What is now known as the Merrillville Rotary Club was chartered on 20 February 1944 as the Glen Park Rotary Club. Presiding over 19 charter members was J. B. Shaver the founder of Shaver Motors. As many of its members moved south to Merrillville and surrounding communities, the name was changed to Glen Park – Merrillville Rotary and finally to Merrillville Rotary. Originally belonging to District 654, as the numbers of clubs expanded, the need for additional districts added a "0" to all existing districts, making Merrillville a member of district 6540. The Club has produced 3 district Governors: John Laskosky (49-50), James Keough ( 67-68), and Eugene Wilczynski (81-82), the latter two being current members of the club; with Jim's membership spanning over 50 years. Ralph Neff is the current President and 66th in succession.