Forward Janesville - TheReport - First Quarter 2022

The original leadership team for the JOIN Janesville Young Professionals ( JJYP) had some big aspirations, and for nearly four years now they have been working diligently to turn those dreams into reality. In early 2018, Laura Cullen brought forward the idea for a young professionals organization. Laura’s vision, along with the hard work of a dedicated group of young professional leaders, support from Forward Janesville, and generous donations from established businesses in the area, helped bring JJYP to life, and it hosted its fi rst event in September 2018. JJYP’s mission is to advance and empower young professionals by creating a community of like-minded and ambitious individuals that connect, network, and interact with one another through the JOIN Janesville Young Professionals network. Today, JJYP has more than 80 members from a range of professions including healthcare, insurance, banking, accounting, auto sales, video production, construction, and more. Members meet monthly at events focused on individual development, community outreach and engagement, social networking, and new opportunities. At its heart, JOIN Janesville Young Professionals is a connector. It connects to the community through volunteer opportunities and Community Spotlight presentations from organizations like United Way Blackhawk Region, HealthNet, and Downtown Janesville, Inc., who share additional ways to get involved. It connects to local organizations like Gray Brewing Company, Genisa Wine Bar, Blackhawk Technical College, Blackhawk Community Credit Union, and SHINE Technologies, who act as host sites for events, provide tours of their facilities and insights about their work, or participate in Business Spotlight presentations. In addition, it connects to businesses like Johnson Financial Group, Baker Tilly, Summit Accounting, Centra Chiropractic, and Baird who share knowledge and expertise on topics a ff ecting young professionals. It connects to a professional network of JJYP members who may become both business contacts and friends, and further expands that network when it collaborates with organizations like the Rising Professionals of Beloit or Forward Janesville to co-host events. It connects to leadership opportunities both within the organization and outside of it. JJYP members may join the Marketing or Events Committees, both of which are vital to the success of the organization. Connections made within the group can also lead to requests to serve on the Boards of other organizations, and information shared via newsletters and social media alerts members to area volunteer opportunities. Why are these connections important? JJYP assists in the development of Janesville. It helps de fi ne our city as a great place to live, work, and play! Janesville is a community on the rise. We need talented individuals to keep the strong momentum going. Building networks, volunteering in the community, and developing lasting relationships—it’s what makes JJYP a great way to foster connections to last a lifetime. CONNECT WITH JOIN JANESVILLE “Meet new people and come together to better our community through volunteer work and professional development.” • “Make business networking a regular part of their professional routine.” • “Continue to grow [the organization] so that we can provide bigger and better events, guest speakers, and community service opportunities.” • “See the group grow into something that will have a lasting e ff ect in Janesville.” Source: The FJI Report, Fourth Quarter 2018 Family-friendly outing at a Janesville Jets game. Networking at a wine and chocolate pairing event with Genisa Wine Bar and The Sugar Exchange. Volunteering at the City of Janesville’s Enchanted Forest. 10 • W W W . F O R W A R D J A N E S V I L L E . C O M Lindsay Cole • Finance & Special Projects Manager • accounting@forwardjanesville.com