Food for Thought...GenNEXT Gives Back: Community Service Project

On June 9 from 5:30pm to 7pm, GenNEXT, along with sponsor, BlueShield of Northeastern NY will be assisting the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York in a donation drive event.

This is a chance for GenNEXTers to give back to the community and have a great time too. The purpose of the event is to prepare the food for distribution throughout the Capital Region. Stop by the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York Offices at 965 Albany Shaker Road in Latham to help out.

Can't make it?

That's ok! Feel free to help by donating non-perishable food, paper towels or bathroom tissue. Any little bit helps.

If you do plan on joining the drive, register quickly, spots are limited.

Tomorrow's Leaders Today Mtg Agenda - 2009.05.12

Everyone,
Please remember we will be finalizing the program scope/deliverable for the student mentorship program in this month's meeting. Sheila Hogarty-Fontenot of Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar will be in attendance. Attached is a link to this month's meeting agenda. Hope to see everyone tomorrow!
Doug

What Brings (or Keeps) You Here?

Well, chances are it has something to do with your job. But what brought you to that job? A wise woman (Michelle Barson, actually) wrote something in the latest issue of Visions that really got me thinking. It was really just a word, but it sparked a wildfire in my head, and within my social circle because, of course, I had to get some feedback.

She called young professionals "nomads".

I'm not sure I fully agree (sorry) but I get it. I understand, I went to college with people from across the nation, heck, even across the pond. I work in an office of about 50 professionals. Our hometowns range from Ireland to New Hampshire, to right here in Albany.

I'm from the area myself. Went to school here too. Now I work here. Now, I am thankful for my career, love what I'm doing. But a job, even a career can't hold someone somewhere. There has to be more. I want to know what that 'more' is. My more is my family. We're all here, from Italy to the Capital Region, the whole lot of us. So I have a great career as a young professional, able to grow and all that, but I'm lucky enough to still be with my roots too.

What brings you from your roots?

What keeps you planted?

-Mike

JDRF’s Coalition of Young Professionals invite GenNEXT to their Inaugural Event

With GenNEXT’s April Mentorship Graduation having past, members who are looking to get out and network with other young professionals this month should consider joining the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Coalition of Young Professionals at their inaugural event on April 22nd: Diabetes Research in the 21st Century.

This unique event will enlighten participants about the work being done locally that may eventually lead to a cure for diabetes. As it turns out, nanotechnology, which we all know is a major research focus at the University of Albany, may play a critical role in conquering this terrible disease in the not-so-distant future.

Diabetes was a contributing factor in taking my father away from me last summer. So when members of the coalition (some of whom are members of GenNEXT) approached me about this event, it struck a very personal chord. I will be there. If your life (or the life of a loved one) has been touched by diabetes in any way, you may be very interested in what they have to say.

And, it’s nice to see some of GenNEXT’s members involved in groups like JDRF’s Coalition of Young Professionals. They are helping to bring the community together to fight a disease that affects many of us in so many ways.

The event will be held at 5:30 on Wednesday, April 22nd at the University of Albany Foundation East Campus at 1 University Place in Rensselaer. After a half hour of networking, the panel discussion will begin at 6:00 and will be followed by more networking at 7:00. The evening is being sponsored by Capital Bank.

The cost is a very reasonable $10 per person. Seating is limited, so reserve your space by contacting JDRF at 477-2873 or skeller@jdrf.org.

Hope to see you there!

- Scott

Tomorrow's Leaders Today Mtg Agenda - 2009.04.14

Everyone,
Please remember we will be creating a program scope/deliverable for the student mentorship program in this month's meeting. Reviewing the website of our potential partner, Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar, will help to prepare everyone for the discussion. Attached is a link to this month's meeting agenda. Hope to see everyone next Tuesday!
Doug

GenNEXT Advocacy Event A Success

The amount of work that goes into putting together an event – which as anyone who plans events will tell you – can be a lot. So the feeling is tremendous when feedback suggests we did a good job – which we can all relate to when colleagues compliment you on a hard task done well.

GenNEXT held Advocacy 101 for Young Professionals in March which provided a panel discussion with Mike Elmendorf of the National Federation of Independent Business; Gerald Jennings of Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker LLP; and Rebecca Zack of Capitol Hill Management Services.

Check out these quotes from people that attended:

-I thought the panel was very informative.

-I am looking to start my own business, this helped me to see where I may be able to start. Very informative and great feedback!

-It was helpful to begin the process of developing a plan to address my issues.

-Understanding of advocacy - look to use a balance of emotions and facts.

In addition to the personal advice provided by the panel, the following attachment which provides some tips on advocating / lobbying was handed out - http://acchamber.org/files/effectivelobbying.pdf

Whether GeNEXT is planning an event that provides a venue to network with business professionals or a more formal setting such as a lunch and learn, our goal is to make sure that those that attend get value in return for their time, and we're proud to say that 2009 has been a good year so far.

