FLEX named Kaleb Lewis the 2025 Young Professional of the Year at the FLEX Presents event held in April at Forever Farms. Kaleb is the owner of The Fallen Shoppe and a talented special makeup effects artist who has made an incredible impact on both our local arts scene and the broader community. From hosting Open Mic Nights, community holiday parties, and art galleries to performing live makeup demos at BridgeFest, Eerie Horror Fest, and Wildcat Mansion Zombie Invasion, Kaleb brings creativity, passion, and energy to everything he does. He’s also the founder of The Hannah Project, a powerful initiative that supports at-risk youth through mentorship and creative expression. His dedication to using his artistry for good is truly inspiring. FLEX would like to thank Kaleb for his commitment to community, his artistic vision, and the positive change he brings to Venango County and beyond. Congratulations to Kaleb Lewis, the 2025 FLEX Young Professional of the Year!
FLEX is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Young Professional of the Year.
Nominations are open to the public. Nominees must be 18-40 years of age and live and/or work in Venango County. A review committee will choose the honoree based on their overall civic engagement and community impact, as well as how their lives are an example of the FLEX mission.
Forms can also be obtained by contacting the Chamber by email at chamber@venangochamber.org or by phone at (814) 676-8521. Sponsorship opportunities are available!
Nominees will be recognized at FLEX Presents, scheduled for April 24. Celebrate with us!
FLEX is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Young Professional of the Year.
Nominations are open to the public. Nominees must be 18-40 years of age and live and/or work in Venango County.
A review committee will choose the honoree based on their overall civic engagement and community impact, as well as how their lives are an example of the FLEX mission.
Forms can also be found at the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 100 Seneca Street, 5th Floor, in Oil City, or by contacting the Chamber at chamber@venangochamber.org or (814) 676-8521. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Nominees will be recognized at FLEX Presents, tentatively scheduled for April. Celebrate with us!
FLEX recently hosted its much anticipated annual meeting, bringing together local young professionals to celebrate our collective achievements in 2024, vote on next year’s leadership, and enjoy a relaxed evening filled with connection and fun.
This year’s vibrant gathering took place at “237,” the inviting event space located between Cork N Screw and Dloniak’s Barbershop, where attendees enjoyed networking valuable opportunities, free professional headshots, delicious food and drinks, and an exciting trivia session.
A highlight of the memorable evening was the election of the incoming FLEX leadership team.
Here’s to an exciting new year filled with new leaders, experiences strengthening connections, and the continued success for FLEX and its members!
Ugly Holiday Sweater Party: Our Annual Holiday Party will take place Thursday, December 5, at FoxTales Pub in Franklin. Wear your best festive ugly sweater and join us for a fun evening with other young professionals. We ask each attendee to bring an item to donate to Hope 21 Boutique in Oil City—requested items include new socks, underwear, and hygiene products for the community.
Chamber Christmas Trees: Stop by to see the Be Here Christmas Tree at the Venango Museum and vote for your favorites and stop downtown Franklin in fountain park between 12/3-1/10 to write what you love most about Venango County to add to our tree!
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) December 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
As the president of FLEX, I’m excited to share that we’ve been hard at work developing a marketing plan to grow our organization and better connect with young professionals across Venango County. This initiative is still in progress, but we’ve already begun laying the groundwork to ensure that FLEX continues to reach young professionals in our community.
Each month, our leadership team has been coming together for a marketing strategy meeting. These meetings have been a great opportunity for us to brainstorm ideas and figure out the best ways to reach more young professionals in our community. We’re focusing on creating messaging that resonates with our audience, helping them see the value of FLEX and the support network we provide.
One of the key components of our marketing plan has been conducting a SWOT analysis—evaluating our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. By doing this, we’ve gained a clearer understanding of where FLEX stands in the community and identified areas for growth. This insight has been invaluable in shaping our approach to reach new members and expand our presence.
