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: NextGen Dublin Young Professionals Group

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, NextGen Dublin Young Professional Group is featured.

When and why was the NextGen Dublin Young Professionals Group founded?
NextGen Dublin Young Professionals Group was founded in 2007 to offer young professionals in the area opportunities to connect through professional development, peer networking and community volunteer opportunities. Today, this growing organization has nearly 250 members!

Why become a member?
NextGen Dublin offers you opportunities to meet up-and-coming business professionals and community leaders through monthly events and leadership roles in the group. In addition, you can grow professionally through various educational seminars and leadership development programs and personally through community volunteer opportunities.

Additional benefits of joining this great organization include:
• Discounted admission to networking events, socials and sporting events
• Professional development workshops
• Connection to Dublin business and community leaders
• Leadership development and mentoring opportunities
• Recognition through member spotlights online and in our newsletter, NextGen Dublin eNews
• Invitation to exclusive, members-only events
• Information about community events and volunteer opportunities

What are some successes or cool facts about NextGen Dublin?
Young professionals just like you run NextGen Dublin. The NextGen Dublin Leadership Council is comprised of outstanding young professionals who meet on a regular basis to help set the events for the year, determine the volunteer efforts they want to support and establish new programs that young professionals would enjoy. For example, one new program created this year by the Leadership Council is called Re-Luncheonships (new relationships over lunch). This new program allows you to meet with one or two other NextGen Dublin members over lunch as a way to network in a more personal setting. Our first Re-Luncheonship is on January 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tell me about your upcoming events.
One of our best professional development programs, the Leadership Academy, starts on January 18, 2012. This is a focused six-session program that helps you become a leader in your professional career and plugged in to our community. In addition, as a graduate of this program, you will:
• Polish your Business Skills
• Learn New Career Management Techniques
• Network with Area Business Leadership
• Meet Up-And-Coming Young Professionals
• Be Matched with a Business Mentor at the Conclusion of the Program
The sessions are from 6 to 8 p.m. on January 18, February 1, February 15, February 29, March 14 and March 28. Tuition for the six-session program is only $299 per person and can be sponsored by your employer. For more information or to register, call the Dublin Chamber of Commerce at 614-889-2001.

We also have great networking, volunteer and educational seminars planned every month. Check out our full list of events online.

How do I become a member?
To sign up, go online or call the Dublin Chamber at 614-889-2001.

Where can I go to learn more about NextGen Dublin?
For more information, go to http://www.nextgendublin.com/ or call the Dublin Chamber at 614-889-2001.

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

Young Professionals Spotlight: Operation YP

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, Operation YP is featured.

When and why was Operation YP founded?
After the first year of Operation Feed’s Kitchen Cabinet steering committee in 2009, younger members of the group saw an opportunity for enhanced young professional engagement. During a wrap-up meeting, they determined that a more hands-on way to support Operation Feed was needed. They also saw a way to engage friends and professional connections in the fight against hunger, while contributing to Mid-Ohio Foodbank’s annual community-wide drive. They acted, pulling together a core group of supporters to join them, and Operation YP was born.

Why become a member?
Apart from feeding families in need and building awareness of hunger in our community, committee members have opportunities to develop leadership and project management skills, network with community leaders, and partner with peers from a variety of professional backgrounds. Being involved with Operation YP is also fun! Meetings often are held casually over lunch or happy hour, giving members the chance to socialize and build friendships outside of their usual circles.

What are some successes or cool facts about Operation YP?
Since getting started in 2010, Operation YP has executed three unique events. The first, “Dinner on a Dime,” included a mixer and cooking demonstration utilizing ingredients that a family might receive from a food pantry. This was followed by a more educationally-focused program, “The 2010 Hunger Summit,” which brought together leaders of various social service agencies for a community conversation about hunger in Central Ohio. Most recently, the group presented “Dinner on Dime: Local Foods Edition,” which put a fresh spin on the cooking demonstration by teaming up with fellow nonprofit organization Local Matters.

As a result of these efforts, over 2,500 meals have been raised for local families in need, in addition to more awareness of Operation Feed and the issue of hunger. The group itself has also expanded significantly. What began as the idea of three steering committee members has grown to an active committee of nearly 20 individuals, all leveraging unique skills and talents to support the cause.

Tell me about your upcoming events.
After wrapping up “Dinner on a Dime: Local Foods Edition” in September, Operation YP is evaluating options for its next event. One idea includes coordinating a panel discussion or educational program to kick-off of the 2012 Operation Feed Campaign. This would bring together representatives from hundreds of local businesses, schools, professional organizations, and civic groups that participate in the Foodbank’s annual community-wide drive set to begin in March.

Apart from Operation YP, getting involved with the Operation Feed drive is a great way for any young professional to gain exposure and make a very meaningful contribution, either by asking company leaders to join the campaign or by stepping up to lead the effort inside their organization. For more information, visit our website.

How do I become a member?
Becoming a member is as easy as expressing interest in the cause and determining what you’d like to contribute. The group meets on an as-needed basis—either in person or via phone—both to socialize and to coordinate event tasks. New ideas, skills and perspectives are always welcomed!

