Columbus Chamber Blog: Information about economic development, economic and business trends, Columbus workforce, programs, events and the Chamber of Commerce in and around Columbus, OH

Young Professionals Spotlight: ASCEND: The Black Professional Association of Columbus

Each month, the Columbus Chamber spotlights a local young professional or professional organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. For the month of March, ASCEND: The Black Professional Association of Columbus is featured.

When and why was ASCEND started?

ASCEND began in February 2008 as a monthly networking mixer for young African American professionals in Columbus. The goal was to help individuals develop business and social relationships, and ultimately build a supportive community of entrepreneurs and businesspeople.

Why should I become a member?

If you enjoy meeting new people, learning about resources that will be helpful to your career, and are interested in making a positive contribution in your community, you'll enjoy being a member of ASCEND. Membership is free and open to the public. We still host our monthly roundtable and networking reception, as well as other events throughout the year.

Our events help you build new relationships, and provide information that's helpful to your career or business. If you were to ask a member about what our meetings are like, they'd say that ASCEND is a very welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and career levels, and that the people you'll meet are genuinely interested in helping you succeed professionally.

How do I become a member?

Membership is free, and our monthly roundtable is open to the public without a registration fee. To become a member, simply visit our website at www.ascendbpac.com, or sign up at one of our events.

Tell me about your upcoming events.

Our March roundtable is going to be a great event for small business owners and entrepreneurs. We'll be presenting information about free resources available online, as well as organizations that provide consulting and development support for small business.

We're working with our partners to coordinate our April and May events, which will focus on marketing and branding tips for small business, and effective career search strategies for young professionals.

What are some successes or cool facts about ASCEND?

ASCEND has been growing steadily since our inception in 2008. We're expanding our focus from networking and relationship, so that we can offer more educational and professional development opportunities for young professionals. We'll also be reaching out to the community at large, by providing information about personal finance and home ownership.

One of the biggest misconceptions about ASCEND is that membership and participation is limited to African-Americans. We're an inclusive organization, and we encourage people of all backgrounds to participate. For business, government, and nonprofit leaders who would like stronger representation and presence in urban neighborhoods, it's a great way to reach key influencers within the city of Columbus. If you're in an HR or recruitment role, we're also a direct connection to diverse, talented young professionals looking to grow in their career fields.

Where can I go to learn more?

Please visit our website at www.ascendbpac.org to learn more about us and to RSVP for our upcoming events. We're also on Facebook and LinkedIn, so be sure to add us to your network.

To learn about nearly 60 other local YP and professional organizations, view the Columbus Chamber's directory of YP and professional organizations.

Discounts and Deals on Entertainment, Food and Events

By Robbie Banks, Young Professionals Manager, Columbus Chamber

Are you a young professional who is looking for something fun to do in Columbus at a discounted price? Most people who know me know that getting a sweet deal makes me giddy with excitement. I love spreading the word so that others can also take advantage of money-saving opportunities. See below for a few savings opportunities that can help you save some dough on entertainment, food and events. Enjoy!

"Two For Fun Days" at the Arena Grand Theatre (this is one of my favorite deals that used to be offered only on Tuesdays).

THE DEAL: 2 tickets, 2 sodas, a medium popcorn and a pizza with 2 toppings for $25.

HOW TO GET THE DEAL: It must be a secret because this special is not listed on the Arena Grand Theatre's Web site. All you have to do is ask for the Two For Fun Days when purchasing your tickets in person. The special is offered all day Monday through Thursday.

BalletMet Columbus' MetPass

THE DEAL: Are you 22 to 35 years old? Crunched for cash, but still enjoy a night at the ballet? Purchase a MetPass for only $20 and receive up to two tickets to each show of the season for half the single ticket price! Plus, get all the benefits of a Subscriber: discounts on Academy classes, discounts at local restaurants, discounts to arts organizations, passes to rehearsals and Subscriber only events and much more!

