ypB E-NewsMarch 2008
In this month's issue...
♦ TOP STORY - YP Fast Track - New program from LEAD Brevard just for YPs
♦ March networking event at The Black Tulip Restaurant in Cocoa Village
♦ 2008 YP International Summit coming to the Space Coast
♦ ypB members take home three of 4 Under 40 honors
♦ Where do the candidates stand on science and technology? A debate on the topics may help us to know
♦ ypB welcomes its newest members - Plus, who's renewed? We let you know!
♦ Go, Do, See! What's happening around Brevard
Put your future on the FAST TRACK
Knowing that today's young professionals want opportunities to learn the skills that will help them succeed, LEAD Brevard, the Space Coast’s leadership and community development organization has a program that gives you the foundation to build on, from leadership development and professional skills, to personal growth and community service opportunities.
 Introducing... |
Developed with input from fellow young professionals, YP Fast Track is five, day-long sessions that feature a blend of keynotes and speakers, group exercises and seminar options that will provide you with hands-on, interactive learning experiences, insights from established and successful professionals, a glimpse into your leadership style and how to best use it, and an overview of what makes Brevard County a great place to live, work, and play!
“YP Fast Track creates a network of young professional leaders who are self aware, have a definition of leadership for themselves, and develop and leverage their own leadership style to become a more valuable member of their own organization’s leadership team.”
Setting the course for your future is important. Having the tools to chart that course and succeed in today’s highly competitive job market is essential. YP Fast Track will give you the foundation to move your career into high gear, while also helping you to connect to your community and finding your “sense of place” among your friends and neighbors in Brevard.
Program enrollment is limited to the first 20 participants who register. Classes begin in May and continue, one Friday per month through August. Graduation will coincide with Young Professionals 3rd annual anniversary celebration in late August.
Talk to your supervisor or HR department and let them know that you’re willing to do what it takes to become a more valuable member of your team and the community. Let them know you’re willing to get on the Fast Track!
CLICK HERE for a YP Fast Track curriculum outline and enrollment form. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at 321-632-8222 or email Erin Puzel, ypB program manager at Erin@LEADBrevard.org.
We look forward to welcoming you to one of the most dynamic programs of its kind. Join YP Fast Track today!
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The Black Tulip Restaurant in historic Cocoa Village hosts ypB's March social networking event
For those astute members with an elephant-like memory, this is not a misprint... Last month's networking event was originally scheduled for the Black Tulip, but do to a conflict we changed venues to World Beat Café. So, we're giving it another shot.
Join over 100 YPs from throughout Brevard for our next social networking event at The Black Tulip Restaurant - 207 Brevard Ave. in historic Cocoa Village on Thursday, March 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
You'll enjoy meeting up with friends and making new ones while you feast on complimentary hors d'oeuvres, compliments of the Black Tulip. A cash bar will be available.
As always, no need to RSVP. Admission is still free for ypB members and $5.00 for nonmembers. Everyone's invited, so bring your friends along!
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ypB wins bid to bring YP leaders from the U.S. and Canada to the Space Coast for International Summit
ypB announced that Brevard County has been chosen as the site of the 5th annual Young Professionals International Summit, to be held this September 25-28. Recognized as a prime opportunity for a community to showcase its young professional (YP) movement, as well as its focus on creating a “YP-friendly” environment, the event is expected to draw between 200 and 400 
representatives of young professionals organizations (YPO) from throughout the U.S. and Canada.
ypB worked in partnership with its parent organization, LEAD Brevard and Brevard Workforce Development Board, Inc. to prepare the bid proposal and secure preliminary funding. Brevard was chosen over such notable cities as New Orleans, Cleveland, and Albany, NY.
“Hosting the annual Young Professional’s International Summit is an extraordinary opportunity for local Young 
Professional organizations,” said Rebecca Ryan, president and CEO for Next Generation Consulting the managing organization for the summit. “The host YPO gains the value of showcasing their community and their programs to their peers, and to play a central role in the increasingly crucial conversation about how to attract, retain and engage young talent in their communities.“
"ypB is both proud and elated that the Space Coast has been chosen to host this year's YP International Summit,” said ypB Chairman, Dawn Hamilton, program planning officer for Brevard Workforce Development Board, Inc. “We have a cutting-edge YP program that has received national recognition for its many member benefits, strong governance and active community involvement. Hosting this event is an excellent opportunity to showcase Brevard to several hundred young professionals from throughout the U.S. and Canada. We know that they’ll take back stories of the great experiences they had here and share them with their friends and YP peers.”
