As Jim’s illness has progressed and he prepares for his eternal home, it has become profoundly important for him to plan one final Service Above Self act for Northern Chautauqua County. It is Jim’s wish to bring together his Rotary and Toastmaster friends, along with community members through an in-person banquet to be held at Shorewood Country Club on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. A Zoom component will be available for those unable to attend in person.

Rupert Rawcliffe, son of Jim and the late Jutta Rawcliffe, has a notable background in the business world, his international speaking engagements, and the hope to fulfill his father’s wishes will prove to be an informational and enjoyable evening for all participants. Rupert is actively involved in working with entrepreneurs and boards in preparing for, structuring, and executing transactions. He has initiated and led a wide range of transactions including repeat transactions for entrepreneurs, SMEs, private equity, and larger corporate clients.

Recent transactions include the sale of an international employee communications firm to Buck Global LLC owned by H.I.G Capital, the sale of a global anti-piracy business head quartered in London to Corsearch Inc owned by Audax Private Equity in Boston (now sold to Astorg), an IT managed services business specializing in the education sector to the Rent Company in Holland owned by Waterland private equity and the sale of a majority stake of thought leadership specialists Longitude Research to the Financial Times newspaper (owned by Nikkei in Tokyo).

Amongst other notable awards, Rupert is a five-time winner of South East Dealmaker of the Year, two time winner of Corporate Financier of the Year, and also winner of the prestigious national award; M&A Personality of the Year.

Rupert Rawcliffe

The London business-focused publisher City A.M. described Rupert as an advisor who ‘is able to smell a deal from a mile away’, a quality that has enabled him to complete over 250 transactions for delighted clients across his career.

Outside the work environment, Rupert is a member of the MCC and can be found watching cricket, especially at Lords or at the Sussex County Ground. Rupert has a 1974 triumph stag which he endeavours to keep running, especially on the rare summer sunny days. He likes to travel, especially with his wife and sons, experiencing new cultures, lands and languages.

Rupert spent many summers working at Red Wing in Fredonia during his university years studying in Ireland and France and enjoys being a member of the First Ward Falcons Club in Dunkirk which he says is a “must visit” when in the area. Rupert has been impressed as in recent years the community in Fredonia and Dunkirk has gained a positivity which is evidenced in the many visible changes for the better in our area.

Rupert believes that the Chautauqua County community is “Super friendly and welcoming. As an example, you cannot help but admire Mayor Willie Rosas or Senator George Borrello who always make time to say hello when they must know that as a Brit, I don’t have a vote!”

Whilst humbled to have been asked to speak in Chautauqua County, in honor of his Dad, Jim Rawcliffe, Rupert hopes that he can share a few anecdotes which will entertain and that all participants may even find something interesting. Rupert has stated, “If that is not the case, then please feel free to have a quick nap before clapping loudly at the end!”

The cost to attend the Rotary event in person is $35 and will feature Shorewood’s famous Classic Banquet. Registration must be completed by Saturday at: tinyurl.com/jimrawcliffe

The cost to attend via Zoom is $5 and attendees must register by, Oct. 13 at: tinyurl.com/jimrawcliffe-zoom

After successful online registration, attendees will receive immediate email confirmation.

For the Oct. 14 Banquet to Honor James Rawcliffe, the cash bar will be open at 5 and dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m., and the program begins at 6. Door prizes, raffles, Rotary and Toastmasters friendship, and comradery will be available online and in-person. Please contact Rotary Area 16 Assistant Governor, Michele Starwalt-Woods with any questions at (716) 467-1769 or michelestarwaltwoodsrotarian@gmail.com