City of Evanston celebrates 68 years as home to Rotary International World Headquarters
EVANSTON, Ill. (Aug. 23, 2022) — With ten commemorative signs posted throughout Evanston this week, the city proudly marks its 68th year as home to Rotary International World Headquarters, where a diverse global team of 700+ professionals support the work of Rotary's 46,000 clubs worldwide to strengthen communities and improve lives.
"Rotary has been an economic anchor for decades, not only as one of our largest employers, but surprising to some, one of the largest property taxpayers in our city," said Paul Zalmezak, City of Evanston's Economic Development Manager. "Rotary's reach goes beyond corporate staff shopping and dining at local businesses. With its global membership, Rotary contributes over $1 million to our local economy with more than 2,000 international visits annually. We are proud to house an organization that is transforming communities and positively impacting lives around the world."
The commemorative signs are located on the east side of the Sheridan Road curve and the intersections at Dempster and McCormick; Sheridan and Lake; Sheridan and Ridge; Howard and Ridge; Howard and Chicago; Golf and McCormick; Golf and Crawford; and near the Metra and CTA hubs at Davis and Church.
"We are honored to have our world headquarters recognized by the City of Evanston," said John Hewko, Rotary International CEO. "We hope these signs will make it easier for people to find us and engage those who may be curious about our organization. Evanston has been a great place to call home and our visitors are always impressed with its stunning lake views and small-town atmosphere."
On display in the lobby of One Rotary Center, located at 1560 Sherman Ave., are exhibits that are open to the public from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. and 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, except on major U.S. holidays, that showcase Rotary's causes, including promoting peace, fighting disease, providing safe water and sanitation, supporting education, saving mothers and children, growing local economies, and protecting the environment. Rotary's top priority is the global eradication of polio. Rotary launched its polio immunization program, PolioPlus, in 1985 and in 1988 became a leading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
One Rotary Center is open to tours by appointment and conference rooms offering fully-equipped, state of the art spaces and capabilities for a wide variety of safe, COVID-compliant gatherings and meetings, events, seminars, panel discussions, corporate gatherings and more are available. Contact visitors@rotary.org to learn more about hosting an event at One Rotary Center.
About Rotary: Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.4 million members of more than 46,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information, visit Rotary.org.
For 117 years, Rotary members have been addressing challenges around the world. It started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on Feb. 23, 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. Rotary's name came from the group's early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of its members. Rotary first came to Evanston in 1954, when its original building was erected on 1600 Ridge Ave.
About the City of Evanston: The City of Evanston is home to approximately 75,000 residents and is located just north of Chicago. Bordering Lake Michigan and home to Northwestern University and Rotary International, Evanston's unique beauty and character delights visitors and residents of all ages. With a vision to create the most livable city in America, Evanston celebrates the diversity of its opportunities and residents.
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CONTACT: Chanele Williams, +1847.866.3466, chanele.williams@rotary.org