Our speaker for the August 6 meeting is David Nelems, an entrepreneurial leader, Airline Transport Pilot, and serial entrepreneur who serves as the Director of Special Projects at the Don Ryan Center for Innovation (DRCI) in Bluffton, South Carolina.
Formerly the Center’s CEO for nine years, David has guided DRCI’s mission to help early-stage and existing businesses grow and thrive throughout the Lowcountry and beyond. Under his leadership, DRCI programs have supported the launch and growth of more than 92 companies, with advisory impact on over 300 businesses in the last decade.
An experienced founder and operator, David launched a pioneering business-to-business video streaming company in 1998, scaling it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise ultimately acquired in 2007 — well ahead of the mainstream video revolution.
Today, David and the DRCI are recognized regional thought leaders in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for business and community impact. Over the past year alone, David has presented and demonstrated emerging AI tools and techniques at dozens of events, reaching more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and professionals through hands-on workshops, conferences, and community talks. Known for his approachable, practical mentoring style, David brings a “been there, done that” perspective to helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building successful ventures.
In addition to his business career, David has over 30 years of experience as a commercial pilot and aircraft owner, flying for individuals, corporate clients, charter services, and Delta Private Business Jets. A multi-faceted talent, he is also an accomplished keyboardist who toured nationally as a musician in earlier years. David holds a degree in Human Relations and Aviation Management from Georgia State University and continues to spearhead AI-driven innovation initiatives and community programs across South Carolina through his leadership at DRCI.
Notes from our irrepressible field correspondent, Dot Jeger:
The Mix, Mingle & Membership was very successful with lots of fun, fellowship and good food to go around in a perfectly lovely venue at the Elle Apartments! Congratulations to Elizabeth Hewell and the Admin team for making it happen!
Regardless of issue, please let us know if something is going on to prevent you from attending our meetings. We have many members who can help, pray, or just call to lift your spirits.
Club Dues Invoices - please submit payment at your earliest convenience. Several Rotarians have outstanding balances from prior invoices - if you are unsure of who you are, please reach out to Don Kensey, Rotary Club of Bluffton Treasurer.
Do you worry about Alzheimer’s? We do not have a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but we must find one. Finding a cure starts with you. Every year the CART (Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust) Fund gives research grants focused on finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Have you given to the CART Fund this year? The CART Fund is dedicated to raising funds to provide “seed” money for cutting edge, high impact research in hopes of finding a cure/prevention for Alzheimer’s disease. The goal of the CART Fund is to encourage exploratory and developmental Alzheimer’s disease research projects within the United States. This is accomplished by providing financial support for the early and conceptual plans of those projects that may not yet be supported by extensive preliminary data but have the potential to substantially advance biomedical research. These projects should be distinct from those designed to increase knowledge in a well-established area unless they intend to extend previous discoveries toward new directions or applications.
If you would you like to donate to the C.A.R.T. fund, please scan the code below:
The Bluffton Rotary Club has a YouTube Channel! You will find previous guest speakers and other fun videos, so be on the lookout for more content in the future. All you have to do is create a YouTube account and subscribe...with 80+ current members, we can do better than eight subscriber's!! Link:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TYzr9_xUE8Jfy-lniTt1A
Did you know ClubRunner is now available on your mobile device app store for FREE?!? Once downloaded, use your ClubRunner log-in. This will give you instant access to our member directory, events, news and other important information. Here is a video that highlights some of the features: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFLu08meAHI&t=12s
