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About Rotary Club of Chaska

We are part of Rotary International, a secular, non-political, global network of 1.4 million committed individuals who volunteer their skills and resources to solve pressing issues and address community needs.

We meet each Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. at the Crown of Glory Lutheran Church, 1141 Cardinal Street, Chaska. We'd love for you to join us!

Notes from Our Most Recent Meeting

PRESENTATION: Joel Ackerman - RedLadder Trading

Gary Hardel introduced Joel Ackerman, the founder and executive director of the nonprofit C.A.S.E.S. Institute and its RedLadder Trading program. His background also includes experience as a principal management scientist at Honeywell, a director of the nonprofit Caring Bridge, and founder and CEO of CommunO2, focused on helping people and communities “thrive in place.”

From the RedLadder website – “RedLadder revolutionizes charitable support. RedLadder is a unique online marketplace where you can trade items you no longer need or want for items you do want. Each trade escalates into significant financial support for your favorite charities. RedLadder is an exciting way to support your favorite charities and make a difference!”

"At the heart of RedLadder lies the principle: My junk is someone’s treasure. Through our innovative platform, anyone can kickstart a trade sequence of new and used items, or a 'trade ladder,' in support of their favorite charitable organization or actively contribute by trading items on existing trade ladders. As these ladders grow in value, they culminate in a significant monetary donation for the chosen organization.”

Ideally, each trade increases the trading value by 20%. AI suggests the point at which the article is sold for cash. A human enters the process to make the final “sell” decision. The charity receives half of the income, and the other half supports the RedLadder process. A local warehouse is used as the physical drop-off and pick-up point.

Joel provided an example of a collectible blue plate eventually becoming a donation to Caring Bridge. The RedLadder website contains Joel’s 3-minute video explanation of the trading process.

Contact information:

Joel Ackerman phone 612-396-6521

Website: www.rladder.org Email: info@RLadder.org Address 6521 Rowland Rd., Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Announcements

Bob Chinnock reminded us that tax season is approaching and that Erin Kerber would be talking to the STRIVE student about financial management.
Matt Podhradsky started to get revved up about our membership drive in March.
Ryan Seibert wished a happy birthday to Peter, Sheryl, Matt S., and Bob L. Then Peter Ivy was recognized for his 26 years as a Rotarian. Ryan cooled down our excitement but refocused it on philanthropy. He will be jumping into the waters of Lake Waconia at Lola’s Restaurant on Feb. 14 and earning pledged money for the Special Olympics. Click here to learn more.

Youth Exchange Student and Rotary Intern Update

Ane’s past week included another entry into her “I’m still trying to figure out basketball” efforts. She displayed a lot more confidence in her participation in the school’s Academic Team Quiz Bowl. Ice fishing did not push her “Gee, I really want to do THAT again” button.

International Moment

We virtually traveled across the dateline and landed near Osaka, Japan, to learn about the Hagoromo Rotary Club. Their flag may depict a heavenly woman coming to earth wearing a cloak made of feathers – a hagoromo. Look for her in the skies near Sakai City, southwest of Tokyo.