The Rotary Club of Beaumont, TX, is a large and diverse fellowship of inspired business, professional, and civic leaders with significant community connections that foster the ideals of Service Above Self and high ethical standards.
If you are attending in person, we ask that you use this link to make a reservation by Monday, March 20, 2023.
Christina Luhn, PhD
Senior Trade Policy Advisor
Consul General
Christina Luhn, PhD joined the British Consulate Houston in early July 2020 as Senior Trade Policy Advisor, to help build deeper relations within the five-states of the South Central region and support for a US-UK Free Trade Agreement.
A historian of international relations with an emphasis on America’s interactions with the developing world, Christina’s professional and academic career lies at the nexus of foreign policy and economic development. She has worked in US federal government and international organizations in Washington, DC and overseas including:
· US House of Representatives
· National Security Council
· International Energy Agency (Paris).
She has a deep interest in the US Mexico border, having worked on an innovative economic development initiative along the California – Baja, MX border. Most recently, she served as a National District Export Council (NADEC) board member, a member of the NADEC Trade Policy Committee and Education Committee, and provided trade policy analysis, updates and government outreach as Trade Policy and Liaison Officer for the Missouri DEC. Luhn serves as a member of the National DEC’s Advisory Committee.
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March 22, 2023
Invocation
Sharon Almquist
Teacher
Veritas Classical Academy
Pledges to USA & Texas Flags
Shannon Allen
Superintendent
Beaumont Independent School District
Introduction of Guests
Thomas Noyola
Professor
Region 5
Introduction of Speaker
Marcia Crone
District Judge
U.S. District Court
Please volunteer for Head Table responsibilities through the
New Member Orientation- 10:30 A.M.- Rotary Office- MCM Elegante, Suite 213
28
Board of Directors Meeting; 11:30 A.M.- MCM Elegante, Fountainview Room30
30
Rotary After Hours-McFaddin-Ward House
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ROTARY AFTER HOURS
Rotary After Hours will be held March 30, 2023. Rotarians will enjoy a nice evening at McFaddin-Ward House, at the Carriage House from 5:30- 7:30.
Address: 1906 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX 77701
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Meet the Newest Rotarians in the Club!
We are happy to introduce you to Darren Erwin, Kenneth Fagan, Stefan Andrei, and Landon Richard!
Darren Erwin is the President and CEO of Better Business Bureau Southeast Texas.
Kenneth Fagan is the Commanding Officer for The Salvation Army.
Stefan Andrei is a University Professor of Computer Science at Lamar University
Landon Richard is a Community Development Specialist at MCT Credit Union.
Sponsor Amanda Ellis, New Member Darren Erwin, and President Joanne Brown
President Joanne Brown, New Member Ken Fagan, and sponsor Pat Anderson
President Joanne Brown, New Member Stefan Andrei, and sponsor Helen Lou
President Joanne Brown, New Member Landon Richard, and sponsor Ellen Zimmerman
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ROTARY UNIVERSITY GRADUATES!
At the meeting on March 15, 2023, Ellen Zimmerman was pleased to "graduate" six members from Rotary University with a Bachelor of Rotary Science degree.
Pictured from left to right: Shawn Javed, Britt Rascoe, Josh Davis, Erika Harris, Jason Apodoca, and Helen Lou
Congratulations to Jason Apodoca, Josh Davis, Shawn Javed, Helen Lou, Britt Rascoe, and Erika Harris!
If you are not aware, you should know even long-time Rotarians can earn advanced degrees. Who is the next Master of Rotary Science or Ph.D. degree candidate?
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HEAD TABLE
Have you served at the head table recently? If not, we would love to see you up there!
The competition is still going strong! Have you submitted a membership proposal form? Do you know someone who wants to join Rotary? Let's get them involved!
Also, thank you to our sponsors!
Click HERE for a proposal form and email it to admin@beaumontrotaryclub.org or call the office (409) 842-1913.
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RFP Proposals
The Beaumont Rotary Foundation is soliciting proposals from qualified, professional firms to provide investment management services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Request for Proposals (RFP). The Foundation reserves the right to issue an addendum to the RFP should we determine that there is a need to do so.
The Entrepreneurship Institute at Lamar University
By Diane Bass
Richard Prets is a business consultant and serial entrepreneur. Early in his career, Richard was also the CEO of a small chain of ACE Hardware and Home Centers. He also has over 20 years of experience as a real estate investor and property manager. Over the last 14 years, Richard has directed teams of business advisors at San Jacinto College and at Lamar University resulting in over 200 business starts, approximately 2,000 new jobs created, and many millions in capital raised.
Dr. Prets was named Executive Director of the newly formed Entrepreneurship Institute at Lamar University in May of 2021. Dr. Prets holds a Doctorate of Education from Sam Houston State University and a MBA from Rice University.
One of Dr. Prets’ programs within the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is the Acceleration, Incubation and Commercialization Center (AICC). The AICC will drive commercialization of new technologies in Southeast Texas by:
o Providing state-of-the-art low-cost incubation space.
o Delivering entrepreneurship education infused with team building exercises.
o Providing competitions which will accelerate the successful launch of business startups.
This is accomplished by having:
o Distinguished Speaker Series,
o Liftoff Entrepreneurs Trek,
o Cardinal Bootcamp, and
o Cardinal Ideas Pitch Deck Competition.
The program encourages diversity of ideas and taking those ideas to the marketplace. Lamar invites the community to offer suggestions for research, partnerships, and support for the entire process and to witness the competitions. The Pitch Deck Competition is like the popular media show Shark Tank. It is not scripted and is judged by a panel from the regional business and investment community. The competition is held yearly, and the community is invited to attend.
Another opportunity for students is Cardinal Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. It is a fast-paced, short course instructional program focused on the dynamics of hi-tech commercialization mixed with stories and anecdotes taught by successful Lamar alum entrepreneurs.
Dr. Prets extended an invitation to offer ideas, mentorship and financial assistance to the program. This is the future of entrepreneurship in our area. These students are receiving the priceless gift of experience and knowledge of those who have succeeded in business and commerce. Please go to the Lamar University website to learn more about this innovative program and the opportunities available to all of us. We appreciate Dr. Prets and his team and look forward to the next Pitch Deck Competition.
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