CJ has been a part of the Rochester business community since 1986 when he launched Jolt Cola. Jolt became popular in more than 20 countries. Jolt inspired what became the energy drink category.  Today CJ is the CEO of Karma Water. A health & wellness beverage that features a one-of-a-kind dispensing cap on the bottle. Consumers infuse the active ingredients just moments before consumption, assuring optimal health benefits.  CJ shares his observations and lessons learned over a 40 year career including his experiences from extensive travels to more than 40 countries…and what has he learned from competing with multinational conglomerates over several decades.

National Small Business Week is celebrated from May 4th to May 10th in honor of the massive impact of small businesses on our regional economy and business community. Learn more about the support that is offered for small businesses in Greater Rochester, NY, particularly now during another unprecedented year for businesses - including through strong leadership and collaborative efforts

Rochester Rotarian Gerald J. Archibald, Author of Underestimated, Mentally Ill, Yet Successful and CAR-Chitecture. In another installment of our "Rotary Spotlight" series Past President Donna Dedee sits down with Jerry for an interview-style luncheon.

Thomas Bonadio is the General Partner of Impact Capital, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors at The Bonadio Group. He has devoted his efforts to serving commercial companies in the Rochester area and helping the firm grow from two people to its present size of over 1,100 employees. Tom specializes in providing business advice to privately held companies and their owners, with a particular emphasis on helping them maximize their value and return to shareholders.

Naomi Silver, President, CEO & COO of the Rochester Red Wings. Naomi has been involved with the Red Wings her entire life. The Silver family’s involvement is in it’s 68th year, and Naomi has taken an active role for over three decades, working her way up the corporate ladder. Naomi talks about where they are today in terms of the game, MLB, the Washington Nationals, and where they came from.

Mike is an award winning magician who was born and raised in Rochester, NY. Mike lived in California from 1988-2004. There he discovered the world of magic. Mike adheres to a simple philosophy for his events: magic is about creating a truly memorable and enjoyable performance that fools but does not make a fool of any spectator.

Don Jeffries, President and CEO of Visit Rochester, speaks about tourism in Rochester. As the official tourism promotion agency for Monroe County, Visit Rochester’s growth is closely connected to the overall growth and vitality of the Greater Rochester region.

Tim Bohen, author of Emerald Thread: The Irish in Buffalo (2024) and Against the Grain: The History of Buffalo's First Ward (2012). Tim takes us on a fascinating journey through the deep and unexpected ties between the Buffalo and Rochester Irish! Discover how Irish laborers conquered the most grueling sections of the Erie Canal, how fearless Irish sisters laid the foundations for hospitals and charitable institutions, and the astonishing tale of how Irishmen from across Western New York invaded Canada in 1866—hoping to ransom it for Ireland’s freedom. Plus, hear the stories of remarkable Irish men and women who left their mark on our region and beyond, shaping politics, entertainment, the military, and sports.

Dr. Heidi Macpherson, President of SUNY Brockport and Rochester Rotarian since 2015 is featured in our Rotary Spotlight series. Past President Donna Dedee moderates the interview-style luncheon.