Hope to see you at the next event, a little bird told me it could be pretty good.

A Musical Evening of Wine and Tapas

Music will fill the air with the beautifully blended voices of Albany Pro Musica. You'll sip and sample fine New York wines paired with a selection of hors d'oeuvres and appetizers created by the skilled chefs of the Desmond Hotel. It all takes place on Friday, April 17 at the Desmond and supports Albany Pro Musica...but wait, there's more...GenNEXT Young Professionals (between the ages of 21- 35) can attend at a special rate: Two for the price of one admission. Regular admission is $45/person. If you're interested in attending or learning more, contact Christy D'Ambrosio at info@albanypromusica.org or (518) 438-6548 or visit http://www.albanypromusica.org.

GenNEXT Mentorship Program Commencement

Celebrate the achievements of another successful year of the GenNEXT Mentorship Program on Thursday, April 2 at The Loudon Room/Cocca's Inns and Suites in Latham. All 2008-09 mentors and mentees will receive a certificate of completion. Breakfast will be provided. No charge. GenNEXT Mentorship participants only. Sign up online at http://acchamber.org/events.aspx or call (518) 431-1457.

GenNEXT on ChamberChat

GenNEXT Council Chairs Ken Countermine and Candace Adams-Grossjohann and Marketing Director Michelle Barson will appear on ChamberChat with Pat Ryan tonight @ 6 p.m. on Talk 1300 AM. Tune in or listen online at http://www.talk1300.com/. They will be discussing all things GenNEXT.

Tomorrow's Leaders Today Meeting Agenda - 2009.03.10, 5:30-6:30pm

1. Welcome - Doug Austin
2. Introductions - All
3. Mentorship Program Update (30 minutes) - Cathie Wright/Doug Austin
4. Student Mentorship Program - Special guest, Sheila Fontenot of Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar, http://www.crsas.org/
5. Executive Mentorship Graduation - Scheduled for Thursday, April 2nd
6. Upcoming Events (15 minutes) - Doug Austin
7. 2009 Events Planning (15 minutes) - All
8. Adjournment - Doug Austin

Hope to see everyone there!

Doug

Networking...Not always new territory

I am back among the surfing! After about a week of being offline (you know not my pain) I finally got my home Internet back up and running last night. I took the night to catch up on the blogs I read, downloaded some music I've been itching for and, of course, checking my facebook account.

But enough about me, lets get into the all-inclusive 'us' and onto the blog I've been planning in my disconnected state.....

I am lucky enough to live in Albany, where I also work and attended school. Recently my alma mater hosted an alumni event where we all got together and could catch up on life after the dorm. Being a member of a marketing team, my brain hampster started running and got my wheels turning.....just because you are already acquainted with someone does not mean it can't be a networking event.

Sure, regail each other with old stories, joke around about the past, but hey, what are you doing now? ....that's networking!

Who knows where someone is going to end up? If you are working in similar or mutually-beneficial fields who says that you can't pass a business card to a friend?

I understand that my situation is unique, most people didn't grow up, go to school and find a job all in the same area. But networking with alumni doesn't need to happen face - to - face. Many schools and institutions offer online communities to keep their alumni connected. See what's available. There is no reason to "reinvent the wheel" everytime a connection is needed, sometimes progress can be made by looking back.....

-Mike

Advocacy 101 for Young Professionals...Having a Voice in Tough Times

So you're a young professional and you want to make a difference ... but you're not sure where to start?

Then this is the event for you. On Thursday, March 19 from 11:30 am-1:00 p.m. at the Albany Airport Observatory, get the information you need to effectively advocate.

Learn from some of the area’s professionals that advocate on a daily basis and make your “toolbox” that much stronger.

This event is another example of GenNEXT’s mission to continually seek out knowledge and experience, ensuring that our members have a chance to play a significant role in the future of Tech Valley.

Register online or call 518-431-1457 to sign-up. The event is open to all members of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber and the Chamber of Schenectady County.

Red in the Facebook

Hi all,

Sorry for the recent hiatus but I have been dealing with some family health issues that have thankfully been getting better so...I'm back on track.

I haven't completely forgotten about everyone in my absence though, I found a few articles that I thought I'd share my thoughts on....this post will focus on the first one. On Sunday, February 1 I was perusing the Times Union website and came across an article about online "footprints" that included an awkward little anecdote.

I'll spare the details and get to the point, the article was about being careful to put your best foot forward and presenting yourself professionally so that you never have to explain an embarassing picture to your current (or prospective) employer.

After reading the article I immediately went online to my own facebook account and started to look at some profiles. Yeah.....

Unlike those that came before us, we have an entirely different world to worry about ....our "cyberselves". Many, according to the article, tend to dissociate themselves from their photos online, but those photos could proved the evidence that an employer needs to not hire, promote or keep an employee.

What I want to know from the other GenNEXTers is ...what do you think about the use of a facebook or MySpace profile by employers? Is it fair? Should it matter? Let's talk.

