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: Franklin County Young Democrats

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 July, Franklin County Young Democrats (FCYD) is featured.

When and why was Franklin County Young Democrats (FCYD) started?

The Franklin County Young Democrats was formed more than 50 years ago and is an official group within the Franklin County Democratic Party. Members of the FCYD come from all parts of the county and have diverse backgrounds and professions.

Currently, there are 25 “democratic clubs” that operate as an organization within the Franklin County Democratic Party and each club represents different regions and interest of our diverse county. The FCYD was formed to give a coherent voice to young people with progressive views not only within the Democratic Party but in the broader community.

The FCYD helps to organize and connect young progressives with each other, and work to elect our progressive candidates. 

In recent years, the FCYD have focused on reaching out to young professionals all across the county to help previously unengaged young people become more active and engaged in the political process. 

Why become a member?

We are a diverse group with a common progressive vision. We are young professionals, union members, teachers, lawyers, assistants and grad students. 

The FCYD strives to make our community the best place to live, work and raise a family by promoting issues and candidates that represent our interests. 

The FCYD gives its members access to our community leaders and an opportunity to have their voices heard. By becoming a member of the FCYD, someone can actively participate in our political process and contribute to positive change in our community.

What are some successes or cool facts about FCYD? 

During the 2010 elections, the FCYD knocked on 13,450 doors, contacted 3108 young voters and had 643 voters pledge to vote for Democratic candidates.

During the last two weeks of the election, we knocked on 3102 doors and talked to 710 young voters about voting for Democrats.

Tell me about an upcoming event hosted by FCYD.

On August 6^th the FCYD will have a booth at Gallery Hop outside of the Short North Tavern from 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. We will be doing this throughout the summer to promote the slate of local Democratic candidates on the ballot this November. This event will be a great opportunity to learn more about the group and meet members, young elected officials and candidates.  

How do I become a member? 

To get involved email Aaron Turner, President of FCYD, at aaronvturner@gmail.com.

Where can I go to learn more about FCYD?

Join our Facebook group. 

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

Young professionals DO and CAN have an influence in Columbus

By Robbie Banks, Young Professionals Manager, Columbus Chamber

Last Thursday, I attended the grand opening of Columbus' newest family destination, The Scioto Mile. The Columbus "ambassador" that I am, it was an occasion I wouldn't miss. (Check out some of my photos from the grand opening here.) The Scioto Mile is simply marvelous, and I know that I'll be spending a lot of time enjoying the activities and events there and at Columbus Commons, my new favorite downtown park. I feel fortunate to have the Scioto Mile in "my back yard" as it's just one block from the Chamber's office at the Lazarus building. As a young professional (YP) in Columbus, I also feel fortunate that my peers and I helped to shape the plans of the Scioto Mile. How did we do that?

In 2008, Dale Heydlauff, the AEP executive who lead the company's efforts to redevelop the Scioto Mile, presented the park’s vision and proposed plans to a few employees of the Chamber. Mr. Heydlauff had made numerous presentations to various groups, and we asked if he had the opportunity to present the information and solicit feedback from YPs about the plans; he hadn’t. The Chamber offered to coordinate a roundtable discussion to provide their feedback and emailed an invitation to our YP distribution list. About two weeks later, Mr. Heydlauff facilitated the discussion with 30 YPs in AEP’s private board room. He presented the vision and proposed plans, answered questions, then sat down and took notes while listening intently on their feedback and ideas. Attendees shared what they liked, didn’t like and what was missing. What was encouraging about this discussion was that it was an exchange of ideas- and knowledge-sharing. Mr. Heydlauff valued their feedback and ideas. The concept for the Columbus Chamber's Young Professionals’ Exchange was born from this discussion.

I tell you this story as it is an example of the influence and impact local young artists, entrepreneurs and professionals can have on various initiatives, projects or ideas – whether related to the City of Columbus, Columbus Chamber or otherwise. If there is an opportunity to provide a voice as a YP, I hope you thoughtfully consider it. The Chamber shares these types of opportunities with you via the weekly email, Activities and Events for Young Professionals, but it is up to you to decide if and how you wish to participate. I challenge you to be actively engaged in discussions that impact the future of our city.

