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: Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club

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 August, Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club is featured.
 
When and why was Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club started?
Rotaract has evolved quickly in its short but dynamic history. In the early 1960s, Rotary clubs around the world began to sponsor university youth groups as community service projects. The 1967-68 Rotary International president, Luther H. Hodges, and the RI Board of Directors considered this club activity to have international relevance, and Rotaract was approved in 1968 as an official program for Rotary clubs. Several decades later, the Rotaract program has grown into a strong, international network of 7,300 clubs in more than 150 countries and geographical areas. Rotaract's 145,000 members are young men and women who serve the needs of their communities, widen their personal and professional contacts, and increase their understanding of the world.

The Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club was founded in the fall of 2007, receiving its official charter in May 2008. Columbus Rotaract is sponsored by Columbus Rotary which supports the club through mentoring, professional development, fellowship and financial means. The Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals has over 40 members.

Why should I become a member?
The purpose of the Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club is to provide an opportunity for its members to serve the community by participating in service projects that make a difference and to develop professional skills by creating venues to learn from proven leaders. As a Columbus Rotaract member you will:

• Contribute to the community where you work and play through a variety of monthly service activities.
• Build relationships with the Columbus Rotary club, central Ohio's largest Rotary chapter.
• Gain access to Columbus-area professional through quarterly development meetings.
• Connect with new people who have common interests through social events.

How do I become a member?
Just send a quick e-mail noting your interest in joining Columbus Rotaract to our membership chair, Kirstin at membership@columbusrotaract.org. We will send you an informational packet and connect with you to discuss Columbus Rotaract in more detail! You may also attend one of our upcoming events that are listed within the Columbus Chamber’s Activities and Events for Young Professionals weekly emails. Feel free to attend events to learn more about Columbus Rotaract before joining. Membership dues are $50 annually.

Tell me about your upcoming events.
During the upcoming months we have several events planned, including:

• Alex Fischer, president & CEO of The Columbus Partnership, will join us for a luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at the Huntington Building, Floor 11. Alex will share how more than 600 Central Ohio business leaders have collaborated to create a bold initiative that will position Columbus to become the fastest growing economy in the country. Columbus2020! is a comprehensive economic development strategy for our region to grow 180,000 net new jobs, increase income by 40 percent and make Columbus a top 10 city in economic development in the nation. You won’t want to miss this lunch! RSVP at www.columbusrotaractalexfischer.eventbrite.com.

Join us at these two fantastic events to volunteer for in one weekend, August 21 and 22!

• Junior Achievement needs help staffing its registration tables at the Bowl-a-thon this year! Join us for a quick shift lasting an hour and half, making it easy to squeeze into your busy schedule! Saturday, August 21, 4:45 - 6:15 p.m.; Sunday, August 22, 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
• PELOTONIA is a grassroots bicycle tour with one goal: to end cancer. Columbus Rotaract is extending the invitation to volunteer along the route from Columbus to Athens. For various volunteer opportunities check out http://www.pelotonia.org/ride/volunteer.jsp.

Don’t miss out on the following opportunities to network and meet other young professionals as we venture out for two upcoming events:

• Columbus Rotaract will be attending Cocktails at the Conservatory on Thursday, August 26 at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 and may be applied toward food and beverage purchases. Let us know you’ll be attending at www.columbusrotaractcoctailsatfpc.eventbrite.com.
• Don’t miss out as we support the Nationwide’s Children’s Hospital Slice of Columbus on Wednesday September 15 at 6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $12. Let us know you’ll be joining us at www.columbusrotaractsliceofcolumbus.eventbrite.com. We will set up a meeting location for those in attendance!

What are some successes or cool facts about Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club?

• Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club golf scramble, a Round to Remember, has contributed over $10,000 to Alzheimer’s Association, Central Ohio Chapter.
• Columbus Rotaract partners with Junior Achievement and Columbus Rotary to host the annual Barons of Business Professional Development Luncheon recognizing Central Ohio Business Hall of Fame. The 2010 honorees include: Larry Abbott, Retired Chairman, Abbott Foods; David Bianconi, Founder and CEO, Progressive Medical, Inc.; Sandra Harbrecht, President and CEO, Paul Werth Associates; and William J. Lhota, President and CEO, Central Ohio Transit Authority. Save the Date: Monday, January 24, 2011.
• Columbus Rotaract has featured key business leaders through its Speaker Series including Tanny
  Crane, Elizabeth Lessner, Cameron Mitchell, Michael Schoedinger, Jane Abell, and Andrea Cambern.