HOW TO GET THE DEAL: To purchase a MetPass click here to order online or call the BalletMet Subscriber Services Office at 614.229.4848.

Young Professionals Ticket Offer (ages 21-35) for COSI's Imagination Celebration 2010 (Saturday, March 13, 2010, 7pm-11pm, at COSI)

THE DEAL: Purchase one individual ticket at the regular $200 price and receive a complimentary individual ticket for a guest. 

HOW TO GET THE DEAL: Go to http://www.cosi.org/donors-sponsors/donor-events/ and enter “YP Offer” as your Gala Promotional Code and Robbie Banks' name as your referring contact in the Gala Referral field.  To purchase over the phone, please contact Christy Zistler, Development Coordinator at COSI, at 614.629.3124 and mention the offer.

If you will be unable to attend the Gala this year but would still like to support COSI, please visit COSI’s ALL NEW ONLINE AUCTION at http://www.cosi.org/online-auction/ for a chance to bid on incredible experiences like VIP Tickets to the 2010 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show or an amazing Getaway for two to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Dine Originals Week (March 8-14, 2010) 

THE DEAL: Forty locally-owned restaurants will feature a special fixed price menu for either $10.10, $20.10 or $30.10 during Dine Originals Week. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a new restaurant or revisit a favorite! I recommend Chamber member restaurants: Banana Bean Cafe, Cotters Restaurant at the Arena, The Refectory, Spinelli's Deli, Surly Girl Saloon, Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails and Worthington Inn.

HOW TO GET THE DEAL: View the participating restaurants' menus and make reservations here.

Young Professionals Spotlight: National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Columbus

Each month, the Columbus Chamber will spotlight a local young professional or professional organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. For the month of February, the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Columbus is featured.

When and why was NAAAP Columbus started?
Nationally, NAAAP was started in 1982 in New York City. NAAAP has since expanded to more than 25 metropolitan cities in the United States and Canada. NAAAP Columbus was started in late 2006 because the founders believed that Central Ohio needed an organization that cultivates, supports, and promotes Asian American leaders. NAAAP Columbus offers professional development opportunities on the local and national level, engages its membership in community service, and organizes professional networking events. Through NAAAP Columbus, members work together to enhance leadership in their careers and communities.

Why should I become a member?
By becoming a member of NAAAP Columbus, you join the largest and fastest growing Asian American professional organization in North America. NAAAP Columbus provides its members with the tools and resources to further career advancements and empower Asian Americans to become great leaders and reliable employees. Members make connections on a local and national level, with individuals who look to help their fellow Asian professional. These connections are done through networking events, professional seminars, career fairs, community service projects and national conferences. NAAAP also has a national career web site where, as a member, your resume is placed at the beginning of searches for companies and recruiters.

How do I become a member?
You can become a member by visiting our website, NAAAPColumbus.org.  A single membership is $25 and a family membership is $45. We also have a student rate of $20. You can also become a member by downloading and filling out our membership form on our web site and mailing in a check payable to NAAAP Columbus.

Tell me about your upcoming event(s).
We are working with various groups ranging from the Asian American Bar Association to the Asian American Commerce group on joint networking events. Our networking events will be bimonthly and the location will change each time.  Please visit our web site, Facebook page or follow us on Twitter for further updates. We will also have various seminars and speakers ranging in topics from "Resume Writing and Interview Skills" to "Asian Issues and Personal Branding."

Along with our professional development and networking events, we will also participate in local community events such as "March with AACS" and "GenerAsian Next" to support the efforts of AACS and their services.

What are some successes or cool facts about NAAAP Columbus?
It has been a slow process, but NAAAP Columbus has been working with various Asian organizations to forge strong and hopefully long lasting relationships that Central Ohio Asian organizations have been sorely lacking. We are working more with the Asian Festival committee to hopefully bring to Columbus a Dragon Boat festival as well as an Asian American Career Fair.  We are also collaborating with the Asian American Community Services to help their efforts in creating a "March with AACS" event that will help raise funds that support AACS' unique services.  In addition to "March with AACS," we are also helping AACS plan for their yearly "GenerAsian Next" conference that will focus on teen violence and drug abuse issues within the Asian American Youth across Ohio.