We’re also working on developing buyer personas—basically, profiles of the types of young professionals we want to attract. These personas will guide us as we craft messages and programs that speak directly to the needs and goals of different members. Whether someone is in a skilled trade or a more traditional office job, we want FLEX to be a place where they can find value and community.
A big part of our mission is helping people see themselves as professionals, regardless of their job or career path. Many young people, especially those in trades or non-traditional fields, may not always see themselves fitting the typical ‘professional’ mold, but we’re working to change that. FLEX is for anyone who is driven and looking to grow, and we’re striving to create messaging that reflects that inclusivity.
We’re still in the process of building this marketing plan, and there’s plenty of work ahead. But already, these strategy meetings have proven to be incredibly effective at bringing our leadership team and members together. The collaboration has been inspiring, and it’s clear that with a solid plan in place, FLEX will continue to grow and support even more young professionals in the future.
As we move forward, we’re excited to share more about how this plan develops and how we can involve even more people in FLEX. If you’re interested in being a part of this process or learning more about what we’re working on, we’d love to hear from you. There’s a lot of potential here, and we’re eager to see how this strategy will help us take FLEX to the next level.
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) November 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
Are you looking for a way to become more involved in FLEX and are interested in leadership positions?
Now is a great time to reach out and learn more about the 2025 opportunities!
For myself, it’s been an honor to serve on the Events and Fundraising Committee over the past nine years and a wonderful learning and growth experience. Planning events that represent the needs and interests of young professionals is fun and fulfilling, especially when you see individuals interacting and connecting with one another, who may have never met otherwise. FLEX events are planned within a supportive environment and the opportunity to meet and connect with local young professionals who share the same passion for learning, development, and enjoying the Venango area.
If you’re wondering what it means to lead the Events and Fundraising committee, here is an overview: The committee meets monthly and plans the upcoming events, some subcommittees, such as FLEX Presents and Bike & Brew will meet weekly leading up to the large event. And the chair of the E&F committee will meet monthly with other leadership to report on the status of their committee. Other responsibility that are shared by the committee includes, planning events for groups of 5 to 120 people, contacting vendors to reserve locations, food, music, developing the event within a budget and contacting sponsors by engaging with local business, inviting fellow young professionals to attend, and involving other young professions to help plan or help set up/clean up or work the event.
I couldn’t recommend this leadership role enough!
For me it has had a very personal impact. It taught me skills such as: organization, attention to details, preparing and following a budget, communication, inside and outside your team, negotiating skills, and the chance to build and nurture strong relationships.
These skills and connections have benefited me, from my career in accounting, planning my wedding, to starting my own business. And above all that the connection with other young professionals has led to lifelong friendships and personal and professional opportunities that have made it possible for me to thrive here in Venango area!
I feel very strongly that if you are choosing to live somewhere, it is your responsibility to invest in the area and people there, to help those around you flourish and what better vehicle than FLEX, whose sole mission is to support young professionals and advocate for the sustainability of our home here in the Venango region!
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) October 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
It’s that time of year again! The FLEX Annual Meeting is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring everyone together to celebrate our successes and map out what’s next. This year’s meeting promises to be both productive and fun, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss!
Join us on Thursday, November 21, at 5:30 p.m. at 237 Seneca Street, the old Karma Coffee building in Oil City. Just like in years past, we’re keeping the evening casual but engaging, with plenty of time for networking over hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
We’ll kick off the evening with a presentation by FLEX leadership, reviewing the highlights and milestones of 2024. From our signature events to professional development opportunities, it’s been a year of growth and collaboration, and we’re excited to celebrate those accomplishments.
We’ll also give into some exciting plans for 2025, covering everything from upcoming events to new initiatives aimed at supporting young professionals. In addition, we’ll be electing new committee chairs and officers who will help lead FLEX into the future.
One of the highlights of the evening will be our FLEX Member Highlight Awards, where we’ll take time to recognize outstanding members for their contributions, leadership, and dedication to making FLEX an incredible community for young professionals. Whether they’ve spearheaded an initiative, mentored others, or made a lasting impact, these individuals deserve to be celebrated.