Where can I go to learn more?
To learn more about the Columbus Rotaract YP you can go to www.columbusrotaract.org or contact us at membership@columbusrotaract.org.

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

Citizen Engagement Efforts Strive to Revitalize Detroit and Cleveland

By Robbie Banks, Young Professionals Manager, Columbus Chamber

Last month, I attended the Great Lakes Cities: Urban Laboratories, a conference in Cleveland for emerging leaders who are creative, forward-thinking, and devoted to the revitalization of their home towns. It was my third year attending this annual GLUE (Great Lakes Urban Exchange) conference to proudly represent Columbus. I was intrigued with two volunteer-driven movements to engage citizens in local policy, elections, and public decision-making in Detroit and Cleveland: Declare Detroit and Cleveland Coalition.

Declare Detroit
The purpose of the Detroit Declaration is “to elect leadership who will be our allies in a new vision for Detroit and to hold them accountable for upholding the principles outlined in the Declaration.” By signing the Declaration, individuals are making a personal commitment to promote these principles in their daily life and work. Furthermore, they are agreeing to help elect leaders who support them and advocate for policies that uphold them. Approximately 4,000 individuals have signed the Detroit Declaration Detroit Declaration and more than 12,000 people like the group’s Facebook page.

Cleveland Coalition
The Cleveland Coalition is a civic organization of Clevelanders working to create and sustain a more vibrant, healthy and connected community by building civic imagination, community participation and leadership capacity. The coalition’s events allow citizens to participate in policy discussions and empower citizens to take action through the philosophy of “Educate. Collaborate. Act”. The issues and ideas engaged by the coalition focus on quality of life, economic innovation and social equity. The Coalition advocates for these issues through partnerships with existing institutions. To date, the Coalition has focused on one issue, Crooked River Gaming, in which the Coalition’s desire is to make the casino successful not only for its owner and operator but also for the city of Cleveland.

These movements reminded me of local initiatives, efforts and organizations that advocate for issues that are important such as Casino-Free Columbus and the Create Columbus Commission (Columbus’s Young Professionals Commission). However, I’m interested in your thoughts. What do you think about the movements in Detroit and Cleveland? Are there similar efforts in Columbus? What issues or ideas would you like to advocate for in Columbus?

Member Spotlight: Crown Services

Crown Services has been in the staffing industry for 41 years.  Our headquarters have always been in Columbus, but we operate in 12 states with 35 offices.  We provide temporary staffing, temp to hire, permanent placement, payroll processing and many other staffing related services. 

Why We’re Chamber Members: We joined the chamber mainly to build relationships with other members.  Other members have a lot to offer us, and we can also provide valuable resources through beneficial mutual relationships.

Fun Facts about Crown Services: We are a private certified woman owned business through the WBENC. 

For more information, visit www.crownservices.com.

The Columbus Chamber member spotlights put the focus on our member organizations. To submit your member organization for a spotlight contact Michelle Bretscher.

Young Professionals Spotlight: Friends of St. Jude 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 July, Friends of St. Jude Columbus is featured.

When and why was Friends of St. Jude started?
Friends of St. Jude is a group of young professionals working to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by raising funds and awareness. Through fundraising, social, volunteer, and educational events, our group aspires to be a premier outlet for philanthropy, networking, and fun for young professionals. The group is administered by a volunteer steering committee with support from St. Jude.
Friends of St. Jude began in Memphis, Tennessee in 2007, and has since expanded to forty cities nationwide, with thousands of members.

The local Columbus chapter was started in 2008 and currently has over 30 members.  In the past year, we’ve hosted a variety of events, from gift wrapping to a benefit concert to participating in the Village Valuables sale.
 
Why should I become a member?
Becoming a member of Friends of St. Jude makes you part of something special – a movement to end childhood cancer. Being a member signifies your commitment to St. Jude and helps you find ways to directly involve yourself in service. Additionally, members have the benefit of discounts at select events, receiving newsletters, and access to special social and networking opportunities.
 