Where can I go to learn more information?
You can visit NAAAPColumbus.org to learn more about upcoming events nationally and locally within the NAAAP Community.  Also, you can become a fan of our Facebook fan page, join our LinkedIn group, or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/naaapcolumbus.

To learn about nearly 60 other local YP and professional organizations, view the Columbus Chamber's directory of YP and professional organizations.

Three Commonly Asked Questions From Young Professionals

By Robbie Banks, Young Professionals Manager, Columbus Chamber

I have the pleasure of meeting many young professionals (YPs) who are looking for opportunities to get involved in Columbus. While it is known that YPs value work/life balance, they sometimes need guidance on narrowing down the many available options for ways to get involved.

Three of the most common questions I am asked when I meet a YP are: 1.) "Do I qualify as a young professional?" 2.) "What organization(s) should I join or get involved with?" and 3.) "Where do I go to find out about the local YP and professional organizations?"

Here's how I generally respond.

Do I qualify as a YP? If you identify as a YP, then, by golly, you are! To take part in YP programming, you can self-select if you are a YP (or "young at heart"). For research purposes, a YP is often defined as 24-35 years old. Some young professionals' organizations (YPOs) may have age requirements that can range from 21 to 45.

What organization(s) should I join or get involved with? Before I respond to this question, I will ask you to give me your definition of "getting involved" and tell me about your interests and passions. Once I learn what makes you tick, I can help you identify organizations and events that you may want to investigate, For example, a YP in the finance industry may tell me that she enjoys sports, is passionate about children, and is interested in networking to meet potential clients. In response, I may suggest that she attend various networking events, join an organization's athletic leagues, and check out a couple organizations that are focused on children.

Where do I go to find out about the local YP and professional organizations? To help you in your search, view the Columbus Chamber's directory of YP and professional organizations. This handy directory features nearly 60 local organizations, along with each organization's mission or description, main contact's name and email address, Web site, Facebook, LinkedIn and/or Meetup groups, and categories that define each organization. Then, to be "in-the-know," you can register to receive the Chamber's weekly YP email, "Activities and Events for Young Professionals." The email is chock-full of volunteer opportunities, events, and more. Sign up for the email now and look forward to receiving a message from me in your in box each Friday.

Columbus is fortunate to have dozens of unique YP and professional organizations. Shop around for the organizations that are the right fit for you. Attend various events, and be sure to invite your friends and colleagues to go with you. Talk to the organization's leadership and members, and bring your business cards to each event. A number of the events are free to attend or cost very little. Whether you are looking for networking, social, volunteer, athletic, or professional development opportunities, I am certain you will find it by staying informed and getting involved!

Young Professionals Spotlight: Red Shoe Society

Each month, the Columbus Chamber will spotlight a local young professional or professional organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. For the month of January, the Red Shoe Society is featured.

When and why was the Red Shoe Society started?
The Red Shoe Society was started in the mid-90s as a fundraising group for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. As the charity has grown, the young professionals group has evolved into an organization committed to serving the fundraising, volunteer, and advocacy needs of this great cause. Its members now serve as ambassadors in the community, and participate in various leadership and networking opportunities throughout the year.
 
Why should I become a member?
Joining the Red Shoe Society provides an opportunity to serve one of the most recognized charities in the Central Ohio area. Members enjoy a wide variety of participation options, starting with attending networking and fund-raising events and scaling up to being a member of our Leadership Council. Members may also participate in House service projects and learn some of the amazing stories of the families who stay there.  Finally, participating in the Red Shoe Society prepares young professionals for membership on a non-profit or philanthropic board.
 