The summit will provide YPO leaders a peer-to peer opportunity to learn best practices, including how to build strong organizations and effective member-benefit programs, increase their individual leadership effectiveness, and gain insight into building better communities for YPs to live and work. The event will also feature nationally recognized speakers and local leaders, several evening receptions hosted throughout Brevard, and optional pre and post summit visitor packages.
Initial financial and in-kind support has been pledged by Brevard Workforce Development Board, Inc.; Certified General Contractors, Inc.; Florida Space Coast Office of Tourism; Breit Ideas, Inc.; Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront; Indian River Queen-Island Boat Cruise Lines; Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – Delaware North Park Services, Inc.; Spherion Staffing; and Webster University. ypB will seek additional funding and support for the event.
For more information, contact ypB program manager Erin Puzel or public relations coordinator Geo Ropert, APR at 321-632-8222 or email Erin@LEADBrevard.org or Geo@LEADBrevard.org.
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Meet the recipients of the 4th Annual 4 Under 40!
 2008 4 Under 40 Award recipients from left to right: Erik Eavenson, Jermaine Curry, Shannon Meyer, and Travis Proctor (Photo courtesy of Events To Go Entertainment) |
The event took place Friday, February 15 at the Melbourne Hilton Rialto Place. Also taking home 4 Under 40 honors was Jermaine Curry, program specialist with Cuyler Community Learning Center.
Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy senior Taylor Williams received recognition for his accomplishments and community service and Frank Mastrome, a senior from Rockledge High School received the first-ever "Spirit of Leadership" award.
Congratulations to all of the 4 Under 40 recipients, as well as the 12 finalists and over 40 nominees!
Those in attendance were treated to a news-style video produced by Central Florida News 13, highlighting the finalists and featuring past award winners. The evening’s host was Central Florida News 13 anchor Scott Harris.
Presenting sponsors of the event included FLORIDA TODAY, Harris Corporation, Parrish Medical Center, and a consortium of higher education institutions, including Brevard Community College, Florida Institute of Technology and the University of Central Florida. Event sponsors included Brevard Workforce Development Board, Inc. and Brevard Job-Link, as well as United Space Alliance.
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Will the U.S. remain a leader in science and technology? We should know where our next president stands on the issues
Given the many urgent scientific and technological challenges facing America and the rest of the world, the increasing need for accurate scientific information in political decision making, and the vital role scientific innovation plays in spurring economic growth and competitiveness, Science Debate, Inc., in partnership with The National Academy of Sciences, The National Academy of Engineering, The Institute of Medicine, The American Association for the Advancement of Science, The Council on Competitiveness, and The Franklin Institute has called for a public debate in which the U.S. presidential candidates share their views on the issues of The Environment, Health and Medicine, and Science and Technology Policy.
The next president of the United States will face unprecedented scientific and technological policy challenges and opportunities, three classes of which poll at the top of voter concerns: the economy and economic competitiveness; healthcare; and the environment. Candidates should have ideas about what kinds of policies will best address these issues, and should inform the voters of their views.
The organizers of Science Debate 2008 have set a date, April 18, and place, the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
CLICK HERE if you would like to learn more, including how you may sign an electronic letter of support for the debate.
(Editors note: The preceding is for informational purposes only. As a 501 (c)(3) not-for profit organization, ypB and LEAD Brevard do not endorse or take any position on political issues or candidates.)
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Welcome ypB's newest members and "thanks" to our renewing members
ypB welcomes the following new members and thanks our current members for renewing their commitment to our program during the month of February:
New Members
Paul Aron - United Space Alliance; Eric Burton; Danielle Daniel - CHS; Daniel Hicks - Brevard Public Schools; Jeff Paddon - Grubb & Ellis | Commercial Florida; Brad Plesko - Plesko Construction; Jodi Quillet; and Christopher Shaffer.
Renewing Members
Deirdre Jackson - Brevard County; Kristin Johnson - Science Applications International Corporation; Paul Kantz - Self-employed photographer; Grady Marshall - The Bank Brevard; Paul Matchett - RE/MAX Olympic Realty; Kungun Mathur - Harris Corp.; and Jennifer Neuhard - Florida Tech.
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What's going on around town and on the Space Coast? Visit ypB Go! Do! See!
Visit ypB's Go! Do! See! page for a list of events, activities and programs that are of interest to YPs. There's never a shortage of things to do on the Space Coast!
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Young Professionals of Brevard is a program of
© 2008 Young Professionals of Brevard/LEAD Brevard, Inc. All rights reserved.