How do I become a member?
It’s easy!  Become a member online at our site www.friendsofstjude.org and pay the $25.00 dues with a debit or credit card securely online. You can also attend any one of our events to pay for your membership by check or cash, or mail the dues to our affiliate office, ALSAC/St. Jude, 1135 Dublin Rd., Suite 100B, Columbus, OH 43215. Feel free to attend events to learn more about Friends of St. Jude membership before joining. To learn more about about the benefits of membership, contact Donna at fosjcolumbus@gmail.com.

Tell me about your upcoming events.
Our next event is “Experience a Night of Inspiration with Friends of St. Jude,” a fundraising party on July 23 at The Venue at Smith Brothers. This year-end culminating event will feature food from six local restaurants, including Cameron Mitchell Catering, a silent auction of unique experiences, a vodka bar, and more. Tickets for the event are $75.00 per person, and including bistro plates from the participating restaurants, drinks, dancing, and access to an exclusive after party at the Social Room. The event is open to the general public – tickets can be purchased online at www.friendsofstjude.org/columbus.
 
What are some successes or cool facts about Friends of St. Jude?
Friends of St. Jude is unique in the diversity of events hosted in the past year. From an evening at Park Street Patio to a proceeds day at Whole Foods, Friends of St. Jude is constantly looking for new opportunities to support the hospital. There is truly a way for everyone to get involved, and as a member, individuals can decide who much, and when, they can help.
 
Where can I go to learn more?
To learn more about the Friends of St. Jude, Columbus Chapter you can go to www.friendsofstjude.org/columbus or contact us at fosjcolumbus@gmail.com.

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

Young Professionals Demonstrating Community Trusteeship

By Robbie Banks, Young Professionals Manager, Columbus Chamber

Young professionals (YPs) often ask my advice about how they should become involved in the community beyond participating in YP events and activities. I suggest demonstrating community trusteeship, whether that means volunteering for a non-profit organization or participating in a local leadership program. Why should you participate in a leadership program? Well, I can tell you from personal experience that leadership programs will help you build your personal and professional network, develop your leadership skills and prepare you to serve on a non-profit board of trustees. In fact, it helped to prepare me for the coolest job in the land as the young professionals manager.

As a proud graduate of the Leadership Columbus class of 2007, I had an invaluable experience during the 10-month program. Meeting and connecting with fellow classmates, such as Debra Penzone, president of Charles Penzone Family of Salons, as well as community leaders like my then-future-boss, Ty Marsh, president and CEO of the Columbus Chamber, was incredible. “The Leadership Columbus experience is a unique combination of relationship-building, learning, problem-solving, civic engagement and personal growth.” It was a tremendous opportunity that my previous employer supported as part of my career and leadership development. (I'm pictured on the far left with some of my Leadership Columbus classmates in the photo on the right.) 

A few months after starting at the Columbus Chamber, I was presented with an opportunity to serve on my first board – the board of trustees for Capital Crossroads SID (Special Improvement District) on behalf of the Chamber. I also serve as the chair of the SID’s promotions committee. I take both roles very seriously and consider it an opportunity to exercise my community trusteeship. I have a great sense of ownership of downtown Columbus and the community as a whole. I don’t know that I would have been asked, let alone prepared, to serve in this capacity without my Leadership Columbus experience.

Not all leadership programs are the same – some have no or low tuition, as few as 12 program participants or sessions on Saturdays. To learn more about local leadership programs, I highly recommend that you check out the following links (not a comprehensive list):

• Central Ohio Leadership Organizations: http://www.leadershipcolumbus.org/news-and-events/central-ohio-leadership-organizations.php
• Capital Club’s Ladder Society: http://www.capitalcolumbus.com/ladder-society
• Leadership Union County: http://www.unioncountychamber.com/leadershipunioncounty.aspx

Think about how YOU can be a community trustee. Apply for local leadership programs. Ask others about their experiences in various leadership programs. Be ready to serve your community. Columbus needs your leadership.

Project Mentor, or "Aren't You Going to Say Magenta?"

By Andrea Applegate

James and I got off to a rocky start. If you had asked any of my Chamber colleagues to rank the mentor matches at the time, James and I would likely have landed at the very bottom, the Least Likely to Succeed.  Now that we have completed our third school year together, there’s no question that we have a fantastic relationship.