A Picture Tells a Thousand Words

The LWP taskforce has three things in mind for the 2009 year.

Advocacy II
GenNEXT Voice
Media Campaign

We are reaching out to you to help us in our Media Campaign. You can be a star by submitting photos or video of you living, working, and playing in Tech Valley. All photos and videos must be submitted with your first and last names, company and description of photo to TrevorS@acchamber.org.

The end result of the Media Campaign is to put together a video of young professionals living, working, and playing in Tech Valley. Our hope is that this video can be used as a tool by the business community to attract and retain young professionals to the area.

If you want to find out more about what we are up to please feel free to join us on the 1st Wednesday of each month at the Chamber (unless noted otherwise).

Thank you and we look forward to your pictures and videos!!!

Walking a fine line.....Work and Play

Hi everyone. I'm Mike and this is one way that I'm trying to find my way in this organization. You see, my background is in journalism so this seemed like the most obvious route to go. I work in marketing for Tully Rinckey PLLC, a law firm and Chamber member.

It sounds weird to me to classify and introduce myself with just my job title. Even after a year, I'm still getting used to it. In college things were different. I was a student, yes, but I was also a resident assistant for a time. I was editor of the school paper. I was in Student Association. I wore a number of hats. It kept me busy.

I work best when I'm busy. That brings me to the point of this post ( a little late I know). Being busy is how I stay balanced, I don't do well when I'm just doing nothing. So now I work full-time in my career, but I also play soccer, I'm involved with GenNEXT, I started going to a gym and of course, I make time for friends and socializing.

So, the journalist in me has to point the question to my fellow young professionals; what do you do to keep a balance?

We all work in this community, but there's more than that. What else do you do? How do you keep from becoming defined by your career alone?

So, yes, I'm a media coordinator. But I'm also a defender (soccer), a spotter (at the gym) and now a blogger.

Thanks for reading,

Mike

More Networking Opportunities. This Time the Chamber Goes Retro

The Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber’s Business-to-Business Exchange goes retro and hits one of the region’s newest dining establishments on Thursday, Feb. 26. The Standard Restaurant & Lounge is a classic-style steakhouse that opened just a few months ago in Crossgates Mall. Featuring a menu of “straightforward classic American cuisine,” The Standard will transport you to the aura of a 1950’s supper club in postwar America, when everything pointed to a bright and shiny future.

Experience what The Standard has to offer as you enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drink specials and connect (and re-connect) with young professionals and other Chamber members. Register here.

Speed Networking Opportunity Abounds

Ready. Set. Network! On Tuesday, Feb. 17, this unique, fast-paced event, will give you the chance to make 20 or more contacts, while having fun as you establish connections with both young professionals and nonprofit organizations. Don’t blink ... you just might miss the best networking session around. Event sponsor: Blue Shield of Northeastern New York. More info/register.

GenNEXT Mentorship Xterior View

All 2008-09 GenNEXT executive mentors and young professional mentees are invited to attend the ‘X-terior View,’ a fun and unique GenNEXT mentorship program and breakfast on Wednesday Feb. 4 at Glen Sanders Mansion. Mentors and mentees will engage in roundtable discussions focused around important questions to increase communication and gain new perspectives. From the outside looking in, or the ‘X-terior View’ participants will learn a great deal both personally and professionally. Event sponsor: Blue Shield of Northeastern New York. More info/Register

What GenNEXT Thinks About State Politics

The program is called, “In Our Hands: Generation X and the under 40 Perspective”. It will air on Thursday, February 19 at 9 PM on WMHT. You can also check it out on You Tube. Read more about it on Susan’s New York Now blog on Timesunion.com.

Kick-off the New Year with GenNEXT!

Plan to kick off your New Year by attending a fantastic networking event on January 21 at Bowtie Cinemas in Schenectady. Enjoy delicious, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar while networking with other young professionals. Then stick around to take in a movie with your GenNEXT colleagues. Register online at http://acchamber.org/events.aspx.

New GenNEXT Podcast Online

In the latest episode of the GenNEXT Podcast Series, Brittney Schlegel, human resource specialist at Sunmark Federal Credit Union and the mentorship program chair of the GenNEXT Council, talks about the benefits and drawbacks of job hopping in the Generation Y population. Give it a listen here.

Holiday BBX is Thursday

Don't forget, the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber's Holiday Business-to-Business Exchange, one of our more popular networking events of the year, takes place Thursday at 5 pm at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center. If you've attended in the past, you know that the Desmond puts out a fabulous spread of food, appetizers and drinks. It's also a popular event for our board of directors as it follows the Chamber's annual meeting. Plus as added bonus, this is a great opportunity meet the Chamber's new president Mark Eagan. Remember, all employees of a Chamber member organization may attend so gather up your fellow YPs or bring your colleagues and enjoy a fun night of networking. Register online at http://acchamber.org/events.aspx. Walk-ins are also welcome.