About Rotary Means Business
The history, mission, and structure of the Fellowship — and how our Arkansas Central chapter fits into a global movement.
The History of Rotary Means Business
Rotary was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a young Chicago lawyer who created the organization as a business club — a place for professionals to build fellowship and mutual support. The first Rotary Club was made up entirely of businesspeople.
Over the decades, Rotary expanded into global humanitarian service. But the original business DNA never disappeared. In 2010, the Rotary Means Business Fellowship was formally established and sanctioned by Rotary International — explicitly to revive and honor Rotary's founding purpose: professionals supporting each other through commerce and referrals.
Today, RMB operates chapters across every inhabited continent, connecting thousands of business professionals through structured networking, ethical commerce, and mutual support.
"If any one tells you that it is reprehensible to make a dollar or two for the wife and babies from club associates in straightforward business transactions, tell that person that some foreign substance has gotten into his carburetor."
— Paul P. Harris, Founder of Rotary International · January 1911RMB Vision Statement
"The Rotary Means Business Fellowship will be the driving force to make Business an essential component of Rotary along with Service and Good Fellowship as it was at Rotary's founding."
What RMB Is Here to Do
The official mission of the Rotary Means Business Fellowship is precise and powerful:
"The purpose of the Rotary Means Business Fellowship is to support the success of fellow Rotarians by doing business with them and referring others to them in order to build stronger businesses, communities, members, Foundation, clubs and ultimately Rotary."
RMB captures the diagram you'll find in every chapter's materials: stronger businesses → stronger members → stronger clubs → stronger communities → stronger Rotary. It is a reinforcing cycle, and it starts with a referral.
RMB's Core Principles
- Ethics First. All members are expected to honor Rotary's Four-Way Test in every business interaction.
- Referral Culture. The lifeblood of RMB is actively referring fellow members to clients, contacts, and opportunities.
- No Vocation Limits. No chapter may limit membership based on profession or industry.
- Independent Chapters. Each chapter is an independent entity. Chapters are not agents of Rotary International or the Fellowship.
- Service + Business Together. RMB does not replace Rotary service. It enhances it by strengthening the professionals who fund and deliver that service.
How RMB Chapters Work
Rotary Means Business operates through a global Fellowship — headquartered in Santa Rosa, California — that charters and supports local chapters worldwide. Chapters are authorized, dues-paying entities that are permitted to use the RMB name and logo.
Local chapters set their own meeting schedule and format. Many meet weekly or bi-weekly, with formats that include open networking, a guest speaker or presentation, group activity, and a focused referral exchange. Some chapters combine in-person and virtual meetings.
Chapters may be sponsored by a single Rotary Club, a group of aligned clubs, or a Rotary District. Leadership is elected within the chapter, and every chapter reports annually to the Fellowship.
Typical Meeting Format
RMB Arkansas Central · Charter 277
RMB Arkansas Central Charter 277 is an authorized chapter of the Rotary Means Business Fellowship. We bring together business professionals from across the region to build real relationships, exchange genuine referrals, and grow together.
Our chapter operates in full compliance with Rotary International policy and the RMB Policies and Procedures. We are an independent entity — but we are part of something global.
If you are a business professional interested in growing through ethical networking and collaboration, we'd welcome a conversation about what membership here could mean for you.
Request InformationChapter Quick Facts
- Name: RMB Arkansas Central
- Location: Arkansas
- Fellowship: Rotary Means Business Fellowship (RMB)
- Sanctioned by: Rotary International
- Membership: Open to all reputable businesses. Rotary membership not required.
- Global Network: Part of worldwide RMB Fellowship
Disclaimer: This chapter is not an agency of, nor is it controlled by, Rotary International or the Rotary Means Business Fellowship. Chapters are independent entities operating under Fellowship authorization.
Want to Learn More About RMB?
The best way to understand RMB is to speak with someone in the chapter. Reach out — no obligation, just a conversation.