In early May, the Rochester Rotary Club hosted members of more than 20 Service Clubs and non-profit institutions located in the Rochester area for their annual dinner at the Royal Park Hotel.  Each year, these diverse organizations and their dedicated volunteers are acknowledged and celebrated for their significant work that enhances the lives of so many individuals and families in Rochester and surrounding communities. This gathering also provides a unique opportunity to personally engage with members of these diverse associations.
 
“We feel privileged to serve, side by side, with so many of our neighbors,” said event Co-Chairs and Rochester Rotary Past-Presidents Alan McLellan and Cyndee Andrews. “Each organization plays a significant role in making Rochester special and the fruits of their labor can be seen everywhere.”
 
The Master of Ceremonies and fellow Rochester Rotary Past-Preside, Rhonda Panczyk, recognized each of the groups in attendance, followed by the introduction of the evening’s keynote speaker, Andrew Smart, Chief Technical Officer at the American Center for Mobility, another local non-profit organization. 
 
Mr. Smart, with more than 30 years of technical management leadership in both automotive and commercial vehicle industries, is responsible for the design and delivery of the new Automated and Connected Vehicle test facility located in Ypsilanti, MI.  His work brings together the expertise required to develop of technical standards for driverless vehicles. His timely, compelling, at times humorous, presentation was followed by a robust Q & A session.
 
Rochester Rotary is a local member club of Rotary International, a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service and encourages high ethical standards in all vocations.