That being said, I hope to see you at the upcoming Young Professionals’ Exchange: An Update - 2012 and Beyond on July 21 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. at the McConnell Heart Health Center. This forum will provide an update on the progress of three particular community initiatives: Columbus2020!, 200Columbus, and WBNS-10TV’s Next 10 ongoing multimedia campaign. It’s a perfect opportunity to be informed, ask questions and discover opportunities to be actively engaged personally or on behalf of your company or organization. (Not to mention, terrific networking with other YPs and experienced professionals immediately after at the Business AfterHours.) The "established" want to hear from you, and if you aren’t participating in these types of discussions, you are not fully leveraging your voice as a next generation leader.

Young Professionals Spotlight: YPGluco

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 June, YPGluco is featured.

When and why was YPGluco started?
Mission Statement: To harness the enthusiasm of Columbus' young professionals through advocacy and fundraising in support of the Central Ohio Diabetes Association and with a shared goal of improving the lives of people afflicted by diabetes

YPGluco formed in late 2009 to support the Central Ohio Diabetes Association (CODA), a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served Central Ohio for over 45 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three Americans may develop diabetes by 2050. Yet, there seems to be low awareness of or attention to the disease. Many Americans don’t realize that diabetes can often be prevented through proper nutrition and by living an active lifestyle, and many diabetics currently suffer because they don’t realize their conditions can be significantly improved through coaching and counselling. CODA is instrumental to detecting diabetes and helping diabetics manage their condition regardless of ability to pay.

“When I joined YPGluco, I knew little to nothing about diabetes,” said Jon Yoon, President of YPGluco. “I know I’m not alone. The biggest opportunity I see is to educate people like my previous self and we can do so in a way that’s easily relatable to any young professional. Many of us care about living healthier lifestyles. CODA cares about that too, and they’re using that as a tool to fight diabetes.”

Why become a member?
YPGluco (YPG) is a group of young professionals in Columbus with a passion for working together to increase diabetes awareness in Central Ohio through educational programming and outreach, to raise funding through YPG-led events and to maximize the impact of outreach efforts to all Central Ohioans afflicted with diabetes, as well as to offer young professionals the opportunity to become involved in YPG-related initiatives.

Through YPG participation, members will develop an understanding of nonprofit organizational management, create a wide professional network, build strategic skill sets and achieve a greater appreciation for community and service.

What are some successes or cool facts about YPGluco?
Despite being a young board with a small but growing group of members, we have so far hosted several fundraising happy hours, led a Mall Walk, and managed to finish the CODA Business Swim twice (without any members drowning!). Overall, we have raised thousands of dollars for CODA.

Tell me about an upcoming event hosted by YPGluco.
We are hosting a charity kickball tournament on July 9 in the Arena District. In between games, you can join our all-day party at Cotter’s Restaurant where we’ll have drink specials, a live DJ, and great food on the patio.

How do I become a member?
Please contact Jon Yoon, YPGluco President, at jyoon1501@gmail.com to find out more details on how you can become involved.

Where can I go to learn more about YPGluco?
Visit our website, join us on Facebook, or contact Jon Yoon.

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

Young Professionals Spotlight: Energy West

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 May, Energy West is featured.

When and why was Energy West started?
Energy West is one of Columbus’ newest young professional networks. It was recently started in March 2011 when Chris Watson and Kristin Nelson found that they were both recent transplants to the West side of Columbus. “We wanted to provide a relaxing and fun atmosphere where young professionals can share their positive energy while meeting new friends,” Chris and Kristin agreed.

Why become a member?
Energy West is a networking group for energetic young professionals who live/work on the west side of Columbus and want to get to know others in their neighborhood.

We have monthly cocktail hours at local bars/restaurants throughout the west side of Columbus in neighborhoods such as Hilliard, Dublin, Grandview, Grove City, Upper Arlington, Galloway and others in between.

At each event, we highlight one of our members in our "The More You Know" segments where they talk about something that energizes them. This could be you!

What are some success or cool facts about Energy West?
• As a small group, just starting up, our events are low-key and easy for networking newbies.
• We encourage our members to help shape the future of Energy West. We also provide them with the chance to speak at our events (totally non-salesy – more inspirational).
• You can call out Kris or Chris and both founders will answer!

How do I become a member?
Become a member on our eEvent page at http://eevent.com/energywest.