How do I become a member?
Membership is FREE to any young professional, between the ages of 25-40, who is interested in assisting thousands of families with seriously ill children. Members are expected to participate on one committee and attend at least one Red Shoe sponsored event during the year. Joining the Red Shoe Society is as simple as attending a New Member Meeting (hosted monthly) where you will learn about the charity and determine how you would like to contribute to the Society’s various committees.
 
Tell me about your upcoming event(s).
The Red Shoe Society's next major event is called "A Toast to Tinseltown." This event is a red carpet cocktail party with local celebrities and other prominent Columbus businesspeople. Attendees may enjoy a full buffet and bar at one of Columbus' hottest new restaurants, Sushi Rock. Tickets are on sale now by visiting the events calendar on http://www.colrmhc.org. The event is being held on Monday, May 3, 6:30-10:30pm. 
 
Another major event this spring is the McDonald's All-American High School Basketball Games being held March 28-31 at the Schottenstein Center. Red Shoe Society members will have the opportunity to volunteer at this event, as well as assist Ronald McDonald House Charities raise funds with local corporations.
 
What are some successes or cool facts about the Red Shoe Society?
Our organization raised over $90,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities last year, and are excited for increasing that amount again this year. In addition to being selected for the All-American Games, our House recently became the second largest Ronald McDonald facility in the U.S. Further, the charity has been selected to receive a Mobile Care Unit in 2010. This will help serve a broader base of children and families around our service area. Finally, the Red Shoe Society recently experienced a re-structuring. The changes include expanding from just a board of directors to a broader volunteer organization. New members can be as involved as they would like to be, while still ensuring we serve the mission of the charity. 
 
Where can I go to learn more information?
If you have any questions about the Red Shoe Society or Ronald McDonald House Charities, please don’t hesitate to contact Jamie Foltz at (614) 227-3740, by email (jfoltz@colrmhc.org), or by visiting us on Facebook.

Young Professionals Spotlight: Susan G. Komen for the Cure Columbus YP Group

Each month, the Columbus Chamber will spotlight a local young professional or professional organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. For the month of December, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Columbus YP Group is featured.

When and why was Susan G. Komen for the Cure Columbus YP Group started?
The group was started in October 2009 to engage young professionals in Columbus and the surrounding areas to join the fight against breast cancer. The mission of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Such an important task requires the support of all people in the community. The Komen Young Professionals (KYP) group enables blossoming leaders to join the fight as well as to spread awareness about the disease.

Why should I become a member?
The Komen Young Professionals committee is a great environment, full of fun, philanthropic and motivated individuals. It is evolving as a new organization and offers many opportunities for young professionals to network with their peers and become involved in helping to find a cure for breast cancer.

How do I become a member?
Please contact us if you’re interested in getting involved and meeting others motivated to find a cure at info@komencolumbus.org. There are no membership fees at this time. The committee holds monthly meetings and helps plan and coordinate 10-12 events per year.

Tell me about your upcoming event(s).
We will be hosting an educational Breakfast and Insight event on Thursday, December 10th, from 7:30-8:30 am. Join the KYP for a complimentary breakfast and listen to a young breast cancer survivor share her story while learning basic breast health facts from the Komen Columbus Board President. Please contact us to RSVP or for more information on this event, please click here.

Check out www.komencolumbus.org for info on future volunteering, educational and social events.
 
What are some successes or cool facts about Susan G. Komen for the Cure Columbus YP Committee?
The Young Professionals’ kickoff event, Mingle for the Cure, was a huge success and raised nearly $500 in two hours. It was also one of the only downtown events to feature men in attendance wearing some pink!

The KYP committee is comprised of young professionals with all different backgrounds and vocations – breast cancer knows no boundaries and our members represent the diversity in the disease.

Where can I go to learn more information?
Follow events through our fan page on Facebook or contact us to receive more information or to join our mailing list.

