community members are prepared to act when seconds matter most. Their commitment to "Training for Life" helps organizations protect their people while meeting state and federal safety requirements. 

Thank you to Keith and Kimberly for sharing information about their organization and the important role safety training plays in creating safer workplaces and communities. Their presentation was a reminder of how preparation and education can make a meaningful difference when emergencies occur.

Marion–East Cedar Rapids Rotary Celebrates a Year of Impact and Leadership

The Marion–East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club gathered for its End of Year celebration with a spirit of gratitude, reflection, and excitement for the future. The evening highlighted not only the accomplishments of the past year, but also the people and values that continue to drive the club forward.

A Year of Learning and Impact

Outgoing President  Alex Chalk reflected on three key takeaways from the year—beginning with the breadth of Rotary’s impact. From local initiatives like Shoes for Kids, to district-level projects, to global efforts like polio eradication and providing clean drinking water, Rotary continues to make a difference at every level.

Members were reminded that the Rotary Foundation directs more than 90% of its expenditures toward charitable initiatives and has consistently earned top ratings from Charity Navigator—underscoring the organization’s commitment to service and accountability.

A Growing and Evolving Club

The club has also experienced meaningful growth and change. With new members bringing fresh ideas and energy, the Marion–East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club is evolving alongside Rotary International’s broader trend of increasing younger membership.

This growth presents an exciting opportunity: how to harness that momentum to expand both membership and impact within the community.

The answer, shared during the evening, came from a simple but powerful idea:

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

This message resonated with members, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, support, and shared leadership in achieving long-term success.

Recognizing Outstanding Members

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of annual awards, recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the club.

• Rookie of the Year: Kelly Artley
  A new member who has already made a significant impact, Kelly shared her inspiring journey back to Iowa and her passion for community involvement. In just a short time, she has embraced service opportunities and exemplified Rotary’s spirit.

• Above and Beyond Award: Zach Schmit
  Recognized for his behind-the-scenes efforts in coordinating speakers and strengthening connections, Zach has played a key role in enhancing weekly meetings and bringing value to the club.

• Rotarian of the Year: Katie Powell
  Honored for her leadership and dedication, Katie has gone above and beyond—organizing events, boosting engagement, and leading fundraising initiatives like the club’s waffle breakfast. Her commitment to service and passion for helping children stood out as a cornerstone of the club’s success this year.

Leadership Transition

The evening also marked the transition of leadership, as the outgoing president Alex Chalk passed the torch to the incoming president Seth Staashelm in a lighthearted and meaningful ceremony. With gratitude, members recognized the dedication, time, and effort required to lead the club—much of which happens behind the scenes.

In presenting a token of appreciation, members expressed their thanks for a year defined by vision, service, and a strong commitment to Rotary’s core values.

Looking Ahead

As the club enters a new Rotary year, the message is clear: the strength of Marion–East Cedar Rapids Rotary lies in its people and their willingness to serve together.

Guided by the Four-Way Test and a shared passion for making a difference, the club is well-positioned to continue building goodwill, strengthening friendships, and creating lasting impact in the community and beyond.