We’ve prepared an exciting trivia game with questions that will test your knowledge on a range of topics. Whether you’re a trivia master or just love a challenge, there are prizes up for grabs, so bring your A-game and get ready for some friendly competition!
And that’s not all! Need a fresh professional headshot? We’ve got you covered! Attendees can take advantage of a complimentary headshot session—perfect for updating your LinkedIn profile, adding a polished touch to your resume, or simply refreshing your personal brand.
Whether you’re a FLEX member or a young professional looking to get involved, this is your chance to meet like-minded individuals and contribute to a thriving community.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to these events through volunteerism, sponsorship, donations, and attendance. Your efforts made a significant difference and ensured the success of our festivities.
We especially want to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and energy. Your commitment created an environment where everyone felt welcome and included. The warmth and hospitality you brought to these events exemplify the spirit of our community and demonstrate how impactful volunteerism can be.
Volunteering plays a crucial role in strengthening our community. It fosters connections, builds relationships, and creates a sense of belonging among participants. Your contributions not only helped in organizing and executing these events but also in making our community a better place for everyone.
Together, we can continue to create memorable experiences and build a thriving, connected community. Find more photos in our August 2024 FYI newsletter or on our Facebook page.
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) August 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
If you are looking to be more involved within the community, what better way to spend this summer than to be involved in community events by volunteering! Volunteering offers a chance for you to impact the community directly while also expanding your network of professionals. There are numerous ways to volunteer your time this summer from coaching a youth sports team, to church activities, to FLEX sponsored events.
A great way to be more involved in the community and FLEX this summer is to participate in the two main events on our summer calendar, Bike n’ Brew and the Oil Heritage Festival Ice Cream Social.
The beloved Oil Heritage Festival Ice Cream Social will be held Thursday, July 18 in the Central Avenue Plaza – the alley between Christ Episcopal Church and the Oil City Library.
Join us from 4:30-6:00, 6:00-7:30, or both shifts to provide ice cream and smiles to members of the community while enjoying the wonderful Oil Heritage Festival activities.
The OHF Bike n’ Brew will be held on July 20 and takes place in the courtyard of the Venango Chamber. FLEX is looking for volunteers who can: • Help distribute flyers to local businesses • Pick up beer from local craft breweries • Pack tote bags the night prior to the event • Set up the event • Provide assistance during the event • Assist with clean up after the event
Volunteer signups for both the Ice Cream social and Bike N Brew will be shared in email and on Facebook soon! If your organization has upcoming volunteer opportunities this summer, we would love to hear more about them to share with our members.
To sign up to volunteer at FLEX sponsored events or to share other volunteer opportunities, please share them in the Facebook group or contact us at flex@venangochamber.org.
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) June 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
Join FLEX Young Professionals of Venango County on Friday, June 7 for an evening of fun, food, and fantastic live music! Come for as much or as little as you can.
We are meeting at Bibo’s for dinner and ice cream from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. to mingle. After dinner, we’ll head over to OARS (Outdoor Allegheny River Services) to enjoy a free live music performance by Best Intentions (who are all local young professionals)!
This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow young professionals in the area while enjoying some great food and music! Hope to see you there!
This is a free public event! Invite your friends!
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) June 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
In this month’s video, we’re diving into one of the key programs of the Chamber: the Future Leaders’ and Entrepreneurs’ Exchange (FLEX). FLEX serves as the premier network for young professionals in the Venango Area, focusing on fostering connections and professional growth. Discover what FLEX entails, its objectives, and how you can connect with and follow FLEX for the latest information, professional development, updates, and events.
Congratulations Tyler VanWormer, 2024 Young Professional of the Year
Every year, FLEX shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of local young professionals who exemplify dedication, innovation, and community spirit. This annual celebration, held on April 19, is a testament to the impactful contributions made by individuals who go above and beyond to enrich our community through civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
This year’s celebration was held at Wanango Country Club and celebrated the accomplishments of 10 young professionals who were nominated by community members that saw the impacts they were making in our community. One of the highlights of the evening is naming the 2024 Young Professional of the Year.
