April 8th, 2014
Tuesday 04-08-14: DMGCC for Meeting
Next Scheduled Meeting
Last Week (04-01-13): Unity Point Health Systems
Sid Ramsey, VP-Marketing & Business Development, went through the evolution of the name change and branding as they consolidated and acquired other healthcare facilities in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.
In 1993, Iowa Methodist Medical Center (IMMC) and Lutheran hospital consolidated and changed the combined name to Iowa Health Systems. Consolidation expanded to other cities, including Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, Waterloo, Osceola, and Jefferson. When Peoria Methodist came on board a few years ago, they knew the “Iowa” name would not work. They changed the name to Unity Point. Since then, they have acquired a hospital in Madison, WI.
Sid highlighted the trials and tribulations during this name and branding change:
Legacy Names and some independence are still important. Even though it is a “top-down” structure, each healthcare facility still has a Board of Directors and management team. Plus, keeping the local name in each area the same, under the Unity Point umbrella, helps keep continuity.
Being transparent to management and staff at each location, whether a hospital or physicians offices, helped create engaging feedback. Even the feedback from patients and general public through focus groups allowed everyone to get closer to the same brand (what they are and what the patients expect).
Unity Point launched their name change over a 12-month period, using all types of media. Results were a success. 43% of those polled recalled hearing or seeing something about the name change.
Thank You
Due to the fire at DMGCC last week, President Tom Narak scrambled to find a place for us last Tuesday. Mike Foss opened his facility to us at St. Mark Lutheran Church on Grand in WDM.
Thanks Mike.
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Three Minute Speaker: Kay Kramer
Longtime Rotary Member, Kay Kramer, loves golf and the Hawkeyes! He and his wife, Mary, have 50 years together. They lived in the Caribbean when Mary was the Ambassador of Barbados. They have two adult children. Their son lives local with four grandkids in high school to college (Iowa of course). Daughter in Dallas Texas and an active Rotarian.
Kay’s father was a good mentor emphasizing hard work, family and community. Keeping in his father’s path, Kay is an active member of our community and in giving back. This includes driving less fortunate people to the hospital of doctor visits.
Even though his handicap has increased over time from an 8 to a 20, Kay still enjoys golfing as does Mary. He still enjoys yard work and hobby with model trains.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
It’s a Free Jazathon on Sunday!
Sunday 04-06-14 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at Java Joe’s on 4th St in Downtown DMS.
Bob Stat’s Big Band will be playing. For those wanting to start earlier, it is a marathon of Jazz at Java Joe’s from 8:00AM to 8:00PM that Sunday.
Paul Harris Award
Dana Petrowsky received her Multiple Paul Harris Award from Tom Larson. This is presented when a member has donated $1,000 or more. Dana has given $2,000. Thanks Dana!
Rotary Board Meetings
Tuesday 04-08-14 at DMGCC.
Senior Citizens Lunch
Saturday, April 12th from 10:45AM to 1:00PM
WDM Christian Church: 4501 Mills Civic Pkwy in WDM
Looking for Volunteers. Look for the Sign-Up or contact Naura (988-7213)
Bicycle Donations and Repair
Harold Hulleman is looking for volunteers to help repair and refurbish donated bikes that we provide for kids in need. He is always looking for unwanted bikes too.
Please contact Harold if you can help: 720-6510.
Bicycle Delivery to Kids
Also, here are the dates for delivering refurbished bikes to kids at school. He needs volunteers to help with giving them away. Look for Sign-Up Sheet or contact Harold (720-6510).
April 16th: 12:00 Noon at Indian Hills
April 30th: 2:00PM at Cross Roads Park
May 14th: 1:00PM at Crestview
I-235 Clean Up
Need volunteers to walk the north bank of I-235 between 56th and Polk Blvd in DSM. It is along the south side of Waveland Golf Course. For those interested in retrieving some bad shots.
Saturday, May 3rd from 7:30 to 9:30AM. Look for an email and Sign-Up Sheet.
Hosts for Future Foreign Exchange Student (International Service)
Chris Nelson is looking for host families willing to take in our future foreign exchange student for 2014-2015. It does not have to be a Rotary member so please pass the word.
Our Club pays for school fees, lunches and transportation.
Contact Chris (669-1876)
Bunny Harper Rotary Golf Tournament (May 1st)
Greg Kenyon announced that this year’s golf outing will be May 1st at Coldwater Golf Course in Ames, Iowa. It is open to anyone that wants to play. You can suck like me and still have a good time. More to follow but save the date.
Meals from the Heartland
Volunteers Requested
Mike Powers announced an upcoming event to package meals into bags that will be shipped to starving people all over the world.
· Date: May 17th 8:00AM to 1:00PM
· Location: WDM United Methodist Church 720 Grand Ave. WDM
There is an online signup if you go to the church website: