Forward Janesville - TheReport - Fourth Quarter 2018

Carol Engebretson • Events & Membership Coordinator • carole@forwardjanesville.com The JOIN Janesville, FJI’s Young Professional Group has officially begun with their LAUNCH EVENT on Thursday, September 13 at Boardtracker Harley-Davidson Pavilion. Nearly 80 enthusiastic Young Professionals (age 45 and under) intently listened as CONNECT Madison’s Jenna Atkinson spoke to the group about the many reasons to participate and belong to a local Young Professional organization, and how it could further their lives and enhance their community. LAURA CULLEN, CO-CHAIR Training & Development Manager JP Cullen Tell us an interes ng thing about yourself. This is a tough one! I played Division 1 basketball in college so I am very proud of that but most people get excited when I tell them my husband Jack is a chef and, yes, he likes to cook at home too! Why did you step up to a leadership posi on with JOIN Janesville? We have a lot of talent here in Janesville! I am motivated by the support from Forward Janesville and business sponsors and the interest we have seen thus far from potential members. I think Young Professionals are looking to get more engaged in their work and in the community but some don’t know how to get started. Having a Young Professional organization can help them feel more connected and prepare for the next step in their lives and career. What’s the most compelling thing you would like to see happen in the first year of JOIN Janesville? I am excited to meet new people and come together to better our community through volunteer work and professional development. JENNIFER MCCARTHY, CPA, MEMBERSHIP CHAIR Manager Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Tell us an interes ng thing about yourself. I double majored in accounting and geography in college. Though I’ve made my career in accounting, I love to teach my young children about all of the things nature has to offer, especially here within the state of Wisconsin! Why did you step up to a leadership posi on with JOIN Janesville? I truly believe that there is a need in Janesville for a young professionals group such as JOIN Janesville. When I heard that one was starting up, I knew I wanted to be a part of it in some way. What’s the most compelling thing you would like to see happen in the first year of JOIN Janesville? I am excited to see the JOIN Janesville Young Professionals group (JJYP) energize young professionals to make business networking a regular part of their professional routine. If JJYP can then build on that momentum each month to bring together a diverse group of young professionals to grow networks, learn from each other, and give back, we have the potential to leave a lasting impact on the community in which we live and work. VALERIE HARRIS,MARKETING CHAIR Marketing Manager Boardtracker Harley-Davidson® Tell us an interes ng thing about yourself. I ride a 2015 Harley- Davidson Superlow. Why did you step up to a leadership posi on with JOIN Janesville? After graduating from Craig High School in 2006, I moved away to attend College at Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota and like many college students I didn’t come “home” during too many breaks. Within one week after graduating in 2010, with my vehicle still packed, I traveled 2,000 miles to Lake Tahoe, CA. The next five years I spent in the Lake Tahoe area I grew my career to become the Marketing & Advertising Manager for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. It was in 2015 that my husband, Mitch Harris, also a Janesville native, found out our family of two was about to become three. We loved our Midwest roots and placed our house for sale and moved back to the area now residing in Milton. When we returned to the Janesville area spring of 2015, I was looking for ways to get reconnected to a town that seemed very different from when I left as an eager 18- year-old back in 2006. Being active with many different organizations in college and out west, I was surprised the Janesville area didn’t have much to offer for a young professional moving to the area. I always hoped that one day, the Janesville area would have a thriving Young Professional organization again. Little did I realize I’d play a part in making that happen. What’s the most compelling thing you would like to see happen in the first year of JOIN Janesville? Young professionals have a voice that needs to be heard. My goal through JOIN Janesville Young Professional network is we can inspire a group of talented young professional in our area with connections, resources and events to help individuals and businesses thrive. STEPHANIE R. LOSCHING, CO-CHAIR Attorney Carney Thorpe, LLC Tell us an interes ng thing about yourself. I studied abroad in Russia. Why did you step up to a leadership posi on with JOIN Janesville? I stepped up to a leadership position with JOIN Janesville to promote and engage with the talented young leaders we have in our community. I am born and raised in Janesville, WI, yet JOIN Janesville Kicks Off Get to Know the JOIN Janesville Leaders 20 • W W W . F O R W A R D J A N E S V I L L E . C O M