Where can I go to learn more about Energy West?
Join us on Facebook! We will post our monthly events and sharing cool things to do on the West side of Columbus. We want to get to know you too - so feel free to share what energizes you, the things you like to do in your neighborhood and ideas for the rest of us!

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

Young Professionals Spotlight: Columbus Board of REALTORS Young Professionals Network (CBR YPN)

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 April, the Columbus Board of REALTORS Young Professionals Network (CBR YPN) is featured.

When and why was Columbus Board of REALTORS Young Professionals Network (CBR YPN) started?
The group was formed in 2009 as a response to the National Association of Realtors creation of the nationwide initiative to develop the next generation of leadership.

Why become a member?
CBR members who join the Young Professionals Network elevate themselves to learn about and be involved with their local and national association, become influential in policy discussions and advocacy issues, network with and be mentored by successful industry professionals and volunteer their time with charitable activities.

What are some success or cool facts about YPN?
Columbus YPN was part of the first wave of YPNs formed nationwide. With over 80 members locally, they join over 143 networks in nearly all 50 states. YPs can register on the national website as a young professional and join online networking webinars and chats for referral business.

How do I become a member?
Prospective members should contact the CBR staff liaison Marque Bressler to be added to the membership list. The next YPN event is an April bus trip and scavenger hunt exploring the flavors of generous local businesses near the Newark town square.

Where can I go to learn more about CBR YPN?
Click here to view the mission statement, committee leadership team and contact information to join. Click here to check out the national YPN lounge and blogs. Join the CBR YPN on Facebook, too!

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

Young Professionals Spotlight: Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network

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 February, the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network (WACC YP Network) is featured.

When and why was the WACC YP Network started?
The WACC YP Network was created in 2007. The goal of the WACC YP Network is to attract and retain young professionals in Westerville by providing opportunities for leadership development, growth, networking and socializing, with a strong focus on making a difference in Westerville by giving back to the community, and of course, having fun! The YP Network meets every other month (or as needed) and focuses on three different areas: professional development, networking/socializing, and the community.

Why become a member?
The WACC offers:
- opportunities to meet and build a network with other young professionals in the community
- guidance and support for career advancement
- open forums for discussions focused on needs and concerns for young professionals in the area
- presentation topics focused on needs and concerns for young professionals in the area
- opportunities to promote and grow business
- collaboration and interaction between other Chamber groups such as Women in Business, Professional Development (Chamber U) and various event planning committees such as Evening of Elegance, the Golf Outing and Westerville Area Chamber Music & Arts Festival
- exploration of leadership possibilities
- the chance to make a difference in the Westerville area

What are some successes or cool facts about the WACC YP Network?
In 2010, the WACC YP Network held it first Uptown Shuffle where teams of four to six people embarked on an amazing race-themed scavenger hunt in which teams traveled around to various participating local businesses in uptown Westerville, solving clues and performing tasks to complete the entire race. The event kicked-off and ended at local watering holes, where prizes were given to the teams in various categories and milestones. This event was a success with 10 total teams (equaling 40 participants) and 13 participating Uptown Westerville businesses serving as stops on the scavenger hunt.

We are currently in the planning stages for the 2nd Annual Uptown Shuffle slated for summer 2011. We are looking to grow this event by adding more teams, stops on the scavenger hunt, and much more! If you are interested in learning more about this event, joining the planning committee, or registering a team, please contact Erin Glaser, WACC marketing and communications coordinator, at eglaser@westervillechamber.com or 614-882-8917.

WACC YP Network Q & A
Q: Are there requirements to be considered a YP?
A: You must be a Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Member to participate on the YP planning committee. However, any young professional is welcome to attend the YP events and programs.
Q: Is there an age limit for YP?
A: There are no age restrictions, but events and activities are focused around the 23-39 age range.
Q: Is there a fee to be a part of the group?
A: There is no group fee; however certain events require registration and payment.
Q: Can I bring a friend/associate with me to a YP event?
A: Guests are always welcome! We encourage all YPs to participate in any way possible, whether it is through the planning of events, spreading the word of upcoming events as well as attending the events.

Where can I go to learn more?
The WACC YP Network welcomes first-time visitors to attend one of our monthly meetings. It is the perfect way to experience our organization and meet new people! To learn more about the WACC YP Network, visit http://www.westervillechamber.com/yp.asp or contact the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Office at 614-882-8917.