Congratulations to this year’s Young Professional of the Year, Tyler VanWormer!
Tyler’s dedication to his role as Personal Lines Producer at Franklin Insurance is exemplary. Specializing in acquiring new business and catering to the personal insurance needs of community members, Tyler has left a long-lasting mark on his industry. His contributions with Franklin Insurance, who earned Erie Insurance’s Giving Agency of the Year Award, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to both professional excellence and community betterment.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Tyler is deeply involved in various community initiatives. From his active participation in Franklin Rotary to his contributions to FLEX and the Oil City YMCA Dek Hockey program, Tyler’s passion for community engagement knows no bounds. He’s a familiar face at Franklin’s Light Up Night Parade and can often be found volunteering for the annual apple pancake breakfast at St. Patrick’s Church in Franklin. Tyler’s multifaceted involvement underscores his genuine dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him.
Other nominees include: Eli Busch, Devin Forgey, Miranda Heller, Thomas Holoman, Amariliz Sanchez, Savanha Scott, Kat Thompson, Deanna Wolfgnong and Kelsey Ziegler.
More information about each of the 2024 nominees can be found on our website.
Congratulations Tyler and all nominees!
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) May 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
Our annual young professional recognition event, FLEX Presents, is set for Friday, April 19, at the Wanango Country Club in Reno, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Join us in celebrating our region’s talented young professionals who deserve recognition for their entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to improving our communities, and exemplary leadership. The highlight of the evening will be announcing one deserving young professional as the 2024 Young Professional of the Year! FLEX Presents is a public event and you don’t have to be a FLEX member to join in the celebration!
“This is an inspirational evening to celebrate not only the 10 nominees, but all local young professionals who go above and beyond for our region,” said FLEX liaison Ashley Smith.
Please come out to support the nominees and help us celebrate their achievements.
The event will include hors d’oeuvres, drinks, networking and a presentation about FLEX and this year’s nominees.
Eli Busch Devin Forgey Miranda Heller Thomas Holoman Amariliz Sanchez SaVanha Scott Kat Thompson Tyler Vanwormer Deanna Wolfgong Kelsey Ziegler
These 10 nominees were put forward by community members for their commitment to Venango County through civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
FLEX Presents is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of local young professionals who contribute to their community through civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
We encourage you to pay careful attention to those “under 40” that you encounter each day and help us celebrate the future of our region. This year’s event is scheduled for April 19 at Wanango.
FLEX is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Young Professional of the Year.
Nominations are open to the public. Nominees must be 18-40 years of age and live and/or work in Venango County. A review committee will choose the honoree based on their overall civic engagement and community impact, as well as how their lives are an example of the FLEX mission.
Last year, 13 nominees were recognized and Brad Deeter, third generation dairy farmer, 4H leader, and Utica Volunteer Fire Department lifetime member, was named the 2023 Young Professional of the Year.
Forms can also be found at the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 24 Seneca Street in Oil City, or by contacting the Chamber at chamber@venangochamber.org or (814) 676-8521. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Nominees will be recognized at FLEX Presents, tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 19.
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) February 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
Join the FLEX email list to stay connected and never miss out on the latest updates. By subscribing, you’ll get a weekly email every Monday that has valuable information about upcoming events, meetings, volunteer opportunities, and more!
Pictured from 2023: FLEX Presents Nominees & YP of the Year
FLEX Presents is an annual event that celebrates and honors the achievements of local young professionals who are contributing to their community through civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
We recognize the value of retaining our talented and motivated young people, and one great way to do this is by recognizing those who are choosing to work and volunteer here now.
In February, we will be accepting nominations for Young Professional of the Year, so we encourage you to keep an eye out for outstanding individuals under age 40 that you come across in your daily life. By recognizing and appreciating these individuals, we are investing in the future of our region.
