EXP Gaming has program at Rotary Meeting

The Trenton Rotary Club met on Thursday, March 23 at EXP Gaming Lounge in downtown Trenton for its weekly meeting. Diane Lowrey conducted the business meeting and was the program chairman. Dan Wilford gave the prayer and Brian Upton was the sergeant at arms.

Kyle Richards, coowner of EXP Gaming, and Joe Cleveland, store manager, presented a program about their business, which was established in Trenton in 2022. Trenton was chosen as a location after local residents who were gaming customers at the EXP location in Trenton asked Richards to consider Trenton. Richards said he visited with the group a few times at Trenton and, learning that there was also an ESports program at North Central Missouri College and a gaming club on the NCMC campus, made the decision to come here. The NCMC gaming club holds its weekly meetings at the Trenton business and Richards said other groups also play there on a regular basis.

EXP offers also types of games – video, board and card – and provides the items needed. However, players can bring their own accessories if desired. Tournaments are also played on a regular basis. There is no charge to use the facilities. Richards said the business makes its money from items it sells, including games, books, trading cards, etc. Fees are also charged for tournament play. Richards noted similarities between the gaming business and Rotary, noting the goal of both groups is to bring people together for a common good/goal

During the business meeting, members were reminded that donations were still being accepted for the Shoes for Orphan Souls/Bright Futures Trenton shoe project. New shoes or monetary donations will be collected through mid-April. The March 30 meeting will be held at the BTC Bank at noon. Rotary Exchange student Carlotta Gonzalvez will give the program.