AUGUST 2009                                                                      a monthly e-newsletter of the Young Professionals Network

YP SPOTLIGHT



Nichole Wilson
YPN Large Events Team

Employer
Paychex

Job Title
Business Consultant

Tell Us About Your Job
"As a consultant with Paychex I am able to help business owners and managers focus on what they do best - running their companies. I help any size business owner streamline their payroll and HR needs, improve cash flow and rest assure that their payroll tax deposits are filed timely and accurately."

Hobbies/Interests
"I enjoy spending my free time with my friends and family! I love being at the lake, having cookouts and really anything outside. I also enjoy reading, traveling and learning new things."

BUSINESS EXPO AFTER HOURS

Celebrate the strength of business! The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County is excited to present its seventh annual Business Expo After Hours on Wednesday, September 16 at the Century Center from 4:00 – 7:30 p.m.

The event combines a business-to-business trade show with the social aspects of a cocktail reception to create an energy-filled atmosphere ideal for making profitable business contacts and referrals. Enjoy products and services displayed by over 140 companies, savory food from area restaurants, live music and a room full of networking possibilities. All you need to enter the Business Expo is a business card. Click here to learn more.

.............................................................................................................

Children who can read at their grade level are more likely to stay in school. Kids that stay in school have brighter futures and a positive impact on their community. By volunteering one hour of your time each week, you can help set this process in motion in Michiana.

Mentoring Dream Team and Read to a Child are programs developed by the South Bend Community School Corporation which connect participating business professionals with South Bend primary schools. Volunteers are asked to commit to one hour a week for a minimum of one school year to represent an affirming, positive influence in the life of the child. Many local businesses have gotten involved in the program and offer to pay employees for their time away while volunteering in schools.

For more information or to volunteer call 574.283.8088 or e-mail partnerup@sbcsc.k12.in.us.

............................................................................................................

YPN Lunch ‘N Learns are moving into the fall season under a new name – Power Lunches! The Power Lunch Team is seeking volunteers to assist with planning of future programs. If you're interested, please e-mail eheldstab@sjchamber.org. Friday, August 28 YPN Power Lunch Networking in Action 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Beiger Mansion Inn $10 per person Part lunch, part speed networking, Networking in Action will provide you with your most productive hour of the day - a true Power Lunch! The event will begin at 11:30 am with check-in and lunch. At noon, we'll clear the tables and let the networking and peer connections begin! You'll rotate through a series of tables with different topics/conversation starters ranging from career advice to community involvement. REGISTER/LEARN MORE CHAMBER EVENTS 'BASS EVENTS

COMMUNITY CORNER

   Downtown South Bend Football Fridays
It’s hard to believe that football season is nearly here, which seems to unofficially mark the end of summer (at least in South Bend). Football Fridays keep the spirit of summer alive with an outdoor “block party” the Friday before each Notre Dame home football game from 5 to 9 p.m.

Held in the 100 block of Michigan Street, Football Fridays incorporate great food, drinks, live music, game day merchandise and other fun events, such as a Cornhole Tournament. You can even cheer on local office teams involved with the Corporate Gridiron Flag Football League playing at the College Football Hall of Fame. For more information including a band line-up and cornhole registration, visit www.dtsbfootballparty.com. Don’t forget that the first Football Friday is September 4! For information on more events taking place during football weekends, visit www.exploresouthbend.org/ndfootballweekends.

............................................................................................................

   Zoo Brew
Come out to the Potawatomi Zoo on Saturday, September 12 from 7 to 10 p.m. to support your local zoo and enjoy an evening of sampling the best brews from area breweries and distributors. Half-Pint Jones will provide musical entertainment and area restaurants will have their food specialties available. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $25 for zoo members or $20 for designated drivers! Click here for tickets and more info. Proceeds will benefit wildlife conservation, new naturalistic exhibits for the animals and education programs.

WORTHY WEB SITE

* KUDOS *

Kudos to all of the YPs who participated in the 2009 Urban Adventure race which took place during the Enshrinement Festival weekend on July 18! For race results and photos, visit the Urban Adventure Web site.

YPN Presenting Sponsor

YPN Supporting Sponsors

Click to from YPN communications.