Thursday, June 12, 2025

Lunch Buffet

Doors Open 11:30 AM

At

 

 

Cirrus Aircraft

Please welcome “Dante T”, a seasoned leader in Corporate Affairs with over 15 years of experience shaping strategy at the intersection of business, government, and public policy. As the Head of Corporate Affairs at Cirrus, Dante drives high-impact initiatives that position both the company and the broader General Aviation industry for long-term success in a rapidly evolving regulatory and economic landscape.

 

Dante brings deep expertise in political strategy, regulatory leadership, economic development, and stakeholder engagement, having secured and negotiated public-private partnerships worth hundreds of millions of dollars. His career has been defined by his ability to build lasting relationships across federal, state, and local levels—delivering results that align with both public priorities and corporate objectives.

 

Recognized for his agility, cross-sector insight, and strategic thinking, Dante thrives in complex, high-stakes environments—whether managing geopolitical tensions, advising on legal frameworks, or helping organizations navigate through change.

 

We're thrilled to have Dante here with us today to share his insights and experience. Please join me in giving him a warm welcome!

 

Chair of the Day: President-Elect Zach Walters

 

 

 

It is a day for Club 25 to join many other Rotarians as District Governor Kay Parries passes the gavel to our own District Governor-Elect Elaine Hansen. 5:30pm at the Kitchi Gammi Club. 

 

 

By Darlene Anderson

 

On a beautiful Duluth day Club 25 Rotarians had a new meeting location at the Lake Superior College Center for Advanced Aviation building near the Duluth Airport and Cirrus facility. First, they enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Valentini's as they gathered in one of the three classrooms. (There was a little concern about lunch as Allison Hanig-Landrus, who was bringing the food, was slowed down by a wind turbine blade on the highway. But she persevered, and when she arrived, it didn't take long to set out the food and for everyone to fill their plate.)

 

 

All were welcomed by President Elizabeth Simonson, including our guests from Lake Superior College. The Reflection by Vinod Gupta related to when he was asked by a 9th-grade student, “What is the purpose of life?” He didn't know how to answer, so he asked us the same question. There are many influences in our life that help us to develop competency and purpose, such as family, friends, and work colleagues. A challenge for each of us to contemplate.

 

Vinod Gupta: “What is the purpose of life?”

 

President Elizabeth invited today's special guests from Lake Superior College (LSC) to come forward and be introduced by staff member Sarah Lyons. The students are recipients of scholarships from our Rotary Club, and each expressed their gratitude for the funding that has helped them reach their goals.

 

Five LSC Rotary Club #25 and Foundation Scholarship Students

 

Chair of the Day Allison Hanig-Landrus introduced Trevor Wills, Associate Dean of Aviation at LSC. He was a first-generation student who served 9 years in the Air Force, which enabled him to attend college and earn several degrees. Now he focuses on training others in the field of aviation. At LSC there are four aviation programs: private pilot, helicopter pilot, mechanic, or an aviation degree for those who want to be in the aviation business but not a pilot. Students meet in the classrooms in the morning and spend the afternoon practicing what they studied whether it be in the plane, helicopter or workshop. When asked how soon students begin flying, he said on Day 1. In the classroom they learn theory and then continue in the afternoon by doing. The programs are two years long and regulated by the FAA. About 90% of the pilot students become flight instructors as they earn 200-250 hours of flight time while in school but need 1250 hours for their commercial license. After the introduction to the program, we toured the facility.

 

Trevor Wills, Associate Dean of Aviation at LSC

 

Jeff Fifield and his “co-pilot” grandson

 

Rotarians look at a former Minnesota Power corporate jet donated to LSC for instruction

 

LSC offers “hands on” training on helicopters, prop planes and jets

 

 

 

Our Rotary Club #25 “Road Crew”