With 13 Zoomers joining 66 members and guests in the Anderson Room, President Roy called the meeting to order at 12:29 p.m.

Inspiration: Leslie Pinney spoke of her introduction to Rotary at last year’s GPO by Agnes Reading’s daughter Kelly. She realized that Rotary was a community bonded with service, singing, friendships and a focus on building something better.

Song: Ingrid Sheldon led the group with Hello Dolly.

Member Trivia: It was Downs Herold today. Rosemarie Rowney was the first to guess correctly.

Announcements:

• The Community Allocations Committee is open to new members.
• GEO September 14 at Barton Hills Country Club. Peg Talburtt promoted the upcoming GEO golf fundraiser and auction, emphasizing the limited availability of tickets. Kristen Giant announced that the auction is open. Click here to view and bid. https://app.eventcaddy.com/events/2026-GPO
• Tutors needed: Jim Egerdal and Nancy Shore spoke about the need for elementary tutors and volunteers. Sign up HERE
• Adopt a Highway is scheduled for September 20. Click here to sign up.
• Meet Aaron Westbrook of Form 5 who is expanding possibilities for persons with limb differences with his patented bike arm.
• There will be a remembrance for Kat Forsyth at a future meeting.

Speaker: Dug Song- Creating Conditions for Equitable Technology

Introduced by Rich Sheridan,  Dug spoke about his journey from founding Duo, a cybersecurity company that was sold for $2.5 billion, to his current work with Song United, a family office focused on tech investments and real estate in Detroit, and the Song Foundation, which practices place-based philanthropy in Michigan. He emphasized the importance of investing in and building community, drawing from his experiences in Ann Arbor and his role in developing a national entrepreneurship strategy. Dug highlighted how technology can be an equalizer and discussed various community support initiatives, including investments in local organizations and a focus on culture and shared ambitions.

Dug highlighted the history and future of Michigan’s vibrant tech ecosystem, emphasizing the state’s role in defense engineering during World War II and its current position as a emerging global startup hub. He explained how Ann Arbor represents earnest idealism while Detroit embodies unbreakable grit, and described efforts to build bridges between these communities through investments and initiatives like the $400 million University of Michigan Center of Innovation in Detroit. The discussion concluded with a question about education funding in Michigan, which he addressed by noting that while education is necessary, it’s not sufficient alone, and the focus should be on creating economic opportunities that retain Michigan’s talent rather than seeing them leave for other states.

The meeting closed at 1:32 with a quote from Winston Churchill.