Iowa Navy Commodores Speak to Rotary July 8

Posted by Kathryn Fahy 
 
Ann Ditsworth and the Iowa Navy Commodores spoke to Rotary at Elinor Bedell State Park on Wednesday, July 8. Eight Iowa Great Lakes Rotarians were also inducted into the Iowa Navy during the program.
 

Ann began the program by sharing information about who the Iowa Navy Commodores are. She described the group as the "Cheerleading Division of the Chamber." They have three primary responsibilities: 1) to welcome new businesses to the Iowa Great Lakes, 2) host Business After 5 events every Tuesday, and 3) induct members into the Iowa Navy. There are currently 38 Iowa Navy Commodores.

The Commodores welcomed 49 new businesses last year and have an average of 4 ribbon cuttings per year. They also work approximately 8 special events each year. For example, they served 700 people at the Wing Ding, served 800 for lunch at the Walleye Weekend, and helped work the Chili Cookoff which served 15oo people.

The Iowa Navy has been around since the 1950s and has been a way to recognize dignitaries in the community. Eight members of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary were inducted into the Iowa Navy at the conclusion of the program. They are: Jeff Knapp, Judy Haviland, Debbie Johnson, Chuck Skogerboe (previously inducted), Dave Kerr, Paula Zenor, Angie Peterson and Kathy Fahy.