The Young Professionals Celebrate Three Years
Getting to Know the Palms West Chamber’s Young Professionals
By Krista Martinelli
In January of 2012, the Young Professionals of the Palms West Chamber celebrated their third anniversary. To hear more about this dynamic group, I met with Jessica Clasby of the Palms West Chamber and three of the founding members – Maritza Clark (of Lion Country Safari), Ronnie DeManna (of Bank Atlantic) and Michelle Haines (of BB & T bank). Their shared enthusiasm for the group was definitely contagious.
Jessica says that the key to their successful networking events is the “casual, light-hearted safe zone” that they create. “We find our commonalities and then the networking is a slow, natural process,” she says.
“It’s networking light,” says Michelle. “It’s like regular networking, but always with a fun, little twist.”
Ronnie explains that networking with a younger crowd means that people are going to be a little more aggressive in their networking style…in a good way. “It gives you the opportunity to network with people who are just like you. You’ll find that we are still trying to prove something…we’re still ‘hungry’ because we are at the beginnings of our careers.” They all seem to find it a bit easier to mix with their fellow young professionals, perhaps because of these reasons.
Just over three years ago, Michelle remembers approaching Jaene Miranda, Executive Director of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, and asking for a Young Professionals group. She had enjoyed a similar group in Abacoa and wanted to see if it could happen here too. When Jessica Clasby was hired as a staff member at the Palms West Chamber, she was assigned the roles of Member Services and starting up the YP group. Jessica was happy to take on the challenge, and they put on a very successful first event at Nicole’s Tavern.
They handed out pairs of drink cards to each new member. “So if
you had a Budweiser card, you had to eventually find the other person carrying a Budweiser card,” says Michelle. It was a great kick-off event in January of 2009.
The group members says that they enjoy the networking they do in the YP group because it’s more than just handing out business cards. “We’re making real connections first and then moving forward with business,” says Maritza.
“It’s nice because the relationships are not yet set in stone,” says Ronnie. “The YPs don’t yet have that old buddy that they will always go to, so everyone seems more approachable.”
“What people sometimes do not realize is that the Young Professionals are the future leaders in our organizations,” says Jessica.
When asked about what they have personally benefited from as YP members, this small group had a lot to say. “Because of my connections in this group, my father-in-law got a job,” says Ronnie. He adds that he has learned to be “more of a host” in his role on the board of YPs, always welcoming new people at the events.
“I feel like I have more of a sense of leadership,” says Michelle. “I’m more involved in my Chamber and in my community.” She adds that her daughter’s first birthday party was held at Lion Country Safari, thanks to her connection with Maritza Clark, the Event Manager at Lion Country.
“Because of my involvement in the YP group, I feel like I’m in more of an ambassador role,” says Maritza. “And yes, it’s great to get direct business out of it too.”
People who do not get involved in networking groups, according to these YP members, are missing out. “You’re just doing reactive selling and marketing, if you don’t take the time to network – instead of being proactive,” says Ronnie. It’s so much better than cold calling and puts a face on the business for your new prospects, they all agree.
Some of the past fun events and projects that the YPs have done together are…
· The Kayak Races, which happen at the Royal Palm Art & Music Festival. This event is coming up on March 10 and 11.
· SalsaFest – the YPs run a beer tent every year.
· The Roger Dean stadium baseball games.
· Hockey games.
· Lion Country Safari outings.
· Poker Tournament at the Kennel Club.
They also enjoy pooling their resources for a good cause. Last year the YPs did a “packing party” for the Forgotten Soldiers with Wellington Christian Elementary School. They collected different coins each day, leading up to dollars on Friday of the same week. They raised approximately $3,500 for the organization. It was an extra special effort, since one of their members is a teacher at Wellington Christian and her son was in Afghanistan at the time of the fundraiser. Every holiday season they have a get together at Carrabba’s in Royal Palm Beach and have a Toys for Tots drive too.
The YPs enjoyed their third anniversary at Rooney’s Sports Bar in
Royal Palm Beach. They had a lot of new faces that evening, as well as founding members. They celebrated with an anniversary cake, as well as singing “Happy Birthday” to one of their members. See the photos on our website (AroundWellington.com).
If you are a young professional between 21 – 39 years old and would like to become a member, contact Jessica Clasby at the Palms West Chamber of Commerce at (561) 790-6200. Or you can email her at [email protected].
About Maritza Clark
Maritza is the Event Manager at Lion Country Safari and part of their Marketing team. She enjoys making “wild parties” for a living.
About Jessica Clasby
Jessica is the Membership Services & Young Professional Manager for the Palms West Chamber of Commerce. She enjoys helping the young professionals develop leadership skills and giving back to the community.
About Ronnie DeManna
Ronnie is a Market Manager for the Ibis and PGA locations of Bank Atlantic. He enjoys taking care of the bank’s bigger customers and overseeing the staff at both branches.
About Michelle Haines
Michelle is a Financial Center Leader at BB&T. She enjoys helping her clients to achieve financial success and economic security.