THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com
April 2021
IGNITE: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
What is IGNITE? CARMEN KELLERMAN IGNITE
Getting ready for some live-and-in-person activity
Our community is constantly changing and so is our involvement, but our commitment to Rockford stays the same. We are always at 100 percent. IGNITE is the region’s young professional group and is a part of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. IGNITE members do not have to be Rockford Chamber members to join, but IGNITE members are always welcome to learn more about being a Rockford Chamber member. Our mission is to attract and retain young professionals to the Rockford region. We do this by connecting and engaging young professionals with leadership, professional and personal development and volunteer opportunities. IGNITE’s program is suitable for individuals between the ages of 21 to 40; however, all are welcome in our group! Young professionals can be found in a wide variety of careers and IGNITE is not limited to any specific line of work. Our group is full of diversity, and we would love to keep it that way!
You Might be Asking: What Can IGNITE Provide Me? IGNITE focuses on professional development, volunteering, community and social aspects of life. Professional Development. Professional development is a key area for YPs. While in the beginning to middle stages of our careers, it is important that we grow as engaged members of our community as well as professionals. At IGNITE, we provide opportunities to meet key leaders in our community through our Lunch with a Leader series. Our Leadership Team is always happy to help make connections such as jobs, board seats, business opportunities and more. We have a job board and open community board positions listed on our website. Volunteering. As young professionals, it is important that we give back to the communities we live, work, learn and play in. Not only does this help our communities grow stronger and healthier, but it also allows YPs an important chance to expand their networks, engage in the non-profit side of our community, learn more and even improve their resumes. There are multiple volunteer opportunities listed on the IGNITE website or you can check United Way. Community. We are constantly looking for new ways to keep YPs engaged in the community. This is an
ever-expanding and changing task, but IGNITE is up for the challenge. We are committed to encouraging our members to be a part of their local community. This could mean encouraging YPs to attend a city council meeting or becoming a mentor for highschool seniors through Alignment Rockford. It could mean writing a column in the Rockford Chamber’s newspaper, The VOICE, or getting involved with Transform Rockford. Our community is constantly changing and so is our involvement, but our commitment to Rockford stays the same. We are always at 100 percent. Social. Upcoming IGNITE Events (you read that correctly… upcoming) IGNITE Lunch with a Leader, April 16 at noon: Lunch with a Leader is a great time to learn from a VIP in the community in an easy, laid back way. We will be in the PURI School of Business, room 122! This month, we will be hearing from State Representative Dave Vella! If you are unable to join us in person, the event will still be streamed via Facebook Live! More details can be found on Facebook or our website. IGNITE Hike with 815 Outside, April 17 at 10 a.m.: Enjoy the start of spring at this hidden gem forest preserve and meet fellow young professionals! We will hike about two miles of mostly flat trail, with the option to take a steep staircase to the base of the gorge. Please RSVP at 815outside.com to receive a reminder and parking instructions. To learn more about IGNITE, check out our website (igniterockford.com), our Facebook at IGNITE Rockford or our Instagram (igniterockfordyp). If there are ever any questions or if you are interested in joining IGNITE, please contact Carmen Kellerman, IGNITE coordinator, at info@igniterockford.com. Carmen Kellerman, formerly Brenz, is event & program coordinator and IGNITE coordinator for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
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