On their Facebook Page, the mission statement for Gen Connect reads, "We provide young, professional, career-minded individuals with opportunities and activities to develop socially and professionally." Though accurate, a formal summary doesn't quite capture the unique organization's true spunk and character.
If you ask current member Bailey Rankin why she is a member, she shares,
“I got involved with GenConnect because I think it’s important for the younger generation to be involved with the community and to take ownership of their careers. It’s personally brought me a great group of friends and even if they leave the committee I know I have connections across Frederick. If I’m ever in a pinch or need some guidance I know I can rely on them. ”
The group, created by The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce in 2010, really just wants to bring together Frederick's leaders of tomorrow and prepare them for their future in the business community. GenConnect has come up with great community-based events to provide networking, mentoring and provide educational moments.
““GenConnect has been an incredibly impactful part of my professional growth over the last several years...the connections that I’ve made through the group have opened up an abundance of opportunities, both individually and professionally. The foundation of Frederick’s success and growth is its business community. Being involved with GenConnect allows me to interact and build relationships with the future leaders of the local business community. It’s always my hope that these relationships will continue and we can transition to take the reins of the Frederick business community together. There are many young professional groups out there, but GenConnect truly is the group of future leaders that will keep Frederick on the amazing pattern of growth that it has been on for the last several years.””
Opportunities to participate as a group and volunteer at events -- such as Downtown Frederick Partnership's Bring a Broom; charity fundraising at Beer, Bacon, and collecting toy donations for the Frederick Rescue Mission -- allow great friendships to be forged.
GenConnect has attracted many of our community's rising stars and change-agents.
When asked if there is one Gen Connect member name that everyone hears over and over, the answer was Mike Greenberg with the Frederick Rescue Mission. Recently recognized in Frederick Magazine's 'People To Watch', he continually strives to make the Frederick Rescue Mission the best it can be and has done amazing things for the non-profit & the Frederick community -- all with incredible passion and energy. One GenConnect member calls him contagious.
The group is currently looking for new committee members. If you are between 21 and 40 (you know, "millennial"), excited about your career, love your community and have a few great ideas, let them know. Currently, you can email the Chamber at info@frederickchamber.org.
Here's the 411 on Gen Connect: https://www.facebook.com/GenerationConnect/
http://www.frederickchamber.org/generation-connect.html
info@frederickchamber.org