For more details on how to nominate someone check out next month’s February FYI newsletter.
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) January 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to reflect on a remarkable year with FLEX filled with laughter, opportunities, growth, and unforgettable moments. Let’s journey through some highlights that made this past year memorable.
Connecting & Celebrating: The annual cornerstone event, “FLEX Presents,” showcased the outstanding contributions of young professionals shaping Venango County. Events Chair Ivy Kuberry said, “My favorite event is FLEX Presents because I love recognizing and celebrating young professionals who work to make Venango County a better place.” Recognizing and celebrating our region’s young professionals is a crucial acknowledgment of those driving the future of our community.
Summer Vibes: The Summer Kickoff brings FLEX members together at Two Mile County Park for an evening of camping, good food, and the camaraderie that defines FLEX. For many, the kayaking trip was a standout—a chance to forge deep connections on the water. “On this trip, I got to know my FLEX peers better. I quickly felt like part of the FLEX family,” reflected Jacy Blum.
Annual Meeting: The Annual Meeting was a night to remember, blending voting on new leadership with delicious food, engaging trivia, and the simple joy of spending time with fellow FLEX members. “My favorite event for FLEX this year was the annual meeting. I loved the food, the trivia, and just hanging out with other FLEX members,” shared Dan Newbury.
Community Involvement: Oil City Cleanup Day saw FLEX members contributing to cleaning up one of our communities. Devin Zagar said, “This is one of my favorite events because it provides an opportunity for us to help in a meaningful way. We are in the streets actively volunteering to better our community.”
Other Events: From Bike N’ Brew, Dinner and a Show, the Super Bowl Party, First Friday Lunches, and the Speaker Series— Opportunities for networking, learning, and camaraderie are endless. Other events included the St. Patrick’s Day Social, Halloween Social, Trunk or Treat, the Ugly Sweater Party and Donation Drive, Coffee Chats, and more!
Building on Success: FLEX is poised for another year of growth and impact in 2024. The connections made, the celebrations shared, and the sense of community fostered in 2023 will undoubtedly lay the foundation for an even more remarkable year to come.
Here’s to the memories, the friendships, and the shared accomplishments of 2023 and to the exciting journey that awaits FLEX in the future.
Cheers to another year of connection and celebration!
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) January 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
FLEX held its annual meeting last month. The event was a gathering to celebrate the progress we’ve made in 2023, vote on next year’s leadership, and to simply unwind with other local young professionals.
This year’s meeting was held at “237” formerly known as Karma Coffee. Attendees enjoyed networking, complimentary headshots, food and drinks, the premiere of the new FLEX video, and entertaining trivia.
A pivotal moment of the evening was the election of the new FLEX leadership team. A heartfelt thank you is extended to those stepping down from their roles: Saxon Daugherty, Laura Ordaz, and Joslyn Dechant. Your dedication and contributions have played an instrumental role in steering FLEX towards great heights.
Here’s to a new year full of new leaders, experiences, connections, opportunities, and the continued success of FLEX and its members!
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) December 2023 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
FLEX named Kaleb Lewis the 2025 Young Professional of the Year at the FLEX Presents event held in April at Forever Farms. Kaleb is the owner of The Fallen Shoppe and a talented special makeup effects artist who has made an incredible impact on both our local arts scene and the broader community. From hosting Open Mic Nights, community holiday parties, and art galleries to performing live makeup demos at BridgeFest, Eerie Horror Fest, and Wildcat Mansion Zombie Invasion, Kaleb brings creativity, passion, and energy to everything he does. He’s also the founder of The Hannah Project, a powerful initiative that supports at-risk youth through mentorship and creative expression. His dedication to using his artistry for good is truly inspiring. FLEX would like to thank Kaleb for his commitment to community, his artistic vision, and the positive change he brings to Venango County and beyond. Congratulations to Kaleb Lewis, the 2025 FLEX Young Professional of the Year!
