What’s Next for Norman NEXT?

Young professionals group supports community and cultivates economic opportunity amidst pandemic challenges

The young professionals with Norman NEXT haven’t let the pandemic get in the way of accomplishing their goals. A spin-off program of the Norman Chamber of Commerce, Norman NEXT began in 2008 to bring together young professionals, 21 to 40-years-old working or living in the Norman community, seeking involvement in social networking, government relations, community activism and leadership development.

With the mission to be the leading influence in making Norman a community where young professionals want to be, NEXT created a mentorship program to connect young professional with prominent members of the community. The goal is to provide an opportunity for mentees to gain insight into career paths, community engagement and/or professional growth. NEXT members also receive a discounted membership to the Norman Chamber of Commerce.

Despite being an organization centered on cultivating connections, Shavonne Evans, 2020 Norman NEXT board chair, said the pandemic didn’t affect NEXT in a negative way.

“One of our board leaders, Matt Allen, already had us on a social media strategy so we were already well versed,” she shared. “Then we began using Facebook Live to host some music nights.”

“We also paired with a local restaurant who offered a special. Our members could log on to our Norman NEXT Facebook and watch the Tiny Concert Series which is similar to NPRs Tiny Desk concerts.”

Evans said NEXT hosted local artists once a week and members listened to music from the comfort of their home.

“Everyone commented and people requested songs because they knew the local artists,” Evans said. “It was like attending a real concert in the most unlikely way and it was all interactive.”

2021 Board Chair Tyler McManaman said NEXT pivoted during the pandemic by doubling down on social media efforts and focusing on projects within the community that met an immediate need.

“We highlighted non-profits a lot last year making sure their name was still out there because they weren’t receiving as many donations,” McManaman said. “Our hope was to share attention with them so they could continue to thrive and come out of the pandemic as intact as possible, just like us.”

With the pandemic winding down, McManaman said leadership has noticed that people are zoomed out and were excited to have their first in-person event April 22, an outdoor function to continue to be as safe as possible.

“Coming out of the pandemic we continue to build on our foundation and hit the ground running with the many new followers as we have,” McManaman said.

Incoming Board Chair Kelly Sitzman said the present and future of NEXT is bright.

“NEXT has some big goals – goals that will take time and a village to see through and I’m so excited to help carry those forward and build on that vision,” she said. “The more people we have on our team, the more we can accomplish to better our city.”

Sitzman said she is honored to be a leader in Norman NEXT and serve alongside incredible young professionals in the community.

“I am following some big footsteps and look forward to continuing the momentum we have going as an organization with our virtual presence, innovative events, civic engagement and nonprofit support,” she said.

“Coming out of the pandemic, we learned more people want to be outside, so we are actively making progress with the state of Oklahoma on improvements for the eco-tourism at Lake Thunderbird,” McManaman added.

This goal includes helping make Lake Thunderbird a regional destination for eco-tourism with more parks and playgrounds, dedicated paddleboard and kayak areas, a restaurant, a floating stage for live performances, more hiking and biking trails and updating the ADA walking trail.

“To help promote Lake Thunderbird, our Summerfest event this year will be held there to help promote and rebrand the lake,” McManaman said. “We are accomplishing this through local partners like Cleveland County, Visit Norman, the Norman Chamber of Commerce and the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, along with other local community members.”

McManaman said other activities NEXT plans to offer coming out of the pandemic include a Friday night spotlight on a local business that will give them a 90-second commercial on social media.

An inaugural brewery competition, NEXT on Tap, is being planned for later this year. There are currently seven breweries in Norman with an eighth opening in a couple of months. With teams meeting regularly and all programs going strong, the leadership of Norman NEXT is looking forward to exciting new programs and opportunities for young professionals in the coming years.

Evans said her personal goal with NEXT is to continue to engage with people her age who want to continue living in Norman.

“I have children here. I am making life-long friendships and business partnerships with people who have a common goal which is to make Norman better. And I want us to all grow old together,” she said.

“Norman NEXT is actively working to make positive change in our community and take action toward building the best place to live, work and play,” Sitzman said. “I encourage anyone who is ready to make a difference to take that step and join us.”

If you are interested in joining or want to learn more about Norman NEXT, visit normannext.com. – BSM