It was the beginning of the 2007/2008 school year when a handful of Chamber staff signed up for Project Mentor, a program that matches volunteers—primarily from the business community—with 8th graders in Columbus City Schools for long-term mentoring relationships. Ideally, mentors will continue through to see these students graduate from high school in 2012.  It seems like a big commitment, but it’s actually very easy.  Students and mentors meet as a group once a week at the school during the students’ lunch period.  (The Chamber was assigned to a middle school less than a mile from our office.) 

To keep each other on track, my colleagues and I block off that time on our calendars, and we carpool over to the school. The school-based coordinator facilitates planned activities. Essentially, all we need to do is show up. 

Who knew that a simple action—just showing up—could have such positive impact? Upon receiving my mentor match assignment, I learned James was autistic. I had no idea what that meant for James—or for me. I anticipated that he might have trouble interacting with his environment and maybe it’s difficult for him to establish relationships with people. I decided to take it slow, be patient, and take my lead from James:  supporting him in things he wanted to do, not pressuring him into things he didn’t want to do. And I counseled myself not take it personally…whatever it was.

The first day, James refused to come to the library where the group was meeting. The second week, when he again refused to come to the library, they suggested I go to the classroom to sit with him and his teacher. That worked well, except he didn’t acknowledge my presence. By the third week, James came to the library, but would not engage in conversation with me. He’d speak to everyone around me, but not to me. I bagged the activities the school-based coordinator had planned for us. Instead, James and I played games: Connect Four, Apples to Apples, UNO. Though I gradually learned some things about him (he’s the youngest of three, his parents are married, and he loves to play video games), I did most of the talking.  He alternated between ignoring me and rolling his eyes. 

One day, I pulled a dictionary off the shelf, randomly paging through it, stopping on words that caught my interest.  “You know, James, I believe that magenta is the greatest word in the English language.”  I waited a moment to see if he would take the bait. Nothing. “Magenta is one of those words that makes you happy just to say it: magenta. Try it with me. Magenta. Magenta, magenta, magenta.” He winced and shook his head slightly, as if to say this observation was so stupid, it barely warranted acknowledgment. 

I am nothing if not persistent. Every week for the rest of the school year, I managed to toss magenta into our mostly one-sided conversations. One day, however, I forgot. But James was paying attention. When he stood to go back to his classroom, he turned to me and asked, “Aren’t you going to say magenta?”

James is in high school now. He just completed the 10th grade and successfully passed all five parts of the Ohio Graduation Test the first time he sat for the test. James wants to be a computer programmer creating video games, and he plans to attend DeVry University after high school. I have every confidence he will achieve that goal.

I don’t tutor James. That’s not the purpose of our time together. We don’t talk about anything all that serious, nor do I make it a point to give him advice or guidance. In fact, most of the time, we simply play cards. But, we have a great relationship.

Early on, when the bell rang, James would call over his shoulder as he leaped out of his chair and headed back to class, “Goodbye forever.” But, it wasn’t forever.  In fact, I came back the next week.  And the next.  And the next after that. 

I can’t recall a day that James has missed, either. Indeed, this year, even though his birthday landed the same day as Project Mentor, he came to school that day—an impressive feat, considering his mother lets him stay home from school on his birthday. Our commitment to each other is reciprocal.

I encourage you to participate in Project Mentor. If you are a supervisor or a business owner, please allow your staff to get involved by giving them release time. Many more mentors are needed. 

It's easy.  It costs nothing but your time.  And you get so much out of it.  As do our kids, our schools, and our community.

Summer Work Experience for Youth & Young Adults: How Employers Can Benefit

By Andrea Applegate

My stepdaughter just graduated from high school.  Though she plans to spend the majority of her summer shopping for all the “essentials” to appropriately outfit her dorm room at Ohio State in the fall, she will also take on more hours as a cashier at a local grocery store—to help fund, I hope, all that shopping. I’m certain she’ll also spend many hours lazing by the pool and in front of the TV catching up on Celebrity Rehab and the Real World.  What will the young adults in your life be doing this summer?

Because she has a job, my stepdaughter happens to be one of the lucky ones.  According to an article in the June 6, 2010 edition of the Columbus Dispatch, summer jobs [are] scarce, especially for teens.  This predicament seems overwhelming and well beyond any one person’s control.  With so many people still out of work, things won’t get better for young people, who are at the “bottom of the food chain,” until after the economy improves, right? 

