Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Wine Tasting

Please join us for a wine tasting at Cafe Phoenix Friday May 1st.

The fun will start at 5pm where you will be able to sample a variety of wines. Appetizers will be provided!

The cost for this event is $5, free to those who make a purchase from the wine selection.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

April 2009 YPIowa Newsletter

The official e-newsletter of the Young Professionals of Iowa. Our mission is “to help young professionals in Iowa take responsibility for the growth of their communities to ensure the long term advancement of the State of Iowa.” Please visit http://www.ypiowa.com/ for the latest YP news and events throughout Iowa.Please forward this information to anyone that might be interested. You may subscribe to future issues by clicking here.Join these YPIowa networks: Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Generation Iowa
Inside this issue:
A Message from the YPIowa President
Measuring Your Membership
Maximum Impact Simulcast
New Chamber program merges Next Generation & Access Iowa
Jane Applegate author of 201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business
Live Healthy Iowa YP Challenge Update
Young Professionals Organization Spotlight
Leadership Iowa Nominations
Governor Huckabee to Attend ABI Convention
Project Network
2009 YPIowa Leaders Academy
6th Annual YPIowa Conference Hosted By The Greater Des Moines Partnership's Young Professionals Connection
Opportunity to become Commissioner for the ICVS
Money Smart Week
A Message from the YPIowa President
Kori Heuss
I have started 2009 so excited about YPIowa! In February, we held our strategic planning session as a board. We have a board member who regularly says "think big" and we did. There is no status quo when it comes to planning - strategic planning is a chance to put away the task list and say "What should we be doing?, Where can we have the most impact? and How can we provide the resources that are most needed for the state?" YPIowa has always focused on connecting groups from around the state to eachother as well as the needs of young professionals in Iowa and the best ways to directly impact our state. You will see many opportunities to be involved on a statewide level this year. Our rollout of the ambassador's program has been a year of hard work behind the scenes, but well worth the effort to provide an organized and effective program. The YPIowa conference, to be held in Des Moines, is almost completely organized and the speaker lineup is phenomenal. If you are a board member of your local organization, you have received a survey to give input on topics for the Leaders Academy that will be held in Ames in June. Over 100 people attended the YPIowa day at the Capitol. Through our strategic planning session, one of our goals was to increase the number of people involved in our committees. I invite those of you that are interested to look at joining one of the YPIowa committees. There are several options and time commitment levels. The committees are: Advocate (day at the capitol), Connect (ambassadors program), and Educate (leader's academy, resources for local groups). As president of YPIowa, I continuely find myself amazed by the motivated people I meet from across the state. So many of you are doing meaningful things for your communities and volunteering in so many capacities. I am so excited with what we can accomplish when we work together and I hope to see you at an upcoming event!
Measuring Your Membership
By: Laura Martino, President of the Greater Des Moines Young Professional’s Connection
As young professional organizations it is important that we understand not only traditional demographic information on our members but how our young professionals impact the community in which they live. During the 2008 YP International Summit held in Cocoa Beach, FL, and hosted by Next Generation Consulting, Next Gen discussed its YP Global Impact Survey and the nationwide results from 2008. Next Gen is a marketing group specializing in generation X. Its survey is designed to measure the economic impact of young professionals in their communities. The results can then be used to explain the importance of including young professionals in community decision making. The Next Gen survey measures economic indicators such as home ownership, entrepreneurship and household income. It also asks how long young professionals have lived in their community and how long they intend to remain. In addition, to economic indicators, the Next Gen survey attempts to measure young professionals perceptions of their community including the impact of various factors on a young professional’s decision to move to and/or remain in the community. Some of the factors measured include cost of lifestyle, community vitality (including parks, trails, wellness opportunities, etc.), nightlife, diversity, earning ability, lifelong learning opportunities and transportation. Gathering the information is only the first step. It is the responsibility of YPO’s to create a story out of the data. By highlighting the contribution of young professionals to the economic well being of a community, both short and long term, community leaders have extra reason to seek out and give voice to young professionals in their community.
YPIowa is conducting a statewide survey to measure many of these same factors on a statewide basis. Please encourage YPs in your community to respond to the survey. We will all benefit from more inclusive and representative results. Please click here to complete the 2009 YPIowa survey aimed at identifying how our young professionals organizations assist in retaining Iowa’s best and brightest, as well as measure the impact our YPOs are having on our community and state. The information collected will be available for use by your YPO.You can also choose to be entered in a drawing for one of the following: five (5) complimentary 2009 YPIowa Conference registrations, a round of golf for four (4) at Coldwater Golf Links in Ames, or a $100 VISA gift card.
