The Eye Opener June 6, 2025 (Jun. 06, 2025)

June 10, 2025 Weekly Rotary Meeting - BREAKFAST at First Watch Aksarben

Presiding: Aaron Tomita

Secretary: Scott Stevens

Invocation & Pledge: John Murphy

Sgt At Arms: Bill Schenk
Greeter: Robert Rapp
Cashier: Aaron Tomita

Chair of the Day: Tanya Patzner

Speaker: Martin Patzner

In-Person Meeting location:

Omaha Morning Rotary meeting venue: First Watch Aksarben 1222 S 71st St B, Omaha, NE 68106

Doors open at 6:45 AM.

Rotary Speaker June 10, 2025 - Martin Patzner

Martin Patzner, SIOR® , CCIM, CPM® , RPA

Vice President, Office Specialist

Lund Company

Martin has nearly 30 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry – primarily specializing in tenant and landlord representation in the office and industrial flex market for Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Company. He has been involved in brokerage transactions exceeding 11 million square feet and totaling more than $550M. Martin joined the Company in 1996 as a Property Manager. He was promoted to Division Manager of The Lund Company’s office building portfolio in 2000 followed by Vice President - Director of Commercial Property Management in 2004, where he was responsible for maintaining a portfolio consisting of 4.5 million square feet of commercial office, retail and industrial space. In 2012, he transferred to the commercial brokerage division as Vice President, Office Specialist.

Martin graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and is a licensed real estate salesperson in Nebraska and Iowa. He has earned the Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® (SIOR®) designation, the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, the Institute of Real Estate Management’s (IREM) Certified Property Manager® (CPM®) designation and the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation. He is a current member of the Nebraska Association of Commercial Property Owners (NAPCO), Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Omaha, the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). Martin has earned the CoStar Power Broker Award every year – starting in 2016. In 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2024, he was awarded for handling the most of transactions for the year for Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Company. He earned Producer of the Year in 2018 and 2020 and has been recognized as a member of The Lund Company’s Producers’ Club from 2013-2024.

Happy Birthday Rotarians!

🌅 Rotary After Hours – May Edition: A Night to Remember at the Lake! 🍷🚤

🌅 Rotary After Hours – May Edition: A Night to Remember at the Lake! 🍷🚤

An unforgettable evening of laughter, connection, and lakefront serenity.

Our May edition of Rotary After Hours was nothing short of magical! Held at the stunning lakefront home of Rotarian Extraordinaire Rodney Brase and Theresa Brase, this event offered the perfect blend of relaxed elegance and genuine Rotary fellowship.

Set along the peaceful shores of Villa Springs Lake in Springfield, guests were treated to a sunset backdrop, warm hospitality, and the kind of camaraderie that defines our club. From the scenic pontoon boat rides to the back patio conversations, the evening was filled with meaningful connections and pure fun.

🥂 Highlights included:

Floating fun with pontoon boat cruises
A delicious spread of hearty dinner
Signature drinks galore: wine, seltzers, rum punch, beer, cocktails, and more—all complimentary

With the sun setting over the lake and laughter echoing across the water, Rotary After Hours – May Edition proved once again why our club is about more than just service—it’s about friendships that float far beyond the meeting room.

A big thank you to Rodney and Theresa Brase for graciously opening their beautiful home and hosting a memorable evening that captured the spirit of Rotary in the most refreshing way.

Here’s to more unforgettable evenings ahead—Rotary style!

Rotarian Chair of the Day Assignment

Governor Tom's June 2025 Message

Rotarians: This is my last newsletter article. It is crazy to think how fast this year went by. As my term ends, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I have been able to share with you all over this past year. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our communities alongside so many dedicated, compassionate Rotarians.

When I began this journey, it felt like a monumental task and I knew there would be challenges. But I am so thankful for the help and support that I have gotten along the way. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to get out and visit all of our 38 clubs to share stories and see the impact that you are having on your communities and your commitment to Service Above Self. You are truly an inspiration! Being the district governor has been both rewarding and humbling.

Some of the moments that stand out include seeing Rotarians respond to the tornados that impacted some of our communities and in response the district created a foundation to provide an avenue to accept financial help from Rotarians in our community and from districts around the country. I enjoyed seeing the district partner with clubs by providing grant support to important projects in our communities. It reminds me of our theme for this year The Magic of Rotary and how we come together to create positive change.

A huge thank you to my fellow district leaders, club presidents, committee chairs and every single Rotarian in this district. Thank you for all of your tireless efforts, the ideas you bring to the table and your unwavering support.