Young Professionals Spotlight: Young Buckeyes Alumni Club of Central Ohio

Each month, the Columbus Chamber will spotlight a local young professional or professional organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. For the month of November, the Young Buckeyes Alumni Club of Central Ohio is featured.

When and why was the Young Buckeyes Alumni Club of Central Ohio started? 
Founded in 1986, the Young Buckeyes Alumni Club of Central Ohio is a group of Ohio State University Alumni who love to have a good time and give back to the community. The Club is composed of young professionals who are committed to participating in community-service activities, networking through monthly meetings and happy hours, and fundraising events. As a part of the Ohio State University Alumni Association, the Club's primary function is to provide scholarships to incoming OSU freshmen.

Why should I become a member? 
To give back to the University and help promote the Ohio State spirit.

How do I become a member?
Dues are $20 per year and you can sign up on our club website, www.youngbuckeyes.com.

Tell me about your upcoming event(s).
Monthly meetings are held at the Longaberger Alumni House the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm. On December 12th, we will be participating in the Young Professionals Toy Drive at Lodge Bar in the Arena District. Come join us and help support your community. Registration is not required for either event. View the event calendar here.

What are some successes or cool facts about Young Buckeyes? 
Our group staffs a beer port at Crew Stadium for home games to raise money for our scholarship fund.  We have awarded more than $12,000 to Central Ohio high school seniors over the past four years.

Where can I go to learn more information?
www.youngbuckeyes.com 

What do you love about downtown Columbus?

The Create Columbus Commission (Columbus's Young Professionals Commission) wants to hear from you about your favorite downtown Columbus art, landmarks, buildings, signs, oddities and otherwise for a downtown walking map database. Please take a few minutes to add your favorites here.

The goal is that both visitors and residents will be able to create an online custom map based on things to do, visit and experience in downtown Columbus. You may want to walk through German Village and choose to visit local delis, historical markers and gardens. Someone else might choose to stroll downtown and look for the public art pieces, historical buildings and Italian restaurants in the area. A visitor to the Short North might want to map each gallery and grab martinis. The options are endless: oddities, architecture, cool views, interesting buildings, wine bars, whatever you deem "can't miss".

The end goal is to encourage more people to walk around Columbus and check out our diverse districts and neighborhoods. Please be as specific as possible when you respond here.

Young Professionals Spotlight: GenNext

Each month, the Columbus Chamber will spotlight a local young professional or professional organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. For the month of October, GenNext is featured.

When and why was GenNext started?
GenNext launched in October 2008 to provide young people a way to become involved in their community through volunteerism. A lot of YPs want to volunteer, but don't know how to get started. GenNext is the place to start.

Why should I become a member?
Volunteering with GenNext is fun and gives YPs an opportunity to meet new people and see a variety of community organizations who are working hard to make Columbus a better place to live.

How do I become a member?
To become a member simply go to www.gennextcolumbus.org and sign up! Membership is free.

Tell me about your upcoming event(s).
GenNext is celebrating our 1st Birthday during the month of October. On October 3rd we are hosting a community-wide food drive to benefit the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Volunteers can sign up to collect food in various central Ohio neighborhoods. We have set a goal to collect 10,000 pounds of food, so we need as many volunteers as possible.

On October 9th we are inviting the community to join us for our 1st Birthday Party at A&R Music Bar. Come out between 6pm and 9pm to help us celebrate more than 1,200 hours of service and nine community projects we've done in the past year.

What are some successes or cool facts about GenNext?
Since October 2008 GenNext volunteers have donated more than 1,200 hours of service through nine community projects. We've saved central Ohio agencies approximately $17,000 by donating our time.

Where can I go to learn more information?
www.gennextcolumbus.org

Young Professionals Spotlight: Young Professionals of Columbus (YPC)

Each month, the Columbus Chamber will spotlight a local young professional or professional organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. For the month of September, Young Professionals of Columbus (YPC) is featured.