Maximum Impact Simulcast
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May 8th, Meadows Conference Center, Altoona
MAXIMUM IMPACT SIMULCASTHosted by CHARACTER COUNTS! In IowaMay 8, 20097 a.m. – 3 p.m.Meadows Conference Center, AltoonaIMAGINEDespite what many think, leadership is not a "top down" concept. It is cultivated with humility and discipline. It merges the passion of the heart with the ability of the mind. Are your team members longing for this kind of message? Do they need to be revived, refocused, and inspired?Imagine offering your team the opportunity to learn from ten world-renowned leaders. Imagine pioneering a shift in the hearts and minds of your people - at every level within your organization. Imagine linking with 500 other satellite locations throughout North America with a single vision: inspiring change.INSPIREOn May 8, 2009, you won't have to imagine. You can attend the Maximum Impact Simulcast one-day leadership event. The premier speaker line-up places your team in the craftsman's workshop - hearing wisdom and experiences from the world's best leaders.Broadcast live from Atlanta to more than 60,000 business professionals, the Maximum Impact Simulcast allows your company to train more employees in less time, with fewer costs than before.CONNECTIn one incredible day, you will learn strategies for developing the collective leadership skills of your team - exceeding your organization's standards for performance, productivity and profit. All while eliminating expensive travel and out-of-office time. Your team will engage in immediate round-table discussions in between sessions to stimulate productive and relevant action for your business model and culture.Group Participant Fee: $89 (use the code “YPI” for the group rate) Fees includes lunch and materials!Seating for this session is limited. Register online today!Learn more about Maximum Impact Simulcast
New Chamber program merges Next Generation & Access Iowa
The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce has brought a new initiative into the fold. “I am thrilled to announce that the Next Generation Commission and Access Iowa are formally merging to create a new Chamber program which is devoted to developing the future business leaders of Cedar Rapids,” states Shannon Meyer, Chamber CEO. The new Chamber program will focus on connecting young leaders to civic, social, leadership and charitable initiatives. Christian Fong, Next Generation Chair, “I really believe in this emerging Chamber program - the transfer of community and business leadership from one generation to the next must be purposeful, and it is what I believe is occurring.”Based on the collaboration of strategic priorities from each sector, Access Iowa and Next Generation Commission see this as an opportunity to develop a much needed resource for young talent wanting to become engaged in their community. Monica Lyons, Access Iowa President affirms, “We believe that by combing our energy and coordinating our strategic visions with the Chamber’s expertise and resources we will be able to strengthen and further develop the mission of creating a vibrant, young workforce.”
A transition team has been put in place to ensure unanimity of purpose is created. The team also has the responsibility of creating a new name and brand for this exciting new Chamber program.
Jane Applegate author of 201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business
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FREE Events on April 17th in Mason City and Cedar Rapids
Jane Applegate is one of America’s most respected small business management experts and a popular keynote speaker. She’s the author of four books on small business success, including 201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business and The Entrepreneur’s Desk Reference, as well as a syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Times. Applegate produced and co-anchored Bloomberg Small Business for the USA Network and Entrepreneur’s Only for CNN in addition to hosting the Succeeding in Small Business radio report aired on CBS stationsApril 17th – 7:30am – Mason CityFlourishing in Tough Economic Times: Reviving the Entrepreneurial SpiritPresentation Description: America's small business owners are doing everything possible to weather the current economic slump. Savvy entrepreneurs are keeping their businesses alive by cutting expenses, revving up marketing efforts and motivating their employees to be more productive. Jane Applegate has collected great ideas from business owners around the country. She visits Iowa on April 17 to share a variety of proven and practical strategies and provide advice for surviving and thriving in these tough times. Don't miss this dynamic, interactive presentation.April 17th – 12:00pm – Cedar RapidsReviving the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Coming Back Stronger than EverPresentation Description: Long before the worldwide recession hit, thousands of Iowa business owners were faced with economic disaster after the big floods. Running a small business is tough enough without adding a devastating disaster. National small business management expert Jane Applegate shares her practical strategies, marketing tips and motivational advice for putting your business and your life back on track. Don't miss this dynamic and interactive session.
Live Healthy Iowa YP Challenge Update
As of Monday, April 6, 2009 a total of 645 pounds have been lost during more than 3,487 hours of activity logged.
142 participants on 18 teams have competed throughout the Live Healthy Iowa YP Challenge. With only a couple of weeks remaining WC Hype #1 is leading the activity and weightloss categories.
Live Healthy Iowa participants have lost over 79,790 pounds and logged over 42,337,695 minutes of activity in just over 75 days!I would like to congratulate all of you participating in the Live Healthy 100 Day Challenge and encourage you to continue your path to a healthier you! You are part of an amazing group of people who are striving toward a healthy lifestyle every day. At Live Healthy, we have received hundreds of great stories on how teams have gotten more active, started eating right and are reaching goals on their journey to being healthier each day. The health benefits of getting active include reduced stress, increased energy, restful sleep, and a lowered risk of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Anyone can talk about being healthier, YOU ARE DOING IT!
