March is in full swing, and at the Lansing Rotary, the air is buzzing with excitement as Ben Rathbun, CEO of Rathbun Insurance and a longstanding Rotary member, takes the stage as this month's Speaker Chair. The Lansing Rotary is a community of diverse professionals committed to service, fellowship, and ethical leadership, playing a crucial role in fostering connections and making a positive impact. Comprising business and professional leaders, Rotary is dedicated to humanitarian service, promoting high ethical standards in all vocations, and building goodwill and peace in the world.

One fundamental concept embedded in Rotary's ethos is the idea of servant leadership. Rathbun Insurance, embraces the core value of "give it away to keep it." This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the principles of Rotary, emphasizing the importance of selfless service to others. The belief that by giving back to the community, we create a positive cycle of mutual support is at the heart of both Rathbun Insurance and Rotary.

Ben had the honor of introducing this month's speaker, former Governor Rick Snyder by way of connection with Rathbun Insurance Chief Operating Officer, Laura Stoken who began her professional journey as the Governor's Office Manager and eventually the Director of Constituent Relations during his tenure as Governor. Rick Snyder is the current CEO of SensCy, a

cybersecurity solutions organization where he continues to contribute to the betterment of society. His distinguished career as Governor of Michigan from 2011-2018 saw the state's transformation from economic struggles to top-10 status in just eight years. His leadership in restructuring Detroit and his involvement in various economic, educational, and infrastructure programs left an indelible mark.

Governor Snyder's commitment to public service extends beyond his political career. With ventures like Avalon Investments and Ardesta, he has played a pivotal role in fostering innovation and economic growth. His dedication to non-profits, including serving as the first chair of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, reflects a profound commitment to the well-being of his community. We are honored and grateful to have hosted former Governor Rick Snyder at Lansing Rotary today. 

But don't worry, the excitement continues to build at the Lansing Rotary as we look forward to the upcoming speakers in the month of March. Next week, we have the pleasure of hosting Lillian Werbin, CEO and Co-Owner of Elderly Instruments. At the State of American Business event hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce this past year, Elderly Instruments, a Lansing-based retailer of fretted musical instruments, was celebrated as America's Top Small Business 2023. We are eager to host Lillian as the March 9 Rotary speaker.

But the momentum doesn't stop there. Mark your calendars for March 16, when the spotlight will be on Lansing Empowerment Network. Lansing Empowerment Network is an organization that is aggregating resources to address gun violence in Lansing through a multifacted approach. 

In the spirit of Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self," the Lansing Rotary and Rathbun Insurance invite you to join this dynamic community. Embrace the opportunity to connect with the local business community, engage in meaningful service projects, and gain inspiration from influential speakers like Governor Rick Snyder. As we march forward in March, let's celebrate the power of community, leadership, and the invaluable lessons we can learn from those who dedicate their lives to making a difference.