Search Results for: FLEX

Podcast Recommendation: NPR Up First


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Are you a young professional looking to stay informed and connected in today’s fast-paced world? Look no further than “Up First” from NPR. In just 10-15 minutes each morning, this podcast provides a concise rundown of the day’s top news stories, ensuring you start your day fully informed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

We understand that as young professionals, time is precious and often in short supply. That’s why “Up First” is designed to be both comprehensive and efficient, delivering all the essential news without taking up too much of your valuable time. Plus, with insightful commentary and analysis from NPR journalists, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the issues shaping our world today.

Being well-informed isn’t just important for personal enrichment—it’s also a valuable professional asset. Whether you work in media, politics, business, or any other field, staying abreast of current affairs enhances your credibility, informs your decision-making, and helps you communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.

Tune in regularly to start your day with a comprehensive overview of the news and gain the insights you need to succeed both personally and professionally. Stay informed, stay ahead, and stay connected with “Up First” from NPR!

This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) March 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.

Making the Most of LinkedIn


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LinkedIn is a great way for young professionals to stay connected to the professional world around them. The social media platform is designed to allow for professionals to make connections to others in similar industries, apply for open positions and opportunities to hear others advice and experiences. LinkedIn can be one of the best tools for young professionals to develop their careers if used correctly. We’ve compiled some tips and tricks for making the most of your LinkedIn account:

Keep it Professional
Although LinkedIn is a social media platform, it’s important to keep content posted to your account professional. Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn is designed specifically to grow your career and make professional connections.

Add A Profile Picture
No worries if you do not have a professional headshot, however adding a profile picture will boost interactions with your profile. First impressions are important, so adding an image allows for connections to put a face to name. Make sure your face is visible and the image is clear and well-lit.

Share Your Experience
Your LinkedIn profile’s essentially your online resume. Share your experiences, inside and outside of your career, that make you the professional you are today. Showcase what makes you great!

Stay Authentic
Even though it’s a professional platform, do not forget to be your authentic self! People want to get to know you and learn more about your personal journey and experiences. Your profile should reflect who you are and your goals in your professional career.

This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) March 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.

Much-Deserved Recognition


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Nominations Open for YP of the Year—Due March 8

Do you know a young professional who volunteers for a non-profit? Or maybe someone who serves on a board of directors for a local organization? Or perhaps a young professional who recently opened a business in our area?

We are constantly amazed by those young professionals who are making a difference in our community! There are so many young professionals who deserve recognition, and this is why we hold FLEX Presents each year. Nominees do NOT need to be a FLEX or Chamber member to be recognized.

At this annual event, we celebrate nominees (and all young professionals) and name the Young Professional of the Year. Nominees must give back to our community and show qualities of a leader (see criteria below).

We hope you’ll consider nominating a young professional you see going above and beyond in our community, and help us give them much-deserved recognition.

NOMINATION GUIDELINES:

Nominees must:
• Live or work in Venango County and be 40 years old or younger.
• Participate in activities outside of their career that positively impact the wellbeing of others.
• Demonstrate exceptional ethics and works to enhance and preserve the region.

The nomination process includes a form, as well as a letter stating the candidate’s qualities for the award, written by the nominator. Find a nomination form at venangochamber.org/flex-presents.

Nominations are due by March 8.

This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) March 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.

FYI Newsletter – March 2024


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For young professionals, by young professionals. This monthly newsletter is published by Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange (FLEX), the young professionals group of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce.

Click here or the image below for a PDF of the FYI.

Find articles from the FLEX FYI on the Chamber’s blog.

LEADERSHIP: Leadership Venango Meets with County Commissioners


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In January, the Leadership Venango class met in Franklin at the Venango County Courthouse Annex in the morning and had a tour of Courthouse in the afternoon. In addition to presentations on FLEX, Boardsmanship, and a panel with local leaders, the class had a chance to meet with the County Commissioners over lunch.

The newest commissioner, Ken Bryan (pictured right), remarked, “I appreciated the feedback and information I gathered from meeting with these local leaders. Having the opportunity to talk with several local business representatives was really valuable. I learned firsthand about their daily operations and business challenges, and I became more aware of not only their history, but details of how they have evolved and how they are planning for the future. I, too, enjoyed sharing some of my ideas on how Venango County can closely partner with businesses to improve our educational opportunities, address environmental issues, and bring more economic development to the area. Gathering professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences will continue to make Venango County a great place to live.”

Among the many benefits offered through the Leadership Venango program, is the opportunity to meet with business leaders and elected officials, in a setting that invites continued engagement.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s February 2024 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.