a monthly e-newsletter of the Young Professionals Network | AUGUST 2010
YPN turns 5!
This year marks YPN’s fifth Anniversary. Thanks to everyone that celebrated Tuesday, August 10, at Coveleski Stadium for an evening of networking, food, drinks and a Silver Hawks baseball game. YPN has come a long way since its start! Thanks to our community’s young professionals, supportive businesses, partnering organizations and The Chamber, it has grown to what it is today.
Through it all, we have maintained our focus to Develop, Connect and Empower young professionals in Michiana.
Looking back over the last five years, we have developed YPs through informative monthly Power Lunches, matching up YPs with service opportunities at the Nonprofit Expo and updated YPs on current issues in our region at the Economic Update.
Connections have been made among young professionals at regular networking opportunities by matching individuals’ interests and expertise with organizations that need their help, and through social media sites LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
YPs have been empowered with help pursuing seats at the table of organizations’ boards, and by holding limited attendance roundtables with local elected officials so YPs can have their voices heard.
Looking ahead to the next five years, we plan to grow YPN with the same focus and excitement so that we have an increased representation and bigger voice within the leadership of the Michiana area.
If you would like to take on a larger role in implementing this progress by joining one of the work teams, please give Erin a call at The Chamber at 574.234.0051, ext. 274 or e-mail eheldstab@sjchamber.org. There could be open opportunities on the Community Involvement, Power Lunch, Large Events, Marketing or Newsletter teams.
upcoming events
Whether you have children enrolled in our local school systems or not, the educational success of area students impacts us all - from business attraction and your job to the future growth of our community. Prior to area school board elections this fall, this Power Lunch will provide insight on how local education impacts you and how young professionals can get involved to make a difference.
REGISTER/LEARN MORE
YPN and Make a Difference Michiana are joining forces to offer a unique event to foster community connections between not-for-profit organizations and those YPs committed to servant leadership. The event features brief presentations and an exhibition of nonprofit organizations. YPs will hear from a fellow YP on volunteering as well as from organizations that have volunteer needs. Attendees will also have time to network and visit with a variety of nonprofits to learn more about their organizations and their needs.
community corner
Art Beat A favorite summer event, Art Beat will be held on Saturday, August 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stroll the streets of downtown South Bend and enjoy the work of local visual, performing and culinary artists. Event details and a walking map are available at www.artbeatsouthbend.org.
Football Fridays Football season is nearly here, as are DTSB Football Fridays. These outdoor “block parties” are held the Friday before the first three Notre Dame home football games from 5 to 9 p.m. in the100 block of Michigan Street. Football Fridays incorporate great food, drinks, live music, game day merchandise and other fun events. You can even cheer on local office teams involved with the Corporate Gridiron Flag Football League playing at the College Football Hall of Fame. For more information including a band line-up, visit www.dtsbfootballparty.com. Don’t forget that the first Football Friday is September 3!
13th Annual KeyBank Salmon Chase Kelly Cares Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame present the annual KeyBank Salmon Chase on Saturday, September 11. Events include a 5K and 10K race, a 5K walk and the Guppy Run for kids. The race starts and finishes at the College Football Hall of Fame. The beautiful course takes you through scenic downtown South Bend. Participate in this great race before you head out to the Notre Dame vs. Michigan game! For more information visit www.salmonchase.org.
Wear Your College Colors September 3 Mayor Steve Luecke has proclaimed Friday, September 3, 2010 as College Colors Day in the City of South Bend. On the eve of the first Notre Dame football game of the season, Irish fans are encouraged to show their support and pride for the University of Notre Dame! College Colors Day (CCD) is a national celebration to promote the traditions and spirit that make the college experience great by encouraging fans, alumni and students to wear apparel of their favorite college throughout the day on the first Friday of September. So whatever your college, wear your colors proudly!
Want to Travel to Bulgaria? The Rotary Club of South Bend's Group Study Exchange Committee (GSE) is seeking four non-Rotarian young professionals, ages 25-40, who have been employed for at least two years on a full-time basis in a recognized business or profession to participate in its upcoming exchange to Bulgaria. The GSE promises to provide a career-enhancing international experience that is almost completely funded by Rotary. Team members will participate in a four-week exchange with Rotary District 2482 in Bulgaria departing April 16 and returning May 16, 2011. Applicants must reside in St. Joseph County and cannot be an immediate relative of a Rotarian. Anyone interested in participating should call John Hundley, chair of the South Bend Rotary GSE Program, at 574.273.8524. Application forms must be submitted to John prior to Wednesday, September 29. Click here for complete Bulgaria GSE details and application.
Cathy Raven Past Chair and Current Member of the YPN Advisory Council
Employer Crowe Horwath
What are Your Favorite YPN Milestones Over the Last Five Years? "The launch of ypnconnect.com, presence on the social networking sites LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, and when our contact database reached 1,000 YPs!"
How has YPN Benefited You Personally and Professionally? "YPN provided not only career development and professional networking, but also opportunities to meet others my age and form some great personal friendships."
How Have You Seen YPN Benefit the Michiana Community? "We’ve empowered YPs to meet with various elected officials and community leaders and found ways to connect them with service opportunities at local nonprofits and on civic boards or committees."
What Advice Would You Give to Young Professionals? "Continuous learning is a requirement for success!"
presenting sponsor
supporting partners
connect with us ypnconnect.com
Young Professionals Network The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County 401 E. Colfax Ave., Suite 310, South Bend, IN 46617
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