When and why was Young Professionals of Columbus (YPC) started?
The Young Professionals of Columbus (YPC) was founded in 2003 by a group of passionate and driven Columbus professionals.  The idea for YPC came after listening to a motivational speech from Bob Milbourne, current CEO of the Columbus Partnership, a not-for-profit dedicated to improve the economy of central Ohio. The founders became inspired not just to make the city itself great, but to make the next generation of Columbus citizens great.  The hope was for YPC to bring together and enhance the opportunities afforded to Columbus’ up-and-comings while taking them to the next level.

Why should I become a member?
YPC is for individuals that are driven to give back to the community, want to be engaged in the city’s civic issues, and are driven to enhance themselves professionally.  By joining you will have access to a wide range of cultural, philanthropic, and professional development events that will challenge you intellectually, enhance your current skills and allow you to create invaluable relationships.

How do I become a member?
Log onto www.YPColumbus.org, click “Join” and follow the instructions for the membership form, which includes a $30 annual membership fee.  By joining YPC you will receive bi-weekly emails with upcoming events and opportunities.  Your membership allows you access to all YPC events free of charge or at a vastly discounted rate.

Have questions about the Young Professionals of Columbus? Contact Kristen Jensen at YPCpresident@gmail.com.

Tell me about your upcoming event:
YPC’s next event is through a continued partnership that we have cultivated with the Columbus Metropolitan Club. To pre-register for our monthly second-Tuesday event, go to www.columbusmetroclub.org ($5 for YPC members, $10 for the general public)

CMCp.m. presents “Foodie Festival: Dine Originals Columbus!  Chefs, Food and the Restaurants of Columbus”- Tuesday, September 8, 2009, 5:30-7:30p.m. at the North Market

Brian Lindamood, editor of Columbus Alive!, will interview 4 outstanding chefs and restaurant business experts to discuss dining in Columbus and  this weeks Dine Originals event.  Joining us will be: Kamal Boulos, owner of the Refectory; Diane Warren, Owner, Katzinger's; Matt Prokopchak, Chef and partner, Trattoria Roma; Alana Shock, Owner and Chef, Alana's. And, to temp your taste buds we'll feature tantalizing treats from Katzingers, Barcelona and others in an appetizer buffet. This event is at the North Market in the 2nd Floor Dispatch Kitchen with social time from 5:30 - 6:30pm and the program from 6:30 - 7:30pm.

Check out the Young Professionals of Columbus Web site for more events including YPC endorsed community events: www.YPColumbus.org.

What are some successes or cool facts about YPC? 
• While YPC has a professionally diverse membership which includes government, not-for-profit, legal, education, retail, HR, healthcare, technology, and hospitality, the most popular profession within YPC is focused in finance (22%).
• Nearly all YPC members have an undergraduate degree and over 1/3 of the YPC membership has a professional degree.
• Nearly 70% of YPC members have lived within Columbus for five or more years.
• Although YPC membership ages range from 21-45+, the bulk of YPC’s membership is between the ages of 26-29 (36%).
• The Young Professionals of Columbus was proud to be hosted by First Lady of Ohio Mrs. Francis Strickland in April 2009 at the Governor’s Residence, an exclusive event for the Young Professional of Columbus membership.
• YPC members’ top values: business networking, business networking, opportunities to have impact in the community, ability to access to civic and community leaders and professional development.
• The Young Professionals of Columbus was excited to gain its not-for-profit, 501(c)3 status in 2004 and is proud to serve the central Ohio community.

• YPC has gained over 80 new members since January of this year.

Where can I go to learn more information?
To learn more about the Young Professionals of Columbus, go to our Web site, www.YPColumbus.org or contact Kristen Jensen at YPCpresident@gmail.com with any questions.

The Young Professionals of Columbus strives to be the young professionals’ connection to the Columbus community, developing and advancing each individual's potential.  Our members are the next generation of central Ohio’s leadership.