Young professionals connect for YP Week, 'In Your Future' summit
What is the state of young professionals in Southwest Florida?
Starting Sunday, Sept. 6, The News-Press kicks off seven days of coverage on how people in their 20s and 30s are shaping how young professionals work in Southwest Florida and beyond.
The week culminates on Friday, Sept. 11 when The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals host the “In Your Future” summit at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs.
It’s a new age in America, and The News-Press is bringing you in-depth analysis of the young professionals in Southwest Florida.
Here’s a look at what’s ahead:
Sunday, Sept. 6
The News-Press workforce reporter Casey Logan shares his in-depth report on the state of the young professional in Southwest Florida. Logan takes a look at who our area’s young professionals are, where they work, live and play, plus what makes them tick in this rapidly changing world.
Starting Labor Day, Sept. 7: Five videos in five days.
Beginning Monday and continuing through Thursday, engagement editor Nicole Forbis and visuals journalist Andrea Melendez spotlight five movers and shakers in the Southwest Florida young professional scene.
MONDAY: Jessica and Ray Higdon: business coaches
TUESDAY: Melissa Tschari Dehaven: development director, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
WEDNESDAY: Mikey “DJ MDOT” Hankerson: official DJ for the Miami Heat, radio personality – B103.9 (Beasley Broadcasting), tour DJ for Jamie Foxx
THURSDAY: Hannah Peterson: co-owner, Joyful Juicing
FRIDAY: Veron Ennis: owner/artist, Veron Ennis Modern Art
Wednesday, Sept. 9: YP Advisory Board member search
The News-Press is looking for a few good men and women to join our inaugural Young Professionals Advisory Board.
Are you a young professional who wants to know more about opportunities for you and your peers in Southwest Florida? Learn more by calling engagement editor Nicole Forbis at 239.287.2694, email her at nforbis@news-press.com and if you’re ready to apply, visit www.surverymonkyer.com/r/YPAB.
Plus, visuals journalist Jack Hardman and Nicole Forbis from The News-Press will be on the prowl during YP Week, connecting with young professionals around the area to find out how they mix work and home life during our YP mixer. See what they had to say about life as a YP. The News-Press team hit the streets in SW Florida to find YPs and share more about our new advisory board, capture their interviews on video, including some live streaming on Periscope, in photos and online.
Friday, Sept. 11
All of this leads up to The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals “In Your Future” summit. The Summit is a can't miss event for Southwest Florida's up-and-coming leaders. Attendees will hear from dynamic speakers and learn more about developing your personal and professional future. The program is scheduled from 1-5 p.m., with networking from 5-7 p.m. the same day at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs. The News-Press Media group is the lead sponsor.
The Guest Speakers list is as follows:
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
- Stephen Bienko - Motivational leadership speaker, writer, President of 42 Holdings, and largest owner of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving brand.
LEADERSHIP & CAREER DEVELOPMENT PANEL:
- Todd Cofer - Senior Marketing Manager for Pearson & Co-Founder of Bookend Technology
- Glorita "Glo" Cuiffi - Chief Operating Officer for Scott Fischer Enterprises
- Valerie McCausland - Managing Vice President for Gartner
- Samantha Scott, APR - President of Pushing the Envelope, Inc.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PANEL:
- Wendy Fullerton Powell - News Director for The News-Press
- Sarah Owen - President & CEO of Southwest Florida Community Foundation
- Jesse Panuccio - Executive Director of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
- Matt Visaggio, MPA - Founder and Public Relations Advocate for Visaggio Community Consulting
Tickets are sold out for the event, but still available for Schmoozapalooza from 5-7. Call the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce at 992-2943 or get them through the chamber’s website at www.BonitaSpringsChamber.com. You can also follow the event on Twitter using the hashtag #NPYP.
In her own words: Kayla Collier shares stories of her life and work as a 24-year-old working at Brilliant Lens in Fort Myers. Experience what it is like to work and live as a young professional in Southwest Florida.
Saturday, Sept. 12
The News-Press brings your wall-to-wall coverage of the 2015 The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professional “In Your Future” summit.
Learn more about our future in Southwest Florida. Meet new friends, network and connect with new young professionals in a dynamic environment. Reserve your tickets today.
The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professional “In Your Future” summit — If you go
•What: The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals “In Your Future” summit, presented by The News-Press Media Group
•When: Friday, Sept. 11, program is 1-5 p.m., with networking from 5-7 p.m.
•Where: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs
•How to get tickets: Call the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce at 992-2943 or get them through the chamber’s website at www.BonitaSpringsChamber.com.
Cory O’Donnell is digital engagement editor for The News-Press and news-press.com. You can meet him at The News-Press booth during the YP summit on Friday, Sept. 11. You can also connect via Twitter:@CoryODonnell.