10.28.08

YLNI the VOTE Candidate Brochure

The YLNI the VOTE Candidate Information brochure can be downloaded here.

Please note the following corrections to the printed piece: The candidates listed under the offices of "State Senator - District 79" through "State Senator - District 85" should actually be listed as "State Representative" candidates, not Senate.  Also, County Council at Large candidate Robert Armstrong's current employment should be listed as Allen County Solid Waste.

10.20.08

Young leaders network has high hopes for group, city - not just individuals

By Drew Stone

of The News-Sentinel


This won't be just your run-of-the-mill mixer.

Young adults, whether aiming to run the corporate office or simply wishing to learn more, are invited to the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana's “Ultimate Mixer” and open house Friday. The free event is open to the public and offers guests a chance to meet with young professionals in a relaxed atmosphere.

“We're going to celebrate work on our leadership institute and showcase some of our committees,” said Luke Squires, YLNI's vice president of membership.

The event runs 5-8 p.m. at the 1st Source Center lobby and will incude a cash bar and appetizers.

Squires said the group, aimed at but not limited to 20- to 30-somethings, is looking forward to a good turnout, which is designed for young adults and professionals to network and increase membership. About 250 members are in YLNI, most from Fort Wayne, which Squires said he hopes will change, as the organization is not just for young professionals in the city.

“We want to cultivate future leaders,” Squires said. “We want to reach out and have people see what YLNI truly is all about.”

Squires said the group's mission is three-fold:

♦Ensure professional development and help define roles in team dynamics through teamwork exercises.

♦Promote community involvement, such as the Harrison Square community question-and-answer session hosted by YLNI in March 2007 to explain the $125 million downtown revitalization project, which will include a hotel, stadium, condos and retail space.

♦Social networking by gaining contacts with other business professionals throughout northeast Indiana.

According to the organization's Web site, YLNI is also “a dynamic group that is connected to our community and committed to making it a vibrant and viable place to live, work and play. Our mission is to engage and empower our young leaders through community, professional and social opportunities.”

10.20.08

YLNI the VOTE Releases Candidates' Brochure, Hosts Candidates' Night Oct. 27

Ft Wayne, IN – Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) is educating its members and the general public about the upcoming general election with a non‐partisan candidates brochure and a candidates night Oct. 27 as part of the YLNI the VOTE initiative to educate and inform local voters.

 

The candidates’ brochure, which includes responses from major‐party candidates in the governor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, Congress, statehouse, Allen County offices and Fort Wayne Community Schools board races, is currently available to download at www.ylni.org. Hard copies will be available at YLNI's Ultimate Mixer 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 in the lobby of the 1st Source building, 200 E. Main St., or at a variety of locations throughout Fort Wayne starting next week.  YLNI does not endorse candidates.

 

Starting at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at the downtown branch of the Allen County Public Library,

Candidates Night will allow candidates to address YLNI members and the general membership just before the Nov. 4 election. Denice Beights, YLNI president, will moderate the event for candidates to introduce themselves to YLNI members as well as the general public. Candidates or their representatives from local and statewide races will be attending this free event.

 

"YLNI the VOTE is putting its emphasis on the down‐ticket races. The presidential candidates get so much attention from voters and the media, but our members, and the general public for that matter, may feel less informed about the policy positions of those running for the statehouse or county council, which can have a more direct impact on northeast Indiana," President Beights said. "YLNI works every day to engage and empower young leaders in our community. YLNI the VOTE, a non‐partisan educational effort, fits with our mission to help young professionals get their voices heard."

10.13.08

YLNI Cited in Inside INdiana Business

Blog: Fort Wayne Making Progress

InsideINdianaBusiness.com Report

At a recent roundtable discussion, executives of Indiana companies gathered to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities for businesses in northern Indiana. The blog from the Northern Indiana Companies Roundtable with Gerry Dick is sponsored by Ice Miller LLP. Today's entry is from Vera Bradley Public Relations Representative Melissa Cordial.

Fort Wayne isn't what typically comes to mind when thinking about booming cities for young people, but it's trying. The Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) is moving mountains by implementing social gatherings at local restaurants and attractions with a two-fold plan: 1) to encourage young professionals to collaborate on issues important to the future of the city; and 2) to familiarize these young people with the fun culture that many of the restaurants and attractions boast.

YLNI is also making strides with the community by initiating the Barr Street Market (a local farmer's market held in downtown Fort Wayne on Saturday mornings) and hosting leadership forums and seminars for young professionals interested in serving on community boards.

The Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has also taken steps toward a fabulously fun city by erecting hip signage across the city that highlights and directs visitors and locals to attractions like the Botanical Conservatory, museums, performing arts center, and the extraordinary genealogy center.

The CVB's campaign, Room for Dreams, highlights the city's affordable housing, positive quality of life and ample opportunities for businesses to prosper.

Fort Wayne has quite a few hurdles to jump to compete with other cities in Indiana and the mid-west; yet, it's certainly making progress.