The Ignition Switch

Hello Rockford YP's!

This is a very exciting time for IGNITE. In the past few months we have welcomed a new Director, celebrated our one year anniversary, and now have an official proclamation from the City of Rockford making the week of May 24th IGNITE week! As we celebrate, I invite you to remember the great things that have happened in our first year and look ahead to the new and exciting programs that are planned.

I remember attending my first IGNITE meeting back in January of 2009. There weren't that many people at the meeting, but everyone there saw the need for an organization that could connect the young professionals in the region. We also knew that the organization needed to meet many needs. It needed to be a place where new yp's could learn about the city and make new friends. It needed to provide a large network for business and personal growth. And it needed to create connections with local business in order to attract and retain young talent to the region.

Some of the people who attended those first meetings are now members of the Leadership Team, and have helped to shape IGNITE into an organization of over 200 young professionals. As we grew, we worked together to define what IGNITE would stand for, develop programs that would be informational and educational, and create an organization that could connect young professionals, businesses, and the community.

As we go forward in 2010, I see great opportunities that will impact not only IGNITE members but the entire Rockford region. The goals that the leadership team had set in 2009 are now becoming a reality. We now have a dedicated and focused leadership team ready to bring new programs and opportunities to the region. Additional After 5's will allow more young professionals to discover local hot spots and network. The GIVE committee has put together numerous opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community. And the return of programs like Lunch Outside the Box and Unplugged will give YPs in the area an opportunity to meet influential community and business leaders as well as learn about relevant topics and issues.

IGNITE is undergoing an amazing transformation and being a member in 2010 will have significant advantages. Member benefits are on the rise with the addition of the IGNITE Member Card which gives you discounts at local restaurants and shops. The new Member's Meetings will give you an opportunity to know what is happening in the organization and let us know what you want to see. Plus with all the upcoming educational, entertainment, and member's only events, you will save a lot of money by being a member.

If you were a member last year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and encourage you to renew. If you haven't become a member yet, don't wait! As we head into summer, the benefits will only increase and you don't want to miss out. I also invite you to attend some of our upcoming events. Our UNPLUGGED series heads up to Rockton on June 10 for an up close and personal meeting with FatWallet.com Founder and Owner Tim Storm. On June 16 Lunch Outside the Box presents Investment Fundamentals and After 5 will be at Swilligan's on June 8th and Irish Rose on June 17th.

I also encourage you to attend the upcoming Member's Meetings on June 23 and 30. At these meetings, you will get updates on upcoming programs and events, discuss the direction IGNITE is headed in 2010 and beyond, have a chance to meet and talk with members of the Leadership Team, network with other YPs, and have your voice heard! The Member's Meeting is a member's only event.

To get more details on the events, or to just see what's happening, visit our website at http://www.igniterockford.com, "like" us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to meeting all of you at the upcoming events and making 2010 a great year for Rockford's young professionals.

Best,
Karissa Kienast
IGNITE President