By Joe Johnson (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: February 29, 2012
If your familiarity with the local Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce isn’t quite up there, then you may not be aware of a certain segment of the organization. However, there is a very real importance to the chamber for younger, driven and goal-oriented people, in order to establish the future of Abbotsford’s local business community.
The Young Leaders Mingle event was created to cater to the needs of those future business leaders. It’s just getting off the ground, and comes with an admission fee, but is it something that may very well be very useful to your aspirations if you have an entrepreneurial dream, or are simply business-minded.
Strictly speaking, it’s an event run by the under-40, for the under-40. The event’s name, “Young Leaders Mingle,” is indicative of the basic premise of anybody who has an interest in seeking other like-minded individuals and who are relatively the same age, meet and chat a bit.
Chamber of Commerce President Patrick Giesbrecht gave a rundown of Young Leaders Mingle. “So, it’s more of an end of a business day, have a cocktail or a beverage and enjoy some finger food, kind of thing. And there’s just a lot of working the room, people meeting other people, having business cards. And as far as that goes, having a lot of non-business conversations, as well, of course.” he said.
It’s not limited to only members of the chamber, either. While there are many members who do attend the events, Giesbrecht estimates that it could be upwards of half the people there are simply individuals looking to network – which really is the goal of the event.
To those interested, “any individual involved in business, whether in ownership or as an employee in the Fraser Valley, is welcome to come to these events,” Giesbrecht explained. And it’s the focus on the under-40 demographic that makes this event what it is, high energy and an experience suited for a younger group of professionals.
Geisbrecht described some of the particulars, as well. “Usually there are some door prizes, maybe a contest or two, a few introductions are made, and someone goes home with some prizes of some kind.” The events last about two hours in length.
To be successful in business, it’s essential to build relationships. They’re what can either make or break a business. Giesbrecht understands this. “Business is about relationships. And the stronger, the longer term the relationships are, the more profitable that they can be. And so, me as an under-40 business person in Abbotsford, I know and I can point to the success that I’ve had has been directly related to building the relationships with other key people, of various ages, but in particular with the people who I will be doing business with for the longest amount of time.” He stressed that, “starting young, finding other people who are using the same tools, from a technology point of view, is just a smart thing to do.”
And that’s why the idea of the Young Leaders Mingle came about. It was a part of the chamber’s strategic plan. Having understood that the chamber was being seen as a group for older people who are already firmly planted in the city, they wanted to alter that perception. A point was made to send the message out to young professionals, and the event was created.
The first one, held at Relevention Marketing Solutions, and the most recent, on February 2 at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre, are also a way to show what your business is about. The event is organized by a volunteer business owner or even just an employee of the business, to be held on their own workplace. As over 100 people were in attendance for each so far, Giesbrecht has called it a success.
While the next event hasn’t been scheduled, yet, it is expected to take place in May or June. However, on April 26 there will be a luncheon with three speakers from the Business in Vancouver “Top 40 Under 40” list giving speeches.
Perhaps the most important reason for students with business aspirations in having an interest in the Young Leaders Mingle event is as Geisbrecht explained: “The opportunities for networking, building relationships, meeting other people doing similar things to you in your age group, there is no other event like it in the Fraser Valley.”
