IGNITE January 2022

IGNITE is the region’s young professional group and is a part of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. IGNITE members do not have to be Rockford Chamber members to join, but IGNITE members are always welcome to learn more about becoming a Chamber member. Our mission is to attract and retain young professionals to the Rockford region. We do this by connecting and engaging young professionals with leadership, professional and personal development and volunteer opportunities. IGNITE’s program is suitable for individuals between the ages of 21 to 40; however, all are welcome in our group! Young professionals can be found in a wide variety of careers and IGNITE is not limited to any specific line of work. Our group is full of diversity, and we would love to keep it that way!

IGNITE focuses on the professional development, volunteering, community and social aspects of life.

Professional Development. Professional development is a key area for YPs. While in the beginning to middle stages of our careers, it is important that we grow as engaged members of our community as well as professionals. At IGNITE, we provide opportunities to meet key leaders in our community through our Lunch with a Leader series. Our Leadership Team is always happy to help make connections such as jobs, board seats, business opportunities and more. We have a job board and open community board positions listed on our website.

Volunteering. As young professionals it is important that we give back to the communities we live, work, learn and play in. Not only does this help our communities grow stronger and healthier, but it also allows YPs an important chance to expand their networks, engage in the non-profit side of our community, learn more and even improve their resumes. There are multiple volunteer opportunities listed on the IGNITE website or you can check United Way. Young professionals could also join us at our Meet the NonProfit series to learn more about the different organizations in our community.

Community. We are constantly looking for new ways to keep YPs engaged in the community. This is an ever-expanding and changing task, but IGNITE is up for the challenge. We are committed to encouraging our members to be a part of their local community. This could mean encouraging YPs to attend a city council meeting or becoming a mentor for high school seniors through Alignment Rockford. It could mean writing a column in the Rockford Chamber’s newspaper, The VOICE, or getting involved with Transform Rockford. Our community is constantly changing and so is our involvement, but our commitment to Rockford stays the same. We are always in 100 percent.

Social. “After 5s”, social events and IGNITE Cup will all be back for 2022! IGNITE Cup is a summer-long event series designed to connect and engage young professionals in the Rockford region. Teams of 10 (comprised of coworkers, friends or friends-to-be (i.e. strangers)) compete in games to earn points. The team at the end of the summer who earns the most points wins the coveted IGNITE CUP! All are welcome! To learn more about IGNITE, check out our Facebook at IGNITE Rockford or our Instagram (igniterockfordyp). If there are ever any questions or if you are interested in joining IGNITE, please contact me at info@igniterockford.com.

Carmen Kellerman is coordinator of IGNITE.

The views expressed are those of Kellerman’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.