Not so fast.  There is something you can do:  you can bring a young person into your business this summer.  Indeed, there is funding available, through multiple programs, to pay up to 100 percent of wages for eligible youth in your employ.  These programs seek to provide students “meaningful work experiences in high-growth industries and high-demand occupations,” such as:

• Healthcare
  
• Business
• Technology
• Construction
• Education
• Engineering
• Creative
• Logistics & transportation

Youth and young adults participating in this program range between 14- and 21-years-old and receive training and preparation before entering your workplace.  The duration of the summer work experiences varies, though will typically be 20 hours/week for six weeks (up to 120 hours).

It’s easy to get started. For more information or to sign up to host a young person in your business, contact Jana Davis at COWIC.  You can also get information from any of the following organizations that are recipients of COWIC’s funding:

• Henkels & McCoy’s TechBridge:  Jessica Webb (14 – 21-year-olds, up to 120 hours)
• Wright Choice: Tamara Drayton (18 – 21-year-olds for 6 weeks)
• TECH CORPS Ohio: Lisa Chambers (14 – 18-year-olds, 20 hours/week for 6 weeks)
• Godman Guild T.E.E.N.: Tamara Hamilton (14 – 18-year-olds, 20 hours/week for 6 weeks)

Of course, the Columbus Chamber is always here to help answer your workforce questions. If you need assistance with your internship program, young professionals, or resources for relocating employees to Columbus, please email me.
 

Young Professionals Spotlight: Network of Indian Professionals, 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 June, the Network of Indian Professionals, Columbus Chapter is featured.
 
When and why was the Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP) started?
The Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP) is a professional, non-profit organization dedicated to the overall achievement and advancement of South Asian professionals. The primary focus of the organization is to foster a bond among South Asian professionals to unite and support each other locally, as well as to give back and contribute positively to the communities in which they live and work. South Asians are defined as those with roots in the modern day countries of Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.  Memberships are open to anyone and we value a strong diversity of professional experiences in our membership base.
 
NetIP evolved in Chicago in 1990 initially as a small-scale forum. Today, the organization includes over 3,000 members and more than 40,000 subscribers in 24 cities across United States and Canada. NetIP has become a premier networking brand in our community over the years. It is the unequivocal voice for an emerging group of South Asians, who excel in every aspect of western society, from business to politics to the arts. The rise of NetIP and its affiliated chapters reflects a general “Coming of Age” by South Asian professionals. The organization focuses on four core pillars: Professional Development, Cultural Awareness, Community Service, and Political Awareness.
 
The local Columbus chapter was started in 1998 and has about 100 active members today.  Columbus is one of the most active chapters; in terms of activity it was ranked #2 across all 24 national chapters in the second quarter of 2010.
 
Why should I become a member?
Membership to the Network of Indian Professionals allow you access to both local and national events and special benefits.  For example, your local Columbus based chapter provides one hour of time with Human Resources professional that is trained in resume makeovers, interview coaching, and career counseling.  Your local chapter also provides a wide variety of local events such as networking receptions, cultural celebrations, community service opportunities, and regularly covers political issues that important to the South Asian community. 
 
Nationally, you have access to national webinars and live streaming events with South Asian leaders specifically addressing issues on how they progressed in their own development and taking questions live from members.  These leaders range as internationally recognized in a wide variety of fields- from Business to the Arts to Medicine.  In addition, we host an annual networking conference, which allows members to meet one another across our 24 chapter cities.  This year we are hosting our national conference in Seattle, Washington. In addition, as a national member, our organization helps negotiate discounts at a wide variety of merchants, click here for a full listing.
 
How do I become a member?
It’s easy!  Become a member online at our site here and just select “Columbus” as your local chapter- you can with Debit or Credit card securely online.  You can also attend any one of our events to pay for your membership by Check or Cash. We have a variety of membership options that can suit your needs- an Individual Membership for $30, a Joint Membership for $50, or a Student Membership for $20.  The sooner you join, the sooner you can get started on getting the full value of your membership.  In fact, once your membership is processed you can contact our Professional Development Chair, Suresh Rachuri, at suresh@netipcolumbus.org to schedule your free one-hour resume makeover, interview coaching, or career counseling session today. 
 