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

Young Professionals Spotlight: Downtown Residents' Association of Columbus (DRAC)

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 January, the Downtown Residents' Association of Columbus (DRAC) is featured.

When and why was DRAC started?

The creation of the Downtown Residents' Association of Columbus (DRAC) grew out of a group project of the Leadership Columbus 2003 class. DRAC is a non-profit membership organization for residents, businesses, and community-minded people concerned about the growth and development of Downtown Columbus.

Why become a member?

DRAC members enjoy access to monthly meetings, which provide an opportunity to socialize, network and discuss downtown issues. Meeting locations change monthly, giving members a chance to explore and discover downtown venues. These venues include restaurants/bars, businesses, new residences, and historic sites. Each event is held on the third Wednesday of the month.
 
Civic awareness is a major benefit to being a member, as pride and sense of community is a vital part of DRAC and top of mind for members. Communication tools such as the website, community blogs, e-mail updates, and our Facebook page promise to keep members and visitors current about the latest issues and developments within the city. Members have the opportunity to actively engage in hot Issues by attending meetings and expressing their opinions.
 
DRAC is the perfect forum to promote downtown Columbus! Members inspire and encourage others to live and work in the heart of it all. They support downtown businesses in an effort to bring people into the city and strengthen the economy. DRAC members have multiple opportunities to volunteer throughout the year at events, festivals, fundraisers and tours.

What are some successes or cool facts about DRAC?

DRAC has become a driving force in the Downtown community, and has been asked to represent the Downtown residents on numerous committees and boards. We have the ear of Downtown developers and public officials who are interested in continuing to promote and build up our community. Before the construction of the new Scioto Mile, DRAC raised funds and planted flowers in Bicentennial Park for three consecutive years.

How do I become a member?

Membership is open to everyone interested in learning about and promoting the benefits of living downtown. DRAC has three levels of membership and we invite you to choose the membership type that best fits you.

Community Member - $25
In addition to our monthly meetings, updates, and online community, paid members get access to special member-only events and downtown discounts. We also offer a discounted rate when registering more than one resident within the same household ($40 for 2, $55 for 3, $75 for 4). Membership fees are renewed annually.

Business Member - $50
In addition to our monthly meetings, updates, and online community, our business members are listed on our Downtown Resources page and may elect to advertise with DRAC. Membership fees are renewed annually.

Condo Board Member - $100
We now offer a deeply discounted rate for condo boards. For $100, a condo board may have up to 10 board members granted paid membership status. Upon purchasing, please provide the email addresses of each board member. Membership fees are renewed annually.

Those wishing to become a member can do so through our website or by bringing their selected membership payment to the next monthly meeting.

Where can I go to learn more?

DRAC welcomes first-time visitors to attend one of our monthly meetings. It is the perfect way to experience our organization, meet new people, and of course, explore downtown’s most happening businesses and locales.

To learn more about the Downtown Residents' Association of Columbus, visit www.dracolumbus.com or our Facebook page.

Please consider joining us at our upcoming monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 19th at 6:30 p.m., hosted at the Columbus Museum of Art (480 E. Broad Street). We look forward to meeting you at our next event... and don't forget to bring a friend!

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

Living a healthy and active life in Columbus: Columbus Art Walks

By Robbie Banks, Young Professionals Manager, Columbus Chamber

This is the first post for a new blog series focused on living a healthy and active life in Columbus. It’s my personal journey of discovering opportunities to live a healthy and active life. I’ll share resources, information, activities and events, as well as provide feedback on what went well and what did not go so well.

I must confess that I’ve never been a very dedicated athlete. As a child, I spent countless hours at my neighborhood recreation center taking ballet, tap, gymnastics and swim lessons, but had no desire to play sports beyond middle school. But, within recent years, I truly understand that I need to get serious about taking care of myself which means eating well, having regular physical activity, being aware of my health risks and seeking out ways to improve my overall health and well-being. I hope this blog series encourages you to do the same.

My experience

On a beautiful November afternoon, I grabbed my walking shoes (in my case, a pair of wedges), cell phone and a map to take a walk downtown. I know you’re wondering why I’d need a map for a walk downtown, but I was about to take my first Columbus Art Walks tour in the Ohio Statehouse District.

