McKinney based Independent Financial (Independent Bank) announced in May 2024 the intention to merge with Florida based SouthState Bank, creating a combined bank with assets exceeding $65 billion. The merger received regulatory approval and officially closed in January 2025, with data conversion occurring during the 2025 Memorial Day weekend. McKinney Sunrise Rotarian, Leslie Vashler, who has been with the bank since 2019, will share the logistics of a bank merger, why this was a good merger for all parties, and the role SouthState will play in our communities.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
End of Year Celebration Dinner
Wednesday, June 5, 2025
Eldorado Country Club, 6:00-8:00PM
McKinney Sunrise Rotarians and guests are invited to join us to celebrate our successes and service impact of the past year. We will also look ahead to the upcoming Rotary year, install our incoming Board members and embrace the Rotary year theme of "Unite for Good"!
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
2025 Camp RYLA (Rotary Leadership Youth Award) was held May 25-30, with six campers sponsored by McKinney Sunrise Rotary. This annual week-long summer camp improves leadership skills for incoming high school seniors from across North Texas. Campers build leadership skills through cabin activities, athletic events, educational workshops, and team-building exercises. Camp RYLA challenges individuals to work in teams, communicate, and build a consensus in a supportive environment where working together is key. Campers can expect to engage in an array of activities, both indoors and out.
Each Camp RYLA camper is selected and sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Rotary International District 5810, covering eight counties in North Texas. Over the past 35 years, Camp RYLA has recruited, encouraged, and supported over 7000 students from North Texas to become better leaders. Students interested in becoming a RYLArian should contact their counselor or campus college and career coordinator for application information.
On April 26th we gathered at Collin College to package 10,000 shelf stable meals, and those meals have been shipped to Zambia! Zambia, a landlocked South African country has a population of over 20 million people, where 55% of the population makes their living by working in agriculture. Due to El Nino weather conditions, many areas of Zambia are considered hunger hot spots. Thank you for supporting this program!
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