Tell me about your upcoming events.
Like most young professionals we also like to look at interactive ways we can reach out to those with busy work schedules.  We invite everyone to join us for our national live-streaming event: PrimeTime with NetIP on Monday, June 7, 2010 from 7PM to 8PM at www.humdesiradio.com.  This month’s featured guest is Chef/Owner Jehangir Mehta of Grafitti Food and Wine Bar in New York.  Besides the author of the book Mantra: Rules of Indulgence (HarperCollins), he was the runner up on the Next Iron Chef, which recently aired on the Food Network, and was also on the Martha Stewart Show.  Currently, he is on a multi-city tour in partnership with Whole Foods hosting Kids Food Adventure with Chef Jehangir, while he teaches children to cook and eat healthy.  To learn more about this event, please go here.
 
What are some successes or cool facts about NetIP Columbus?

Most recently- we raised $418 for Haiti Relief through an event that was kindly hosted by The Social Room, “Bhangra for Haiti.”  This multi-cultural event featured a networking hour with traditional South Asian snacks, and lively Bhangra music (typical to the Punjab states of Northern India and Pakistan).  These funds have been donated to The Grameen Foundation, a charitable partner with NetIP, where micro-loans will be provided to local business owners in Haiti to start producing valuable goods and services for their local communities.  To see our event pictures on Facebook, please click here. 
 
Where can I go to learn more?

To learn more about the Network of Indian Professionals, Columbus Chapter you can go to www.netipcolumbus.org or contact our Marketing Chair, Sahar Zaheer, at sahar@netipcolumbus.org.
 
To learn about nearly 60 other local YP and professional organizations, view the Columbus Chamber's directory of YP and professional organizations.

Create Columbus Commission (Columbus' Young Professionals Commission)

By Robbie Banks, Young Professionals Manager, Columbus Chamber

Did you know that Columbus has a Young Professionals Commission to serve as the “pulse” and sounding board on city quality of life issues? The Create Columbus Commission (Commission) is a volunteer working group that identifies strategies and tactics to better attract and retain young and talented individuals in Columbus. Commission members are appointed by Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Columbus City Council Member Andrew J. Ginther and Ty D. Marsh, President & CEO of the Columbus Chamber. As the Young Professionals Manager of the Columbus Chamber, I have the privilege to facilitate and support the work of this diverse group of young talent.

Yesterday, Mayor Coleman, Council Member Ginther, Ty Marsh and Alex Fischer, President & CEO of the Columbus Partnership, were invited to participate in a round table discussion at the Commission’s annual meeting. Also, six individuals were installed to serve on the Commission. I am pleased to welcome “veteran” Commission members as well as new members! The 25 individuals that currently serve on the Commission are (* denotes new Commission members installed on May 27, 2010):

• Lourdes Barroso de Padillia, Executive Director, City Year Columbus
• Robert Bickis, Jr., Real Estate Consultant/Broker, reSource Real Estate
• Amy Bishop, Advertising Manager, Dispatch Printing Co.
• *Benjamin Buckner, Enrollment Counselor, University of Phoenix
• Kacey Campbell (Co-Chair), Retail Recruiter, Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District
• Kate Christobek, Student at the Moritz College of Law, The Ohio State University
• Travis Dent, Alternative Energy Resource Coordinator, American Electric Power
• Nicole L. Farrell (Co-Chair), Director of Development, Office of External Relations, Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University
• *Paul Haggard, Community Affairs and Diversity Director, Sterling Commerce, Inc.
• *Shannon Hardin, Policy Advisor, City of Columbus, Office of Mayor Michael B. Coleman
• Dawon Hawkins, Sr. Instructional Designer, EXPRESS
• Leigh Householder, Digital Brand Strategist, GSW Worldwide/Pink Tank
• Kareem Jackson, Co-owner, Milk Bar
• *Steve Michalovich, Communications Specialist, Nationwide Insurance
• Jon Myers, Co-Founder, JUFTi Games
• Yakima Nelson, Special Advisor, State of Ohio, Treasurer’s Office
• *Elisia Newsom, Recruiting Coordinator, Abercrombie & Fitch
• Ken Paul, Legislative Analyst, Columbus City Council
• Greg Schultz, State Director, Organizing for America
• *Nick Seguin, Principal, dynamIt and Principal, weBuild
• Dan Sharpe, Online Media Manager, The Columbus Foundation
• Oyango A. Snell, Attorney, Oyango A. Snell Law Firm LLC
• Mike Valo, Investment Officer, Huntington
• Josue Vicente, Executive Director, Ohio Hispanic Coalition
• TyKiah Wright, Executive Director, WrightChoice, Inc.