The Columbus Art Walks tour consists of walking maps and cell phone audio tours of public art, architectural, and historical sites in Columbus. It’s an audio tour of Columbus with one-to two-hour routes. Use the map to find the sites, and, if you want, use a phone or media device to listen to site descriptions. The maps are produced by Columbus Public Health in partnership with several local organizations including the Create Columbus Commission.

I was delighted to have great company on this walk: Andrea Applegate, my boss and director of workforce development at the Columbus Chamber, and Betsy Pandora, healthy places coordinator at Columbus Public Health. We utilized the cell phone audio tour, but you can also download podcasts for each walk.

Upon arriving at the first site, 8 on the Square (#172), we called the main number (614.645.2646) and entered the site’s three-digit extension number to hear specific site information. We completed the Statehouse Route (1.2 miles) in an hour. During that time, I discovered sites that I’ve overlooked such as the Ohio Police & Fire Memorial Park (#185) and learned interesting facts. For instance, did you know the Ohio Theatre (#187) was slated for demolition, and Central Ohioans raised more than $2 million during a Save the Ohio Campaign in 1969? As a result, CAPA came to the rescue to purchase and renovate the Ohio Theatre.

My two cents

One drawback to using a cell phone for the tour was that I had to redial the main number followed by entering the site’s three-digit extension number at each site. If you download the podcast, you can just skip to the next track/site. But, nonetheless, it was a great reason to take a walk and learn something new about public art, architectural, and historical sites in Columbus. I’m looking forward to taking additional Columbus Art Walks in the coming months with others. I recommend this activity any time of year, but I encourage you to make it an adventure by inviting others to join you and dine or shop in the district you’re walking.

Get ready to get walking!

There are currently three Columbus Art Walks for these districts in downtown Columbus: Discovery District, Arena District and Ohio Statehouse District. Between the three Downtown Columbus Art Walks you can see over 90 public art, historical, and architectural sites. In total, all three Downtown Columbus Art Walks cover over 10 walkable miles. Healthy places coordinator Betsy Pandora shared that Columbus Public Health plans to develop nine Columbus Art Walks by spring 2011. Printed Columbus Art Walks maps are available during regular business hours in several locations listed here.

Check back in February 2011 for my second post in this series about my experience with a local fitness boot camp.

Young Professionals Spotlight: National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Columbus Chapter

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 December, the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Columbus Chapter is featured.

When and why was NBMBAA Columbus Chapter started?  

Established in 1970, the National Black MBA Association® (NBMBAA®) is dedicated to promoting the development of intellectual and economic wealth generation in the African American community through strategic partnerships and community service. In partnership with over 400 of the country’s top business organizations, the association has inroads into a wide range of industries as well as the public and private sector. The organization operates around five channels – Education, Career, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Lifestyle.

The NBMBAA Columbus Chapter was formed in 1992, and chartered in 1993. Our mission is to increase minority representation in business and education and to build a solid foundation and legacy for the advancement of future generations. Our vision is to create an environment filled with business professionals who are passionate about enriching, cultivating, and strengthening the position of minorities in Central Ohio, and beyond.

Our primary goal is to demonstrate through strategic leadership, partnership, and programming, the relevancy of the National Black MBA Association from "Cradle to Grave." Our intent is to engage our constituency through mentorship and community service, to see them through their educational careers, their professional careers, and to continue engagement through the provision of strategies for the building of intellectual, social and economic wealth. Our expectation is that this same constituency would utilize its intellectual, social and economic capital to prepare the next generation for unprecedented success!

Why become a member?

As a six-time national Chapter of the Year award winner, the Columbus Chapter believes strongly in developing innovative programming that challenges our members, business, education, and community partners to push beyond current realities to maximize the potential for success.

Benefits of membership. NBMBAA® offers exclusive access to special savings on computer equipment, air travel, car rentals, moving, credit cards and more.
• More than 7,000 business contacts through its national membership
• Networking through 43 chapters
• Visibility and dialogue with major corporations
• Member Employee Network which allows members access to hundreds of corporate opportunities throughout the United States
• Career and Professional development
• A national newsletter providing news of National Black MBA Association, Inc. members and events
• Scholarships and special programs for undergraduate and graduate business students
• An annual five-day national conference, case competition, and career fair & exposition
• Access to one of the world’s largest career fair with over 350 companies

Signature Program. The NBMBAA Leaders of Tomorrow™ program aims to provide mentors and resources to marginally academic performing high school students. These students exhibit leadership potential but need exposure and motivation in order to make good choices about college, their career and their future. Targeted students include inner-city high school youth with a grade point average between C- and C+ who have demonstrated leadership potential. The Columbus Chapter currently mentors over 40 students annually. Students have received over $30,000 in scholarships, computers, and various other resources, since its inception in 2002.