Where can I go to learn more about Operation YP?
For more information about getting involved with the group, please contact Operation Feed Campaign Manager and staff liaison Andrew Murphy at amurphy@midohiofoodbank.org. You can also visit our website to read more about past events and current group members.

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

Young Professionals Spotlight: Young Survival Coalition

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 October, the Young Survival Coalition is featured. 

When and why Young Survival Coalition founded?

Three young women, all diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 35, saw the need for better information, support and research for young women facing the disease. The Young Survival Coalition is the premier international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer. We believe no woman diagnosed under 40 should be left to face breast cancer alone. The YSC offers resources, connections and outreach so women feel supported, empowered and hopeful.

Why become a member?

We have many opportunities for people to become involved with the YSC through volunteering from our annual fundraiser, In Living Pink, to speaking on behalf of the YSC to local organizations to increase awareness about our organization and mission.

What are some successes or cool facts about Young Survival Coalition?

Young women can and do get breast cancer! There are over a quarter million women living in the U.S. today who were diagnosed with breast cancer before their 41^st birthday.

Young women are often diagnosed at later stages in their cancer because both women and the medical community are not always aware that young women can and do get breast cancer.

Tell me about your upcoming events.

The In Living Pink Casino-Themed Gala will be on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011. The evening will feature emcee Gail Hogan, honorees, heavy hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails, a champagne toast, a cash bar along with two drink vouchers per ticket holder, music and a live auction. For tickets, visit www.youngsurvival.org/centralohio.

How do I become a member?

You can visit http://www.youngsurvival.org/centralohio.

Where can I go to learn more about the Young Survival Coalition?

Feel free to contact Affiliate Manager Jennifer Whaley at jwhaley@youngsurvival.org to get involved. You can also visit www.youngsurvival.org/centralohio for more information.

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

Chamber Members Make Best Places to Work List

By Andrea Applegate, Director, Workforce

At the Columbus Chamber, we’ve always said that Columbus is a great place to live and work. We applaud all the businesses in our community who “walk the walk” by providing a workplace that is productive, supportive and fun.

In 2011, 20 members of our Chamber have been named finalists in Columbus Business First’s list of Best Places to Work. They include:

Accenture
Axia Consulting LLC
Cardinal Solutions Group Inc.
Delta Energy LLC
Dynamit Technologies LLC
Fifth Third Bank
GBQ Partners LLC
Glimcher Realty Trust
Navigator Management Partners LLC
OCLC Inc.
Parallel Technologies
Plante & Moran PLLC
Portfolio Creative LLC
Quantum Health Inc.
Riverside Radiology and Interventional Associates Inc.
Safelite AutoGlass
Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Co. LPA
Sogeti USA LLC
Total Quality Logistics
Zipline Logistics LLC

See the full list on the Business First website. Honorees will be announced at an awards program Nov. 9.

Young Professionals Spotlight: Columbus Bar Association New Lawyer Committee

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 September, the Columbus Bar Association New Lawyer Committee is featured.

When and why was the Columbus Bar Association New Lawyer Committee founded?
The New Lawyer Committee has existed for decades and was created to give new attorneys an avenue to learn more about the city, the legal community and the bar.

Why become a member?
The Columbus Bar provides a broad array of opportunities for networking, professional development and community service. The New Lawyer Committee is a great place to meet other attorneys and get involved with Columbus’ vibrant legal community.

What are some successes or cool facts about the Columbus Bar Association New Lawyer Committee?
The New Lawyer Committee is the largest committee of the Columbus Bar Association with over one thousand members. It hosts an annual lunch with the Common Pleas and Municipal Court judges where young lawyers can interact with the judges in small groups. We also have service opportunities like Street Legal, an outreach program where new lawyers meet with disadvantaged teens in a Columbus recreation center to educate the teens about their legal rights and obligations.

The Bar recently created Columbus Bar inc: A Professional Development Center designed to offer new lawyers valuable experience and ongoing education to help build their professional career, develop sound business management skills and engender high ethical standards. The “inc” in the name of the program is short for “incubator” – a program intended to accelerate the successful development of new lawyers in an environment that provides an array of business support resources. These new attorneys receive extensive training on subjects such as client intake, billing practices, law office management, marketing, case management, discovery and other practice-related topics. The program also provides on-site mentors and participants receive referrals from the Lawyer Referral Service and Lawyers for Justice Program.

Tell me about your upcoming events.
We will be co-hosting an event at the November 10 Columbus Blue Jackets game with the CPA Young Professional Group. We also have monthly networking happy hours and breakfasts.

How do I become a member?
You can visit http://www.cbalaw.org/ to join the Bar Association and register for the committee.

Where can I go to learn more about the Columbus Bar Association New Lawyer Committee?
Feel free to contact current committee co-chairperson Christy Prince at cprince@keglerbrown.com to get involved.  You can also visit http://www.cbalaw.org/ or come to an event as a guest of a current Columbus Bar member.

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: Capital City Young Republicans

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, Capital City Young Republicans is featured.

