(February 6, 2014) Jackson, Tenn.- The sound of drums filled a crowded Carl Grant Events Center as the NorthSide High School drumline marched around the attendees.
It may sound like a pep rally, and in a way it is, but it was the launch of a revamped program from the Jackson Chamber.
Formerly U40, the Jackson Chamber launched their new Jackson Young Professionals program on Thursday afternoon.
The program is designed to allow young professionals to connect with networking events, develop professionally with programs, and engage within their community through awareness.
Landon Preston, a member of the advisory council for the Jackson Young Professionals, told us that the rebranding has been in the works since at least the summer of 2013.
Preston discussed where the idea to rebrand the program came from. He said, “I think the idea to rebrand came from looking at last years programs and wanting to bring more of Jacksons young professionals into this group. We understand that part of being a young professional is learning and growing, but another part of that is really interacting with people and networking.”
To accomplish the rebranding, Preston said, “We felt like we would scale down the number of our events and put a little bit more intensity and quality to those events to give people the opportunities to network as well as hear from civic leaders, government leaders, and business leaders so we can figure out how we can continue to grow in our own communities as well as our professions.”
The number of events have scaled back from a monthly event to 5 events currently scheduled from April to January of 2015. Preston said that the ideas came from, “a lot of discussions and refining of ‘What is it that we think that young professionals in this community need most’. If you look at that list, you’ll see that there’s plenty of opportunities to network, plenty of opportunities to have some fun, as well as opportunities to learn about how to grow yourself personally and become a better leader in this community.”
April plays host to the Business Leader Series. On the 17th, Jackson Young Professionals will be able to meet with local business leaders in a small group setting. They will learn about their career as well as discuss current issues, business strategies, and civic responsibilities.
The Young Professionals have a Night Out in May. The after-hours event will let attendees gather and take in a Jackson Generals Baseball Game on May 3.
In July, the Government Leader Series will take place at the Carl Grant Events Center. Young professionals will have the chance to meet with city and county elected officials in small groups to discuss public policy and running for office.
The curtains will be lifted and young professionals will be able to take a peek behind the scenes of industries in West Tennessee. One industry will tell their history, how their facility operates, and the impact they have on the economy.
The first program of 2015 will have a business leader tell their story about their business, their start, and share tips for success. This “Storytellers” event happens on January 15.
Preston also said this about the slated programs, “It’s just looking at what we think people want and what they need through conversations we have with professionals in the community.”