No matter where you started on your wellness journey, by educating yourself via the Live Healthy website on nutrition and activity habits, you are benefiting from being in this challenge!There are 16 days left in the Live Healthy Challenge! Continue to lead by example and assist those around you as well in their wellness journey!Thank you for your continued efforts, you are changing the "shape" of America.Yours in health -Troy W. VincentDirector, Live Healthy America
Young Professionals Organization Spotlight
Marshalltown Young Professionals
Established: 2005Organizational Structure:
Executive Committee of 9 members
Social/Professional Development Committee (Plans and coordinates social events and professional development opportunities)
YPConnect (Marketing and Recruitment)
An affiliate of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber provides a staff person for the organization.Primary focus: NetworkingPast events – Social: Murder Mystery, progressive dinners, After hours events, Family BBQsProfessional Development – CEO Roundtable luncheons, Lunch & Learn, Wellness luncheon series, Financial Lunch & Learn series (with local Jaycees organization), 7 Habits of Highly Effective People training, FISH! Training, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership trainingIn February 2009, MYP hosted the 3rd Annual Sip. Savor. Support. Wine Tasting event, which raises money for the Community Y’s Partner with Youth campaign. In 3 years, the group has raised nearly $5,000 for the campaign.Members of MYP represent a variety of Marshalltown businesses & organizations, including manufacturing, human resources, finance, not for profit organizations, sales, marketing, retail, education, healthcare, human services, and community development, among others.For more information: http://www.marshalltownyp.com/ or email info@marshalltownyp.com.
Leadership Iowa Nominations
Due May 1st
Do you know of individuals in your organization or community who are passionate about providing a better future for Iowa? Nominate emerging and established leaders now to apply for the 2009-10 Leadership Iowa class.Nominations are due May 1, 2009 and the applications will be open during the month of June.
Leadership Iowa is a premier issues-awareness program promoting leadership within the state. We educate, challenge and inspire our participants to bring out their inherent quality to "point the way." The ultimate goal is to instill passion in our current and emerging leaders while fostering a high level of civic engagement.
Since its inception in 1982, Leadership Iowa has graduated hundreds of men and women from both the private and public sector. This diverse group of alumni represents every geographical region of the state and virtually all walks of life.
For more information, please contact Kay Neumann-Thomas at (515) 235-0564.
Governor Huckabee to Attend ABI Convention
June 9-11 in Okoboji
To take advantage of early bird pricing, register now for what promises to be the best ABI Convention ever!World class speakers, lakeside venues, great company and people doing business – what more could you ask for? Don’t miss ABI’s Annual Convention June 9 – 11th in Okoboji This year’s program is better than ever. You’ll hear from great Iowa leaders about ways to:
Surpass your competitors with performance branding
Innovate and reengineer your way to success
Take advantage of Iowa’s Bio-economy
You’ll also hear from presidential candidate and former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee regarding the importance of a competitive business climate in the overall health of any state. He’ll talk about the challenges he faced in turning Arkansas around and what Iowa can learn from his journey. As always, there will be ample opportunity to network with the other 400 business leaders. Something some of you will remember is the great party at Barefoot Bar and, of course, golf. Register>>> Become a Sponsor>>> Lodging>>> Schedule>>>
Project Network
UI to help groups sponsor statewide career awareness events
The University of Iowa's Consider Iowa program is providing awards to groups across the state to assist with economic development by keeping young workers and jobs in Iowa.
Project Network, a talent retention initiative of Consider Iowa, has given $1,000 to 11 young professional groups to plan and host events for college students that will showcase career paths available to young people in Iowa.
Recipients of the award are young professional groups from Ames, Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Valley (Waterloo/Cedar Falls), Dubuque, Keokuk, Marshalltown, Muscatine, Quad Cities, Sioux City, and Webster City. Click here to learn more or find event details.
Starting in February, the events will build awareness and increase knowledge of career possibilities in Iowa so students can make informed decisions about their careers. The groups sponsoring the events can recruit potential new members as well as assist in their communities.
Project Network was created to bring together young professionals and college students searching for career paths. The recipient groups are responsible for all event planning and publicity with guidance and funding support from the Consider Iowa program.
The Consider Iowa program is a statewide initiative administered through The University of Iowa's Pomerantz Career Center that offers career-related resources ranging from resume and cover letter assistance and tips on searching for a job to ways to learn about communities and employers in Iowa. The goal of the program is to build awareness and increase knowledge so that young people can make informed decisions about their careers and consider the possibilities in Iowa.
For more information about Consider Iowa or Project Network, contact Amy A'Hearn at (319) 335-1023.
