Trine sponsors Chamber's new Young Professional Network

ANGOLA, Ind. – This afternoon, the Angola Chamber of Commerce announced the formation of the Young Professionals Network of Steuben County with Trine University serving as the exclusive founding sponsor.

The network helps fulfill "a great need for cultivating up and coming young professionals," said Christina Koher, executive director of the Angola Area Chamber of Commerce. She announced the new organization at the Chamber office, 211 E. Maumee St. "I'm excited because he shared my vision for this," Koher said when she introduced Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president.

"Trine has provided funding for the first two years," Koher said. "Members can participate with no charge – a great opportunity."

"We know we're in good hands with the youth and leadership we have in this room," Brooks said, referring to the founding members of Young Professionals Network.

"Trine is proud to be a sponsor of this worthwhile organization," Brooks said after the news conference. "It's another opportunity for Trine to join efforts to boost local and regional economic development."

The organization seeks to attract and retain diverse young talent while also cultivating the next generation of business and community leaders.

Trine employees Racheal Benner, director of alumni and donor relations; Sarah Brown, director of annual giving; Keirsten Hayward, enrollment specialist; Gretchen Miller, assistant to the president for administration & marketing; and Jamie Norton, director of human resources, are among the 18 founding members.

Membership into the network requires candidates to be 21- to 40-year-old modern, innovative thinkers who will invest in the area, strengthen the local economy, care for and make a positive impact on the community and define Steuben County's future with the next generation of leadership.

Chamber member organizations may nominate one person per year and member organizations designated as monumental may nominate three individuals each year.

The Young Professionals Network will focus on three facets: leadership development, community involvement and social events and networking opportunities. The chamber plans to send letters of invitation in mid-July to current member businesses asking them to nominate one young professional within their organization to participate in the program. Nominations are due Aug. 15.

For more information about the program, call the chamber office at 260.665.3512.