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| The Economic Club of Southwest Michigan |
Editor: Elliott, Bob
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Perry Ballard, secretary of the board of directors presented a brief history of this unique community asset. Louis Upton started the organization in 1943, in the midst of the war's price controls and rationing. His goal was to prepare the community for the return to peacetime by bringing in economist to form "enlightened public opinion" about the future. The club was for men only and met at the Whitcomb. Over time women joined as members and the speakers and their topics expanded from economists to national figures affecting the economy in the fields of politics, news media, entertainment and academia. The caliber of the speakers is unmatched for communities of our size. Member's request for speakers are a priority in setting the line up for each season. Michael Cook, president, deserves much of the credit for the success of the club. He expanded the club from 100 members to today's maximum of 3,000, using the LMC's Upton Hall for dinner and the Mainstage for speaker-only members.
The club's website has photos from 1983 to present. To check out the speakers, learn more or join click here.
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Rotary Club of Benton Harbor-Sunrise
