IGNITE November 2020

Answering questions you might have of IGNITE

Professional development; community engagement are key

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 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!

Our community is constantly changing and so is our involvement, but our commitment to Rockford stays the same. We are always in 100%.

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 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%.

Social: During COVID-19 times, our social aspect of IGNITE looks a little different compared to before. Our focus has been on virtual events and trying to engage our members without adding to the Zoom burnout that we are all currently facing.

Before COVID-19, we had multiple social events, including our After 5 series. This series introduced IGNITE members to local (or locally owned) establishments that frequently also are Rockford Chamber members. This provided a chance for YPs to kick back, enjoy great food and beverage and get to know one another.

Over past summers, we hosted IGNITE Cup, a summer-long tournament.

While we long for these “good old days,” we also have learned that virtual events can be just as fun and engaging.

Stay tuned for some future virtual events that are sure to be a blast!

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 me at info@igniterockford. com.

Carmen Brenz is coordinator for IGNITE and event & program coordinator for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.