This Week at Rotary
Speaker
Tyler Glynn, Executive Director, and our own Mike Bjerkness, Workforce Director, stopped by with Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation (BLAEDC) to provide an update on their recent impacts.
They highlighted their executive recruiting efforts and their use of Placer.AI to provide marketing and customer insights to local business.
Mike noted that they focus on high-level executive staffing placement and have 109 direct hires to date, with an additional 300 family members relocated into the area. They offer spousal placement and aim to assist with talent feeling at home in the BLA fast. Their proud to offer the service at 10% of placement salary, which is half of what most agencies charge for similar services.
Tyler focused on their recent success using Placer.AI to assist local events and business understand their visitors at a deeper level. The service informs you where your customers come from, how long they stay at any given location, and where they go after they leave your location. This is providing key insights for events like Lakes Jam and local businesses like Grand View Lodge. Using these insights Lakes Jam was able to secure advertisers they otherwise wouldn't have attracted and Grand View is able to understand why their guests leave the resort during their stays.
Apparel for World's Largest Polio Walk
Get excited for the WORLD'S LARGEST POLIO WALK and order apparel now!
On 10/24/26, World Polio Day, Rotary members across Region 36 – Zones 25 & 29 are coming together for something BIG — a bold, unified step toward a polio-free world.
District 5580 is encouraging clubs to order apparel for this movement.
If you are interested in ordering any gear for the walk please reach out to Matt Russell or Heather Kelm.
All orders and payments must be received by October 2, 2026.
MORE GOOD NEWS! All prices include a $5 donation to Polio Plus.
Save the Date
2026 District Conference: October 1, 2026 - October 4, 2026
Hosted at Craguns Resort.
Ditch Pick - October 5th
Fall Ditch Pick is scheduled for October 5th at 5:30pm. Let's get as many members out to show support! A back-up date in case of rain to be determined.
Rotary Speakeasy Planning Meeting - October 22nd
7:30pm - 8:30pm via Zoom. Planning for our Speakeasy night is underway. Anyone interested in helping plan this fantastic night can reach out to Adam Reese for an invite link.
Worlds Largest Polio Walk - October 24th
October 24th the District is calling for local clubs to participate in the Worlds Largest Polio Walk. The Club is tentatively planning a walk from Gregory Park to Rotary Riverside Park. If you’re interested in helping plan this event please talk to Heather.
Rotary Socials
The Club has brought back Rotary Socials! For Rotary Socials we are planning to have Rotarians represent our club and Rotary in general at Jack Pine’s Pints for a purpose events. The Next event is October 7th for Breath of Life Adult Day Services. Plan for 4:30pm and a very informal gathering.
