YPs: A Focus Now and Into the New Year

The third annual ystark YoungPro Conference was held recently- with more than 50 YPs in attendance for a day of leadership, education, and networking. At the event, leaders from the Stark County Community Moving Forward (SCCMF) movement joined to engage in meaningful dialogue in small groups during the CEO Meet & Eat lunch session. Conversations centered around diversity and inclusion, as well as stories of their careers and life journeys.

SCCMF is a group of local leaders who came together in 2020 with the intention to lift up the minority-owned business community. This year, they launched an internal effort - Let’s Get Lunch - to make a concerted effort to sit down, get aquainted with, and enjoy lunch with another member of the group whom they may not get the chance to know oth erwise. The ‘Lets Get Lunch’ idea originated with the thought that often times, we do not take the time to get to know others, especially those of the opposite race, to gain better understanding and create meaningful relationships.

It was important for members of SCCMF to spend time with our YPs, and the feedback showed how valuable it is for experienced leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue with young professionals.

Members of SCCMF participate in CEO Meet & Eat roundtables during the ystark! YoungPro Conference on Oct. 21.

Of the session, our YPs expressed:

I really enjoyed speaking with various leaders in the area that I might not have met otherwise. I felt heard while speaking and thought it was a great way to share ideas.

Getting to sit in on this session has helped me to be more aware of how diversity and inclusion of everyone can benefit society as a whole. It was nice to hear from the CEO’s in our area that are making this a top priority.

This was great, best experience I’ve had net working thus far. Loved that the CEO’s were authentic with us and their stories. Wish this portion was longer.

I found it extremely valuable and encourag ing to listen to what the established lead ers had to say regarding their journey and where they are now.

Looking ahead to 2023, the Canton Regional Chamber remains committed to strengthening its ystark programming with the goal of attraction, retention, and engagement of our critical workforce population- young professionals age 20-40.

We recently convened a group of 2022 Twenty under 40 recipients, as well as some of our most engaged ystark members for a conversation with Denny Saunier, President & CEO; Todd Hawke, Chamber Board member; Barb Bennett, VP of Education & Workforce; and Kelly Piero, Director of Marketing, Comm., & Public Affairs.

As a result of the session, Denny announced that the Chamber would be increasing our efforts internally to ensure the YP voice is represented. A 50% discount for Chamber events will be extended to all active ystark members. We will also establish a YP advisory council to have a ‘seat at the table’ with the Canton Regional Chamber Board of Directors.

If you have YPs in your circle, please encourage them to join the network of nearly 1,500 other YPs at www.ystark.org.