Rotary Club of Milwaukee Tuesday Speaker Series

Joe Peterangelo, Research Director at the Wisconsin Policy Forum

This week in Memorial Hall, Joe Peterangelo, Research Director at the Wisconsin Policy Forum, joined us to discuss the Forum's latest report on the state of small businesses in Wisconsin. He also shared insights from the organization's research on Milwaukee's small business support ecosystem and demonstrated the Metro Milwaukee Innovation DataTool, which measures the region's progress in innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

Lafayette Crump, Milwaukee's Commissioner of City Development

This week in Memorial Hall, we heard from Lafayette Crump, Milwaukee's Commissioner of City Development, as he shared his vision for Milwaukee in 2026 and provided an update on the city's economic development efforts and priorities.

Rotarian Dr. Eric Baumgartner, President, Milwaukee School of Engineering

This week in Memorial Hall, Rotarians heard from Milwaukee School of Engineering's 6th President, Dr. Eric Baumgartner, as he shared his vision for MSOE and the future of the region's leading technical university. Drawing on leadership experience in higher education, robotics, and at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dr. Baumgartner offered a unique perspective on innovation, engineering, and the evolving landscape of technical education.

Milwaukee Juneteenth Panel

This week in Memorial Hall, community members gathered for an engaging discussion on the significance of Juneteenth in U.S. history and Milwaukee, and how the day is commemorated and celebrated today. Speakers included Tony Kearney, Executive Director of Northcott Neighborhood House; Clayborn Benson of the Wisconsin Black Historical Society; Sarah Pancheri of Milwaukee World Festival; and Miss Juneteenth, Sydney Purifoy-Mahone, with the conversation moderated by Rotarian Karine Moreno-Taxman. Together, the panelists explored the history of Juneteenth, how it is honored in our community today, and ways individuals can take part in the celebration.

Major General (Ret.) Brian Winski, President & CEO of War Memorial Center

This week, we celebrated our Armed Forces Week luncheon featuring Major General (Ret.) Brian Winski, Rotarian and President & CEO of the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, as we recognized the dedication and sacrifice of active-duty military personnel in our community.