BRANDING THE EMERGING BUSINESS LEADERS

Over the past month, the Emerging Business Leaders Advisory Board has met to discuss the branding and marketing of the initiative to young professionals in Western New York. The goal of these young leaders is to create their own culture, integrating their personal and professional lives seamlessly.  The Advisory Board wants to provide opportunities for young professionals in WNY to shape not only their futures, but the future of the Buffalo/Niagara region as well.

The group understands that participants want to see a tangible return on their investment in the Emerging Business Leaders. For this reason, the Advisory Board has developed a monthly networking event, to be held on the first Wednesday of every month. The group sees the importance of a regularly scheduled gathering for the young professionals so that the attendees know what to look forward to each month. This month's event will be held Wednesday, April 6, 2011 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Bottoms Up on Chippewa Street in Buffalo. It will be the perfect opportunity to meet other young professionals from around Western New York, building their network of peers.

Also this month, Emerging Business Leaders will hold the fourth experience in the successful "Food For Thought" series. Special guest Robert Gioia of The Oishei Foundation will join an intimate group of ten young professionals to talk about a variety of topics. The "Food For Thought" series is a great opportunity for small groups of young professionals to personally interact with some of the region's most influential leaders. The lunch is on April 18^th at 12:00pm at the Chamber. Seats for this exclusive opportunity are limited and fill up fast. Don't miss your chance to meet with the president of the leading foundation in Western New York.

While the group is focusing on professional development through their "Food For Thought" series, they also understand the importance of expanding members' Circle of Influence. The Emerging Business Leaders is looking to team up with other young professionals groups from around the Western New York area. There are numerous other young professional groups in the region, including the Young CPA Network & the B-Team, and the Advisory Board sees the benefit of working together. The Amherst Chamber of Commerce strives to be the conduit for professional growth and believes that having a joint networking event will increase all young professionals' Circle of Influence. We welcome information from our members regarding other organizations you may be part of in the community that would like to partner with the EBL.

For more information on the upcoming events, to partner with the Emerging Business Leaders or if you or anyone in your office is interested in participating in the group, please contact Michelle McNamara at 632-6905 or mmcnamara@amherst.org.