What are some successes or cool facts about NBMBAA?

Chapter Awards. 1998, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Chapter of the Year for making the greatest contribution toward growing membership, developing innovative programs and maintaining standards and practices.

2006, 2007 & 2008 LOT Case Team Winners. Our Leaders of Tomorrow Youth compete against multiple teams from throughout the United States and Canada in the National LOT Case Competition. The Columbus Leaders placed third in 2006 and 2007, and won First Place in 2008!

How do I become a member?

To become a member, go to http://www.columbusbmba.org/, click “Join Now” and complete the enrollment form. There are several membership options:
• Student Membership - $60 Annually, Limited to two (2) years
Student members must be enrolled in an MBA or other advanced management degree program such as: MA, MS, MEd, MBA, MHA, MPA, JD, and Ph.D etc.  New/Renewing members need to submit evidence of matriculation into a graduate degree program (i.e. a copy of a current school ID card)
• Full Membership - $125 Annually
Eligibility for full membership into the National Black MBA Association, Inc. requires you be a graduate of a Masters of Business Administration program or other advanced management degree program (MA, MS, MEd, MBA, MHA, MPA, JD, Ph.D, etc.)
• Associate Membership - $125 Annually
Associate membership status is available to professionals without graduate degrees but with extensive experience or entrepreneurial success
• Lifetime Membership - $1000 One-time or $350/year payable in installments over three (3) years
Lifetime Membership status is granted to any member who makes the financial commitment to the full or associate lifetime status

If you have any questions about membership, chapter events, or require any additional information, please contact the chapter at membership@columbusbmba.org.

Where can I go to learn more?

To learn more about the NBMBAA®, visit http://www.columbusbmba.org/. We look forward to meeting you at our next event...and don't forget to bring a friend!

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

Young Professionals Spotlight: Columbus Gives Back

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 November, Columbus Gives Back is featured.

When and why was Columbus Gives Back started?
Columbus Gives Back was founded in 2009 as a group of young professionals who want to give back to the community and meet new people through fun and social volunteer opportunities. We focus on small (5-20 people) events so that we can participate in events that are more difficult for a larger group to do. After each event, we go out for food or drinks to get to know our fellow volunteers and celebrate our hard work. We also hold monthly happy hours and donation drives so our volunteers have another opportunity to get to know each other and so we can provide material assistance to some of our partnering agencies.

Columbus Gives Back is designed to complement existing organizations so that together, we can make an even greater impact on our community.

How can I become a member?
The best way to become involved is simply to find and register for an upcoming event that interests you. We have about 10-15 events per month on evenings and weekends at a variety of different nonprofit organizations, so there’s usually something for everyone. Participation is free of charge and open to anyone over the age of 21.

You can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter through our website, http://columbusgivesback.org/. Each newsletter includes details about our upcoming events, community opportunities, and features on our volunteers and nonprofit partners.

Tell me about your upcoming events. 
We are hosting a happy hour and blanket drive to benefit Lutheran Social Services’ Faith Mission shelters on Tuesday, November 9 from 6-8 p.m. at Woodland’s Tavern (1200 West Third Avenue, Grandview, OH 43212). Donations of blankets and toiletries are encouraged but not required. Click here for more information and to RSVP.

In addition, we have several volunteer events this month. We will be parking bicycles with Pedal Instead at the OSU/Penn State game on Saturday, November 13; making the YWCA community garden wheelchair accessible on Sunday, November 14; creating fleece blankets for My Very Own Blanket on Tuesday, November 16; and Sorting Donations at Welcome Warehouse in Dublin on Thursday, November 18. Information on these and other events can all be found on our website.

Where can I go to learn more?
Our website is the most comprehensive source of information about Columbus Gives Back. Upcoming events, leadership team profiles, and community volunteer opportunities are all posted there. We are active on Facebook and twitter, so you can find us there as well. We also have a new organization profile on Yelp.com.

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