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FYI Newsletter – March 2022


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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.

New Year, New Officers!


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While we see still some familiar faces on FLEX leadership—Saxon, Laura, and Lyndsey—we’re excited to also welcome new young professionals to the team this year!

We chatted with Joslyn Dechant, Membership Committee Chair; Jessica Wilson, Marketing & Community Partnerships Committee Chair; and Ivy Kuberry, Events & Fundraising Committee Vice-Chair, to get to know them and their goals for their committees.

What are you excited about for the new year?
Joslyn: I started a new job, so I’m excited about the challenges and opportunities it will bring. I’m also excited to work with FLEX leadership and continue building connections in the community.

Jessica: I am getting married in the spring, and my fiance and I just bought a house and are working on fixing it up. I am also looking forward to participating in more FLEX volunteer and social events.

Ivy: I’m excited for another season at Oil Creek State Park with new programming, and learning more about my position in FLEX and growing relationships within the organization and community.

What are your goals for your committee?
Joslyn: Provide avenues for professional development through the Speaker Series and possibly a member round table event.

Jessica: Help bring some new ideas for social media calendars, and coordinate new partnerships with community organizations.

Ivy: Provide fun, diverse events that help to grow FLEX, foster strong relationships between members, and enhance members’ connections with local businesses and organizations.

What do you hope to learn in this leadership experience?
Joslyn: I’ve been working remotely for two years and haven’t had a leadership role in over three, so I’m hoping to dust off my old skillset and make it better.

Jessica: So far the biggest thing I’ve learned is how to jump into new meetings with confidence and focus to help out in any way I can.

Ivy: I hope to learn more about planning/organizing events and motivating people to be involved. I’m also looking forward to gaining leadership skills and learning about other young professionals here.

How do you stay organized?
Joslyn: A good old fashioned planner allows me to keep track of work, FLEX, and personal events in one place. My work calendar is in Outlook and my FLEX calendar is in Google. I’m a list maker and I find it easier for my brain to retain things if I write them down.

Jessica: Google Calendar is a lifesaver! We have a family one where we add all our events. I also have a personal planner where I have everything written down, which is helpful for remembering what is happening. I also love a good list to keep me focused.

Ivy: I update my calendar constantly to stay on top of everything. I also have a support system of coworkers, family, friends, and FLEX members who keep me up-to-date and offer help when I feel overwhelmed. It’s very important to learn your limits and priorities, and accept help when you need it!

We look forward to having these new officers on our team, and can’t wait to see all that they help FLEX accomplish in 2022. Welcome Joslyn, Jessica, and Ivy!

This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) February 2022 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.

Business Tip of the Month: Networking


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From so much social distancing, you may feel rusty when it comes to socializing, let alone professional networking. We have some ideas for how you can get back in the game and start making connections!

• Choose goals: When you’re ready to network, first consider your goals. Are you trying to meet new people, sign up for a board or volunteer opportunity, find a new job, or maybe connect with a specific person or business?

• Bring a friend: Networking can be awkward, so bring a friend to help you feel more comfortable. They can also help contribute to conversations if you draw a blank. Just make sure that friend is someone who supports you, doesn’t take over or interrupt.

• Come prepared: Bring business cards and come ready with your elevator speech and some common topics and questions.

• Ask questions: Speaking of questions, ask a lot. Rather than small talk about the weather, get to know the person. Most people are able to talk about themselves, making conversation easier.

• Listen: It’s easy to talk about yourself, too, but really listen to the person. Remember their name and information, don’t interrupt, and continue to ask questions.

• Don’t be selfish: You may go in wanting something, like an introduction to someone or an opportunity, but be sure to offer something to others, too.

• Network anywhere: It doesn’t have to be at a formal event; you can network at your kids’ soccer game, an event, while shopping, or before your yoga class.

• Follow up: If you make a great connection, don’t lose it! Friend them on Facebook, connect on LinkedIn, send an email, or follow up in a way that feels right to you.

Ready to network? Our next formal event is our Annual Dinner on February 16, or if you’re a young professional, FLEX has some events coming up. Best of luck as you connect with others!

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s February 2022 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.

Joshua Tygert


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Joshua Tygert is a Sr. Applications Engineer for Cadence Design Systems and works from home in Seneca, PA.

He received a Computer Engineering Degree from Geneva College in 2020 and was excited to find a tech job that allows remote work. At his job, Josh is hoping to get patents approved for new programs he is developing.

When asked about his achievements, Josh told us one of them is: “Getting engaged to the beautiful Jessica Wilson.” You may recognize Jessica’s name, because she is our new FLEX Marketing & Community Partnerships Committee Chair. Josh and Jessica will get married in just a few months, and look forward to moving into their new house and hosting friends and family there.

For fun, Josh enjoys hanging out with friends, playing board and card games, training for obstacle course races, and any water-related activities, especially kayaking and swimming. He is also a fan of hiking, running, and biking.

Josh is excited to be more involved in the community and told us: “I work remotely and enjoy the freedom it gives to live here and avoid traffic and big cities. It is easy to not only support small businesses but also get to know the people who run them.”