When and why was the Cap City Young Republicans founded?
Founded in 1936, the Cap City Young Republicans Club celebrates its 75th birthday this year with a long, rich history of engaging young professionals in the political process and helping to elect capable Republican candidates, including some of our own members, to serve as elected officeholders in Columbus, Franklin County, our state and across the country.

Why become a member?
Members of Cap City YRs are between the ages of 18 and 40 and are interested in taking an active role in Republican politics. Because we are young people with different skills, opportunities and situations to incorporate into their political activity, we take a very active role in GOP activities in communities throughout Franklin County. Our members participate in everything from voter registration drives, to phone bank operations, to serving as campaign managers and staff as well as running for public office themselves. Our club provides the opportunity for young people who are interested in good government to:

• learn about government and politics
• participate in the political process
• meet with elected officials and Republican key-decision makers
• meet like-minded individuals in their own community as well as across the state and nation
• become better informed and more involved citizens

What are some successes or cool facts about Cap City Young Republicans?
Cap City is the oldest, continuously operating Young Republican Club in the country.

Tell me about Cap City Young Republican's upcoming events.
Cap City Young Republicans night out at the Columbus Clippers
Join Cap City YRs to see Columbus Clippers vs. Buffalo Bison at Huntington Park.
Tuesday, August 23 at 7:05 p.m.
330 Huntington Park Lane
Columbus, OH 43215
Happy hour before the game (location TBA)

Cap City Young Republicans Networking Social at Brother’s on Park St.
Join Cap City YRs after work for a great happy hour networking social at Brother’s Bar & Grill.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
477 Park Street
Columbus, OH 43215

How do I become a member?
To get involved with the Cap City YRs, contact our club president Sara Molski at sara.molski@ymail.com or our membership chair Emily Schmidbauer at emily.schmidbauer@gmail.com.

Where can I go to learn more about Cap City YRs?
Visit our web site at http://capcityyrs.webs.com/ and join our Facebook page.

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: 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.

Join the Chamber's Board of Directors in Youth Development and Employment

By Andrea Applegate, Director of Workforce

Michael Dalby, the Chamber's new president and CEO, recently congratulated the representatives on the Chamber's Board of Directors for their participation in developing the next generation workforce: today's high school and college students. There are many opportunities for your business to get involved.

One such opportunity, which is offered through the Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation, matches 16- to 24-year-old job seekers to seasonal or short-term employment opportunities. Not only is this a great way to introduce young people to what it means to be in the workplace, it helps uncover for them the variety of companies, industries and occupations in our community, and it gives them something productive to do over the summer. Contact COWIC’s Employment Relations Team Leader, Jo Youngs (614-583-1333 or jayoungs@cowic.org), for more information.

Lonnie Miles, CEO of Miles-McClellan Construction Co., Inc., serves on the advisory board for East High School’s Academy of Engineering, which prepares high school students to pursue college admission in STEM fields. This nationally accredited program is one of the first chosen to participate in the program. They are currently seeking summer internships for their junior students. Contact Monique Jacquet (614-365-6096 or mjacquet3317@columbus.k12.oh.us) for information.

The Columbus Partnership established a successful relationship with OSU’s Fisher College of Business to provide a two-year work experience for an MBA student. Through this internship arrangement, the Partnership leverages the knowledge, skills and fresh perspectives of our region’s abundant student population to successfully continue its economic development strategy. The internship also offers these bright young people the opportunity to network and build their careers in Columbus. Getting started with internships is easy. Register as an employer on www.ColumbusInternships.com to post your positions for free.

For the second year in a row, Nationwide Insurance will host 10 high school interns from Columbus City Schools. This partnership between a corporation and a school system is another great example of how Nationwide grows talent for the future and provides support to students who might otherwise not have an opportunity to participate in a corporate internship program.

OhioHealth offers an Explorer program, through the Simon Kenton Council, Boy Scouts of America, that provides work-site based career discovery opportunities for high-school aged youth. Local community organizations and businesses, like OhioHealth, can initiate an Explorer post by matching their people and program resources to the career interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop. To develop an Explorer Post for your business, contact Ken.Ruppel@skcbsa.org or 614-310-1567

Because of their concern for developing their future workforce with proficiency in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), Battelle and Sterling Commerce actively participate in the St. Stephens Community House program: STEM L.A., that partners with the Linden-McKinley High School’s STEM Academy. The summer STEM L.A. program matches business professionals with students in four-hour mentoring sessions offered every Friday for six weeks during the summer. Mentors help students work on projects that advance their academics and prepare them for internships.

In addition to a number of Chamber staff, many board member companies participate in Project Mentor, administered by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio. Project Mentor's mission is to empower Columbus City School students for success through strong mentoring relationships. They are currently recruiting thousands of mentors from our community to start next school year, one for each student who could benefit from having an adult role model in their life. Become a mentor and in just one hour a week you can change a child's life (and probably your own) while transforming our community.

There are so many opportunities for businesses to connect with young people. I encourage you to participate in whatever manner is best for your business. Contact Andrea Applegate (614-225-6900 or andrea_applegate@columbus.org) at the Columbus Chamber for more information about how to get connected to these different programs or to help you determine the most appropriate opportunity for your business.