2009 YPIowa Leaders Academy
Hosted By Young Professionals of Ames on June 26th
YPIowa’s Leader's Academy is all about you! Really! A survey was sent to board members across the state asking about what your YPO faces in the coming year. A custom tailored agenda is being put together to address exactly what your goals and objectives are. As fellow board members from across the state, we all get it! We're sold on why being involved in your young professional's organization is important for us and for the state. In general, we all wrestle with the same questions. How do we keep people engage and involved? How do we reach new members? How do we bring people back to our communities and to the state? What are the coolest events other groups have done? What are the trends for the future of our state? The Leader's Academy is a forum for leaders. It is a day-long agenda devoted completely to what you need to be successful in your community - to recharge, to get new ideas and to talk with others going through what you are experiencing in your community. You WILL walk away with new contacts, new ideas and new resources to use in your organization!
Mark your calendars. Registration is open for two people from each young professional/jaycees/community organization. This is because the broader the representation of different organizations, the more ideas we will all walk away with. Talk to your board now to decide who will attend. The cost to attend is $25 and includes lunch. Registration is limited and will open on April 15, 2009. The event will conclude with a social event at the Olde Main Brewery in Ames.
6th Annual YPIowa Conference Hosted By The Greater Des Moines Partnership's Young Professionals Connection
Save the Date: September 18, 2009
The Young Professionals Connection of Des Moines is honored to host the 6th Annual YPIowa Conference! This year’s theme will be “Professional ‘Capitol’ for the 21st Century”. The two day event will be held at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown.Feel free to follow along on Twitter as we share updates and announce speakers.More details coming soon! If you are interested in assisting to plan the conference, please send us an email.
Opportunity to become Commissioner for the ICVS
The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service is seeking service-minded individuals to serve as commissioners for terms to begin on July 1, 2009. A little background information…
State Commissions exist to foster a bi-partisan state-level commitment to advancing service initiatives in the state and to support community service agencies that depend on volunteers to meet community needs, and make a difference in local communities.
Commissioners have the responsibility of developing and communicating a statewide vision and ethic of service and promoting that vision throughout their state. This includes promoting service and developing service programs and collaborative approaches in the state.
Commissioners are appointed by the Governor to three-year staggered terms and may serve no more than two terms. Our commissioners represent a broad and diverse collection of expertise: education; national service programs; older adults; community-based agencies; local and state government; labor; and, business among others. No more than 25 percent of the members may be state employees.
Commissioners are responsible for the general obligations of the Commission and are encouraged to become involved with and provide service to the Commission in a variety of ways, with the most critical being “To consciously but not exclusively ‘represent’ the category in which the Commissioner’s appointment was made under the Executive Order of the Governor.”
If you are interested in serving on the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, please submit a Gubernatorial Appointment Application as soon as possible — the 2009 appointment process will begin very soon!
If you have any questions, please click here or contact the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service at (800) 308-5987.
Money Smart Week
April 19-25, 2009 in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Quad Cities
You'll have great chances for networking at the major events during Money Smart Week Iowa 2009. Make plans to attend one of the free events in Des Moines, Quad Cities, or Cedar Rapids.
Thursday, April 16 is the kickoff breakfast at the CASI center in Davenport. The networking breakfast begins at 8:30 am, and will be followed by a short economic forecast at approximately 10:30. Wade Rousse, economist for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will provide expert insights on how to weather today's economy.
About noon, the public is invited to a financial fitness fair, which will include a variety of financial institutions and others who have educational information to share about saving, investing, borrowing, insurance, and more.
Saturday, April 18, you can register to attend the Money Smart Women Conference, "Tighten Your Belt Without Feeling the Pinch." It will start at 8 a.m. at Drake University. You'll have an opportunity to network during continental breakfast and hear experts on a variety of financial topics, including saving, investing, and credit. The first 200 can register free at http://www.blogger.com/www.WomenandMoneyConference.com.
Those interested in what Iowa organizations are doing for financial education might want to take part in discussions at the Financial Forum, hosted by Iowa JumpStart. This event is Monday, April 20 at Drake University and begins at 9. Check http://www.blogger.com/www.moneysmartweek.org/iowa for event time and registration. In Cedar Rapids, be one of the first 200 to register free for the Money Smart conference, "Recover. Rebuild. Prosper." It will begin at 8:00 a.m. at Kirkwood Community College. Topics will cover how to build a nest egg, learning to invest, reading your credit report, and more. Register at http://www.blogger.com/www.WomenandMoneyConference.com.
During the week, about 100 partners in the Des Moines, Quad Cities and the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor will also host a variety of smaller events on many financial topics. You can see a calendar with times and locations at http://www.blogger.com/www.moneysmartweek.org.
For more information on any Money Smart Week event or if you wish to become a sponsor, contact Joanne at (515) 991-5632.