As founder and CEO of Startup Tucson, Justin Williams has been a leader of regional efforts to develop a vibrant startup community in Tucson, AZ through programs that support entrepreneurs and innovators alike. Programs like Startup Tucson’s Idea to Impact Pipeline have set a national standard for strategic integration of programs like Co-Founder Speed Dating, Startup Weekend, Hackathons, Thryve Startup Incubator Growth Accelerators, and Startup Job Crawl. Williams has mentored hundreds of entrepreneurs to help them take their ideas and bring them to impact.
Justin is also co-founder and Executive Director of InnovateUA, a program to foster a campus-wide culture of entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Arizona. He also teaches entrepreneurship in both the Eller College of Management and the College of Engineering.
Prior to his tenure with Startup Tucson, Justin served as Director of the Arizona Technology Council. There he established the Tucson office as part of its 2008 merger with AMIT – Tucson’s Aerospace, Manufacturing and Information Technology Cluster, where he served as founder and Executive Director.
Justin worked for over 10 years with high-tech firms in Southern Arizona including Electronic Data Systems, Intuit, and Ventana Medical Systems. He has worked with numerous small technology companies helping to commercialize university research.
Justin has a B.S. in Systems Engineering, an M.B.A. in Marketing and Finance and is an alumnus of the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship. In 2011, Justin was named as one of Tucson’s “40-Under-40” by the Arizona Daily Star.
Our wonderful President ELLIE began her 3rd meeting with Ali Farhang, MARK IRVIN, Mike Feder and Anne Sommers by her side. Heck, she even played the piano for LENN DITMANSON’S “My Country Tis of Thee” – ELLIE’S talent is boundless – yeah ELLIE!
MIKE ORCUTT gave the “Inspiration”. We also found out about the “Rule of 35” – Jim Wood’s son, JIM WOOD JR is now in our club under this new rule. It means less dues and fewer meetings are required – ah to be under 35 again! – not… CHRIS EDWARDS introduced the guests and happy birthday went out to TOM WILLIS and BRUCE JACOBS. Sergeant at Arms FONDA INSLEY with DAVE GALLAHER’S help raffled off Jackson Brown tickets and three $350 suites for the upcoming “Arizona Bowl” on December 30th, yeah! Thank you, JOHN LEWIS, SCOTT VAUGHN and STEVE PICKERING for the dinero.
On the announcement side of things – Boy Scout camp work day is coming up this Saturday and, DAVE GALLAHER’S exchange student LETICIA SECCO said thanks to Dave and our club for the time in Tucson.
Our program was the inaugural “Arizona Bowl”. Ali Farhang, Chairman, gave a rousing presentation about this totally Tucson event and celebration. Nova Home Loans is the title sponsor. Thank you Jon Volpe and Nova. This game will be locally owned and locally won. Last year the bowl gave over $85,000 to our local charities! Yeah! Fletcher McCusker and our own MARK IRVIN are founding members of the “Arizona Bowl” board of Directors – yeah MARK!
The high energy meeting was closed with a quote by President Ellie.
Picture a classic bank boardroom on a sunny Thursday afternoon. Dedicated Rotarians have helped themselves to water and a bite to eat to keep them nourished and alert for the next two hours. Around the table are three women and nine men ready to tackle a robust agenda for the first board meeting of the year, with reports for review and discussion. They also have the organization chart.....that is continually evolving and seems to have a life of its own! Two other Rotarians came to the first meeting to present proposals so, all in all, a full table.
As I looked around the table I saw women and men who agreed to be our board of directors and commit their personal time because of their passion for Rotary. They were elected or appointed because of their experience, professional skills and collegial attitude.
The meeting was called to order and the directors first heard two reports from committee chairs (and incidentally, past presidents) and gave approval to both reinforcing the importance of adequately funding our scholarship program as well as our youth exchange activities. The Executive Director then gave her report highlighting current membership status (229 active) to include recent resignations, new member and new prospective member names. The new family membership category is growing - a positive sign. Up next was the financial report; the topic of dues was front and center. There will be no increase this year as a result of the replacement meeting mixers and an extra dark day. Next year there will probably be an increase due to RI's increase of dues ($4.00 annually) and the continuing increase in our hotel's costs. The challenge to keep dues at a competitive level and continually offer value to members is ever present in the board's mind. Other agenda items included: family membership approval process, release forms for works projects, the Hillman Foundation, Hispanic Chamber, a TRVFA letter draft and the annual Car Show update with promise of exciting news to be shared with club members soon. As the second hour showed up on the clock, directors shared their top priorities and challenges, inviting comments from other board members.
This was a great first meeting and proved the quote from Antony Starr: "Collaboration is the best way to work. It's the only way to work. Everyone's there because they have a set of skills to offer across the board."
Since the Rotary Club of Tucson strongly supported Reading Seed for 10+ years, here's what happening now:
Several members of our Club continue to serve as Reading Coaches at Robison Elementary School. Financially, Reading Seed recently completed its Bill Burrus Challenge and exceeded their goal of raising $50,000!
Pre-Set Field Green Salad with Ranch and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressings
Doubletree Cookies Served Family Style
Coffee, Decaf or Iced Tea
BEEF TRI-TIP; - Roasted Herb Beef Tri Tip Rubbed with Onion Sauce Served with Red Bliss Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables
The menu options below are available if reserved (call or email the office) by 2:00 pm FRIDAY:
Chef Salad; Ham, Turkey, Cheddar/Jack Cheese Blend, Hard Boiled Egg, Tomato, Cucumber & Croutons over chopped Romaine Lettuce. (PLEASE DO NOT ASK THE SERVERS TO ALTER THE SALAD, IT WILL BE SERVED AS LISTED ABOVE. NO CHEF SALADS MAY BE ORDERED AFTER THE FRIDAY DEADLINE.)
GRILLED VEGETABLE PLATE; - Roasted Peppers, Eggplant Zucchini, Tomato and Beets Served with Vegetable Quinoa
Fresh Fruit Plate; - Fresh Seasonal Fruit served with FLAVORED Greek Yogurt and Low Fat Cottage Cheese
Gluten Free; The Main Meal Option made Gluten Free
NESDAYS, 12:00 PM-1:20 PM
Justin Williams
On the announcement side of things – Boy Scout camp work day is coming up this Saturday and, DAVE GALLAHER’S exchange student LETICIA SECCO said thanks to Dave and our club for the time in Tucson.
