Peter Fink was born and raised in Omaha, NE. He founded Certified Transmission when he was 19 years old, at a 2 bay gas station on 84th and Blondo, $1000, his tool box, and his drive to succeed. Since then, he has grown his company to over 500 team members; including 14 transmission shops and 3 manufacturing plants (All located in NE, IA, KS, and MO), and a network of distributors throughout the country. Certified is the 3rd largest transmission manufacturer in the country, producing more than 55,000 units per year.
In his free time, Peter enjoys anything that has a motor. Maybe not a golf cart as much, but preferably anything that goes over 50 mph, actually more like 100 mph. His hobbies include boating, razoring, snowmobiling, flying one of his planes, and hanging out with his family and friends. Peter and his wife, Carolyn, have been married for 37 years. They have 3 children, Amanda (Suburban Rotary’s favorite member!!!), Peter Jr, and Alex; and also have 5 grandchildren and 4 step-grandkids. His passion for cars ignited the desire to start Certified Transmission and he continues that passion to this day. He has over 125 classic American muscle cars. These cars are at the Certified Transmission Car Museum and the venue is used for over a dozen fundraising events each year. The venue has raised well over half a million dollars since opening 2 ½ years ago. This venue is also home to our annual fundraiser: the Suburban Rotary Car Show.
Recently, Immediate Past President Kevin Welsh introduced new Rotarian Alexandra Wewel, Alexandra is an MBA candidate at the University of Nebraska at Omaha with plans to graduate in the fall of 2023. She is the Assistant Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Franchising through the College of Business at UNO. She enjoys connecting with and giving back to the community through volunteerism. She is currently involved with the Joslyn Young Art Patrons Governing Committee, Champions Auxiliary Board for College Possible Omaha, and Startup Champions Network Membership Committee. In her free time she enjoys gardening, anything artistic or musical, attending community startup events, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and chi-weenie. Welcome to Rotary, Alex!
Alex Wewel with her Rotary sponsor Immediate Past President Kevin Welsh and President Katie Henry
Recently, Amanda Fink introduced transferring Rotarian Chris Barone. Chris Barone is from Omaha, NE. He went to Millard South and UNO. He enjoys cooking and hiking local trails. He has a passion for helping others - outside of Rotary, he is a big brother with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and enjoys serving those at the Open Door Mission. He has a dog named Dugan who is 8 years old.
Professionally, Chris recently started his own insurance agency, Synergy Benefits Company, where he focuses on Medicare and Individual insurance. He is also in his second year as a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway. Welcome to your new Rotary home, Chris!
Chris Barone with President Katie Henry and his Rotary sponsor Amanda Fink
President Katie would like to highlight the incredible difference we make in our community. We are excited to continue sharing inspiring Impact Stories at our weekly meetings. These stories not only celebrate our collective achievements but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for others to join us.
Do you have a powerful Suburban Rotary Impact Story that you'd like to share with fellow members? We believe that every project, every effort, and every initiative holds immense value, and we want to hear about yours! Whether it's an uplifting anecdote about transforming a local neighborhood, supporting a worthy cause, or positively influencing a young person's life, your stories contribute to the fabric of our shared success.
Your Impact Story will not only be acknowledged during our weekly meetings but it will also be featured on our website and social media platforms. By doing so, we hope to spread the ripple effect of your actions and inspire others to take part in the transformative power of Rotary. Please take a moment to compose your Impact Story and email it to the ever-enthusiastic and dedicated President Katie Henry at khenry@accessbank.com.
Recently, President Katie Henry thanked our outgoing Officers and Directors L to R: John Binderup, James Reed, Jennifer Green, Alice Schumaker, Barb Rebrovich, Don Leu, and Amanda Fink. Thank you, Rotarians for your service!
The dedicated Board of Directors, led by President Katie Henry, has been diligently working to make the club an even more vibrant and engaging community. With this goal in mind, several important changes have been approved at the July 17, 2023 board meeting, aimed at improving the Rotary experience.
Regarding the cost of lunch, there was an initial announcement that it would increase to $22. However, the Facilities Committee has put in a lot of effort to maintain the price at $20. This price will remain the same, whether the meeting takes place at the German American Society or any other venue in the future.
Change of Venue: A change of venue will be in effect for the upcoming weeks. On July 27th and August 3rd, the club's weekly meetings will take place at Legends, situated at 6920 Pacific St, suite 100. Lunch cost is $20. This change of location is expected to offer a fresh perspective and elevate the overall meeting experience. Members are encouraged to embrace this change and explore the exciting opportunities it may bring.
