The Link
Summer 2016
Let's pack the park for a movie under the stars




August 10 | Petrifying Springs Park, Pavilion #3 | 8 p.m.
We love summer in Kenosha - and we're soaking in the beautiful weather and outdoor amenities at Movie in the Park night!
We'll be viewing Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Petrifying Springs Park - and what's more - it's free to attend. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, food and drink, and - of course - your family and friends. (Please note: Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted as carry-ins. Beer and wine coolers will be available for purchase at the event.) 
Join Kenosha County's network of young professionals on the lawn near Pavilion #3. The movie will be projected on a large screen.  Beer and wine coolers available for purchase at $3 apiece. Free popcorn!
This is a great networking opportunity and chance to have a unique outdoor experience at one of Kenosha's most beautiful County parks. The event is free to attend, but registration is appreciated. Let's pack the park!!
Sponsored by:
County Executive Jim Kreuser
 
New mentoring program launches
The YLink College to Career Mentoring Program is an exciting opportunity for young professionals to exercise their leadership skills and share their professional experiences with upperclassmen attending the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.



This program is designed to assist college juniors and seniors in preparing to enter the workforce and become professionals who contribute to our local community. YLink mentors will have the chance to share their own experiences in their college-to-career transition, and help their prot�g� to better navigate becoming an emerging professional. A secondary goal of the program is to help college students better understand the opportunities for career success in the Kenosha area after graduation and to increase the retention of young talent in our community.



No mentoring experience is necessary. All mentors also have the option to attend a complimentary, professionally-led training/orientation session to become better prepared for the mentoring relationship. 



We need volunteer mentors! Please use the following links to locate additional information about the program:

Deadline to apply is August 12, 2016.

Nonprofit Board Prep Program aims to train YPs for local board service 


Kenosha's thriving nonprofit community is consistently on the lookout for committed new talent to welcome to their boards. But how many of us really feel qualified to serve on a board or committee? 
This new training program will teach YP participants how to leverage their leadership skills more effectively and become successful board members through a 6-week program with content-rich classes focusing on: board overview, strategic planning, legal & ethical responsibilities, fundraising, and financial management. 
This is an excellent way to get engaged with the Kenosha nonprofit community and refine your professional skills.
Applications and completed details for the first Fall 2016 cohort will be available soon.
Interested? Contact the Community Engagement Committee at [email protected]


To everyone who participated in YPWeek Wisconsin. YLink was honored by its peer organizations throughout the state with the "Freshest Idea Award" for its inventive Streetcar Takeover event. 








Matt Collins
Occupation: Assistant Parks Director, Kenosha County Parks Division
How long have you lived and/or worked in Kenosha County? 
I just had my one year anniversary working for the Kenosha County Parks Division. 


What makes Kenosha County a great place to work and play?  Obviously I would say that our Parks are the best places where our residents can come to work and play!  Although I may be bias, I truly believe that we have THE BEST parks in Wisconsin.



Last APP you downloaded? 
Quick Scan. This helps me be "that guy" to always try to get the lowest price when shopping. 


What about Kenosha are you really proud of? I am extremely proud that our community has taken a stance to be on the forefront for the creation of jobs and bringing more business opportunities to this area.  

What is your favorite Kenosha County event/activity? 
My favorite event has to be Oktoberfest at Old Settlers Park. 


What is one thing you would like to see improved in Kenosha County?  After I took on my new role with the Parks, I did notice that there truly is a divide in our County on the Interstate. This literal and figurative barrier needs to be broken since there are so many qualities on both sides of the line.  It would be great to have more people appreciate our community and take time to travel the entire County to take in more sites and remove some perceptions.  


What advice do you have for other YPs? Always have goals, write them down, review them daily, and don't focus on tasks that do not lead to your vision. Also - be sure to make a conscious effort to analyze the leaders in your organization and ask how they got to their level. These people always inspire me to emulate their strengths and motivate me to constantly push myself to become a better leader not only in the workplace but in my personal life as well. 


In This Issue
Mark Your Calendar

Strategies to Achieve Work-Life Balance
Tuesday, July 26
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

KABA Training Center

5500 6th Ave, Suite 200, Kenosha 
Chances are - you're probably passionate about the overall quality of your life, but how do we strike a balance between our careers and everything else? Aleta Norris, partner with Living as a Leader, will lead this interactive workshop to help you gain strategies to do just that. 


Presented by Aleta Norris, partner with Living as a Leader.


Strive Community Summit
Monday, August 1
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

UW-Parkside Student Center Ballroom


 


The upcoming Kenosha Strive Together Community Summit will bring families together with leaders in education, business, government and non-profit sectors to align all the good work already being done in our community. 
Schools can't do it alone.  Join us as we ensure the success of EVERY child, cradle-to-career. The Kenosha Area is on a journey to align effort, goals and outcomes for the long-term success of all students.
Register by July 27, 2016.
Movie in the Park
Wednesday, August 10
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Petrifying Springs Park, Pavilion #3
 


We'll be viewing Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Petrifying Springs Park - and what's more - it's free to attend. Bring your family and friends, lawn chairs, blankets, food and drink, and - of course - your family and friends.
This is a great networking opportunity and chance to have a unique outdoor experience at one of Kenosha's most beautiful County parks. The event is free to attend, but registration is appreciated. Let's pack the park!!
Register by August 5.


Inspire 2016
Wednesday, September 28
8:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Journey Church
 


Inspire is a one-day leadership event designed to inspire and empower you to drive your business and our community into the future. This must-attend leadership event will feature a line-up of nationally-recognized speakers and inspiring local leaders, including:


Jeff Shinabarger, social entrepreneur and author of More or Less; and 
Greg Tehven, curator of TEDxFargo and co-founder of Emerging Prairie. 
Mark your calendar and look for registration details soon!


Downtown Housing Tour call to action
 
Downtown Kenosha Inc., is planning to produce a Fall event to highlight Downtown Kenosha Housing options.
If you are a Downtown resident or if you represent a Downtown property who owns or manages a cool and unique home or apartment you'd like to show off, we invite you to contact DKI!
Please contact DKI via their website.


As Kenosha County's premier young professional organization, YLink exists to connect young professionals to each other and to our great community by offering highly unique experiences - curated specifically to the needs and wants of YPs.
Whether it be socializing on a sunset sail on Lake Michigan, volunteering at a community food drive, or examining the leadership journey of local leaders - we are changing the way people connect, embrace and engage with Kenosha. 
You can get involved by:
  • Signing up for our communications, including a quarterly eNewsletter and direct mail invites to events
  • Following us on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn
  • Join us at one of our events - no membership required.
  • Share your thoughts. We want to hear what's relevant to you, so we can make good ideas come to life 
  • Connect with our volunteer leadership team and board of directors via our website to learn more
ylinkenosha.com


5500 6th Avenue, #200 | Kenosha, WI 53140 | 262-605-1100


Y-Link-Young Leaders in Kenosha | 5500 6th Avenue | Suite 200 | Kenosha | WI | 53140