Rochester Rotary

CJ has been a part of the Rochester business community since 1986 when he launched Jolt Cola. Jolt became popular in more than 20 countries. Jolt inspired what became the energy drink category.  Today CJ is the CEO of Karma Water. A health & wellness beverage that features a one-of-a-kind dispensing cap on the bottle. Consumers infuse the active ingredients just moments before consumption, ass...

National Small Business Week is celebrated from May 4th to May 10th in honor of the massive impact of small businesses on our regional economy and business community. Learn more about the support that is offered for small businesses in Greater Rochester, NY, particularly now during another unprecedented year for businesses - including through strong leadership and collaborative efforts

Rochester Rotarian Gerald J. Archibald, Author of Underestimated, Mentally Ill, Yet Successful and CAR-Chitecture. In another installment of our "Rotary Spotlight" series Past President Donna Dedee sits down with Jerry for an interview-style luncheon.

Thomas Bonadio is the General Partner of Impact Capital, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors at The Bonadio Group. He has devoted his efforts to serving commercial companies in the Rochester area and helping the firm grow from two people to its present size of over 1,100 employees. Tom specializes in providing business advice to privately held companies and their owners, with a particul...

Naomi Silver, President, CEO & COO of the Rochester Red Wings. Naomi has been involved with the Red Wings her entire life. The Silver family’s involvement is in it’s 68th year, and Naomi has taken an active role for over three decades, working her way up the corporate ladder. Naomi talks about where they are today in terms of the game, MLB, the Washington Nationals, and where they came from. 

Mike is an award winning magician who was born and raised in Rochester, NY. Mike lived in California from 1988-2004. There he discovered the world of magic. Mike adheres to a simple philosophy for his events: magic is about creating a truly memorable and enjoyable performance that fools but does not make a fool of any spectator.

Don Jeffries, President and CEO of Visit Rochester, speaks about tourism in Rochester. As the official tourism promotion agency for Monroe County, Visit Rochester’s growth is closely connected to the overall growth and vitality of the Greater Rochester region.

Tim Bohen, author of Emerald Thread: The Irish in Buffalo (2024) and Against the Grain: The History of Buffalo's First Ward (2012). Tim takes us on a fascinating journey through the deep and unexpected ties between the Buffalo and Rochester Irish! Discover how Irish laborers conquered the most grueling sections of the Erie Canal, how fearless Irish sisters laid the foundations for hospitals and ch...

Dr. Heidi Macpherson, President of SUNY Brockport and Rochester Rotarian since 2015 is featured in our Rotary Spotlight series. Past President Donna Dedee moderates the interview-style luncheon.

Gray Craig has been investigating crime in the Rochester area for decades, and lately, one country club story has shot to the top of the "click views" standings and that is his coverage of the lawsuit going on at Oak Hill Country Club.

In 1981 Eddie Harris opened Eddie’s Chicken Coop in Rochester, NY, after working as a Chef and Manager for another famous restaurant. While trying to make a unique sauce for his new restaurant, his loving mother suggested that he use the secret family recipe. It was an instant success, and they agreed that it was the Boss of all Sauces. Thus, Boss Sauce was born! 

Sal Maiorana, one of the longest-tenured sports writers in the history of the Gannett newspapers in Rochester.  He first came to the Democrat and Chronicle in 1986 to cover golf, later added Syracuse University football to his duties, and since 1990, he has been the primary beat reporter/columnist covering the Buffalo Bills. With more than 35 years of experience, he is also now the longest-tenured...

Ernie Clement, Brighton native who is now an MLB player for the Toronto Blue Jays, is our featured speaker with his story of how failure made his success popular.

Next generation McDonald's Franchisee. Louis presents on their focus around their core values Serve, Inclusion, Integrity, Community, Familyand how they bring them to life in the restaurant.

Rochester Rotarian since 1996, Norm Silverstein. Don Alhart interviews Norm touching on his recent retirement announcement as President and CEO of WXXI Public Media. Norm has led the organization since 1995. He has seen the organization grow from one television and two radio stations to a public media organization that now includes four public television stations, one cable channel for the city of...

The rise of partisan animosity—the tendency of Democrats and Republicans to dislike and distrust one another—is one of the most notable developments of 21st-century American politics. Jamie will discuss how animus influences a wide range of political behaviors including issue positions, evaluations of political leaders, support for compromise, and support for democratic norms. That said, he will a...

Congressman Joe Morelle and his challenger, Gregg Sadwick, participate in a Rochester Rotary forum moderated by hall of fame broadcaster, Don Alhart.

Rochester Rotary's full Tuesday luncheon from 9/24/24 included an appearance by District 7120 Dave Demers (Spencerport Rotary) and a presentation by Judge John Ninfo II titled "The Deep Roots of Democracy"

Rochester Rotary's first meeting at its new home for Tuesday lunches, Comedy at The Carlson featuring guest speakers Mark Ippalito, Operations Manager of The Carlson, and Todd Youngman, stand-up comedian.

Tom has been a major equity shareholder, founding member, and/or senior leader with Vitamin Water, Bark Thins, Pirate's Booty, Momeez Choice, and several other businesses, most of which have gone on to be acquired by major food & beverage brands. Tom shares a few of those stories, including seeing Vitamin Water go from the start-up phase to the negotiation table with Coca Cola as well as findi...

Award winning journalist Scott Pitoniak leads a panel of WROC-TV Sports Director Thad Brown and Rochester Rotary Prognosticator Tim Cook on the 2024 Buffalo Bills outlook.