IGNITE August 2022

What is IGNITE?

Getting involved in the community where you work, live, learn, play

IGNITE is the region’s young professional group and 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 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.

“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. 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.

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. Young professionals could also join us at our Meet the Nonprofit series to learn more about the different organizations in our community.

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 become a mentor for 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 in 100 percent. Social. Upcoming IGNITE events.

August 17. IGNITE After 5 at Prairie Fire in Byron, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join IGNITE members as we get to experience Toptracer® technology. Toptracer® takes golf — no matter how well you swing the club — to amazing new levels of excitement with instantaneous feedback. Each time you hit the ball, Toptracer®’s colorful interactive screen gives you instant shot replays and lots of cool data in living color. Stop in at any point during the night.

August 25. IGNITE Meets A Nonprofit featuring Crusader Community Health, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join IGNITE members as we hear from Crusader Community Health. If you are able, we are asking you to donate diapers and wipes for the new moms and babies. We will collect these at the event.

To learn more about IGNITE, check out 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, ckellerman@ rockfordchamber.com.

Carmen Kellerman is events manager at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.