The Board of Directors extends its sincere appreciation to all members for your patience and cooperation during these transitions. Your commitment to creating a thriving community is highly valued, and your understanding is crucial as the club aims to provide the best possible Rotary experience for everyone involved.
Suburban Rotary emphasizes the importance of member feedback and encourages individuals to share any questions or concerns they may have. The club recognizes the invaluable role that feedback plays in shaping its initiatives, and they remain receptive to member input.
As the Suburban Rotary family grows, each member is regarded as an essential part of the community. The club expresses gratitude for your continued support and looks forward to creating countless meaningful Rotary moments together. With the dedication of the Board of Directors and the active participation of its members, Suburban Rotary is poised to flourish as an engaging and fun club providing real value to Rotary membership.
Email your comments and feedback to info@suburbanrotary.org or call/text/voicemail at (402) 397-7335.
R. Gordon R. McInally is president of Rotary International. He was educated at the Royal High School in Edinburgh and at the University of Dundee, where he earned his graduate degree in dental surgery. He operated his own dental practice in Edinburgh until 2016. Gordon was chair of the East of Scotland branch of the British Paedodontic Society and has held various academic positions. He has also served as a presbytery elder, chair of the Queensferry parish congregational board, and commissioner to the general assembly of the Church of Scotland. Read President McInally's biography.
Watch the video below of President McInally's address to the Rotary International Assembly:
Hello District 5650!As we kick off another Rotary year, I want to take this opportunity to thank Barbara Bartle for her great leadership this past year. Her passion and commitment to Rotary is evident in everything she does. On behalf of all our members, thank you, Barbara!
Our theme this year is to Create Hope in the World and we do that every day in our District. We have so many great Rotarians that do so many great projects and I am very much looking forward to meeting everyone. I am VERY EXCITED to visit all the clubs this summer!
This is going to be a fabulous year, let’s work together and make 5650 the Best Rotary District in the Universe!
Considering visiting another Rotary club for a make-up! Rotary.org has a club finder for locations around the world. Please see the District website at rotarydistrict5650.org for details on local clubs. Visit one of the following Metro-Area Clubs!
Monday: Omaha Millard Rotary, 12:00 pm, German American Society, 3717 South 120th St.
Tuesday: Omaha Morning 7:00 am, First Responders Foundation, 10605 Burt Circle, Omaha, NE 68114
Tuesday: Omaha Northwest, 12:00 pm, First Responders Foundation, 10605 Burt Circle, Omaha, NE 68114
*Omaha Morning and Omaha Northwest will continue to merge meetings and will be alternating the meeting time on a monthly basis as follows:
July 2023-Lunch
August 2023-Morning
September 2023- Lunch
October 2023 - Morning November 2023 - Lunch December 2023 - Morning
Wednesday: Omaha Downtown, 12:00 pm, Field Club of Omaha, 3615 Woolworth Ave.
Wednesday: Council Bluffs Centennial: 7:00 am, Hy-Vee Community Room 1745 Madison Avenue Thursday: West Douglas County, 12:00 PM Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation 20272 Veterans Drive
Thursday: Council Bluffs, 12:00 pm, The Center, 714 Main Street
Friday: Omaha West, 12:00 pm, Biaggi's, 13655 California St.
Email Yolanda for make-up/attendance credit at yolanda@suburbanrotary.org.
PETER FINK
Recently, Immediate Past President Kevin Welsh introduced new Rotarian Alexandra Wewel, Alexandra is an MBA candidate at the University of Nebraska at Omaha with plans to graduate in the fall of 2023. She is the Assistant Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Franchising through the College of Business at UNO. She enjoys connecting with and giving back to the community through volunteerism. She is currently involved with the Joslyn Young Art Patrons Governing Committee, Champions Auxiliary Board for College Possible Omaha, and Startup Champions Network Membership Committee. In her free time she enjoys gardening, anything artistic or musical, attending community startup events, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and chi-weenie. Welcome to Rotary, Alex!
Recently, Amanda Fink introduced transferring Rotarian Chris Barone. Chris Barone is from Omaha, NE. He went to Millard South and UNO. He enjoys cooking and hiking local trails. He has a passion for helping others - outside of Rotary, he is a big brother with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and enjoys serving those at the Open Door Mission. He has a dog named Dugan who is 8 years old. 
President Katie would like to highlight the incredible difference we make in our community. We are excited to continue sharing inspiring Impact Stories at our weekly meetings. These stories not only celebrate our collective achievements but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for others to join us.
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