Background

In April of 2007, Rebecca Ryan of Next Generation Consulting recommended a work plan for Columbus that highlighted three strategies related to the young professionals demographic: “convince the convincibles; connect YPs to each other and to the City; and build a City that’s a Talent Magnet for Young Professionals.” Under the latter strategy, she recommended that “Mayor Coleman appoint a YP Commission – including transplants from large cities outside Ohio – to serve as his ‘pulse’ and sounding board on city quality of life issues.”

The YP Commission, now referred to as the Create Columbus Commission, was formed on May 24, 2007 by Mayor Michael B. Coleman, City of Columbus, City Council Member Kevin L. Boyce, City of Columbus, and Ty D. Marsh, President and CEO, Columbus Chamber.

The members of the Commission are defined as those who are “young” (e.g., 40 and younger) artists, entrepreneurs and professionals, and who are residents or employed in the Columbus metropolitan area. In addition, the Commission consists of individuals that are representative of the broad and diverse community of businesses, organizations and governments, as well as social, ethnic, and arts groups throughout the Columbus region.

The Commission is led by Co-Chairs, Kacey Campbell and Nicole Farrell. For more information on the Create Columbus Commission and its initiatives, please contact me or “like” the group's Facebook page.

Young Professionals Spotlight: Capital Club's Young Executive Board

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, the Capital Club's Young Executive Board is featured.

When and why was the Young Executive Board (YEB) started?
The Young Executive Board was formed in 2006 and is comprised of 20-30 Capital Club members under the age of 40. The group acts as representatives for the young professional demographic of the club working in conjunction with its governing body, club management and club ownership. Its internal mission is to help its members achieve professional development and meaningful relationships through programming, philanthropy and social interactions at the Capital Club.

Why should I become a member?
The YEB seeks to provide unique leadership opportunities to its members, invest in the Central Ohio community, promote the Capital Club, and facilitate relationships among club members. We do this by enriching our members’ personal and professional experience through committee participation via one of our committees (Membership, Programs, Social and Philanthropy), club programming and member relationships. Our committees are designed to assist members in preparing for and connecting with charitable boards throughout Central Ohio, thus making a meaningful impact on the community in which we live and work. The club’s programming as well as member relationships offer the opportunity to develop important skills and relationships. Given the strength and attractiveness of the Capital Club’s member base, the YEB is a great avenue for involvement in the club and community while being connected to some of the city’s most influential individuals.

How do I become a member?
Membership on the YEB is available to Capital Club members who express interest in community leadership, social responsibility and other specific criteria. Admittance to the board takes place via selection by current YEB members. Information regarding membership in the Capital Club and the YEB can be obtained by visiting our website or by contacting Kate Green at (614) 228-0225 or kgreen@capitalcolumbus.com.

Tell me about your upcoming events.
Most of our events are only available to Capital Club and YEB members specifically. However, keep an eye out on our website for upcoming Power Breakfasts, which feature influential leaders in an intimate environment and are open to non-members.

Also, the YEB’s signature annual charitable event is Monte Carlo Masquerade. The masquerade is a casino-themed, black-tie optional affair that offers a fun opportunity to benefit a unique local charity as well as mingle with lots of great people. This year, it will be held on the evening of November 5. More details regarding the event will be posted on the event website in coming months.

What are some successes or cool facts about the YEB?
Our successes are all results of our members. We have a great group of individuals who are accomplished in their own right, but are also inspired to achieve alongside fellow members. A few success stories… On the individual front, several of our members have been recognized on Business First’s “40 Under 40” list, most recently Kimberly Blackwell of PMM Agency. Collectively, we helped the club start a new program that we think we will be incredibly valuable to its participants and the Columbus community as a whole. It is called the “Capital Club Ladder Society” and it is a nine-month leadership training program focused on developing a young professional’s personal and professional leadership skills. Lastly, we are really excited about the philanthropic work we are doing. We will be launching an innovative board training and matching program that will assist our members in obtaining board seats on local non-profit boards. Given the amount of interest and opportunity that exists in that space, we are excited to be leading the way in helping young professionals meaningfully invest in Columbus.

Where can I go to learn more?
To learn more about the YEB, you can contact the Capital Club’s Membership Director, Kate Green, at (614) 228-0225 or kgreen@capitalcolumbus.com.

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