Developing the next generation of business leaders

Here at the North Shore Chamber, we advocate, educate and collaborate. We also lead.

Taking leadership positions on issues that matter to business is critical to the mission of this organization. Developing leaders is also paramount to our success, and to the region’s sustainability. That’s why I’m thrilled to report that the Chamber’s newest initiative, Emerging Leaders, is moving forward with full force, with more than 100 young professionals already signed up and attending our events, training and career development opportunities. We are surely onto something special.

Most of these young professionals had never come to a Chamber event before, or even knew what the North Shore Chamber did. Now these Emerging Leaders are signing up for networking after-hours, breakfast forums and the golf tournament, and are poised to develop their leadership and career skills within the structure of the North Shore Chamber.

The mission for Emerging Leaders is simple but powerful — to drive career growth for young professionals collaboratively through relationship-building, skill development, and community involvement.

So who is considered a “young professional?” It’s a question we get often, and one that’s not so easy to answer. Most of our Emerging Leaders are in their 20s, some fresh out of college and working at their first job. Others are in their early 30s and a bit more experienced. Still others are still in school and eager to meet working professionals who’ll take the time to offer guidance on everything from how to dress for a job interview to how to save up to purchase your first home.

Chris Pellegrini of Windover Construction is a 20-something himself and Chair of the Emerging Leaders. He describes group members as “self-starters – people early in their path who want to work hard, develop themselves, meet other truly good people, and to succeed in all areas of their lives. They are the type of people that spend time before and after work bettering themselves so they add value to their organizations and communities every day.”

Karen

Andreas

Adding value to the community is key to the mission of M&T Bank, which has generously signed on as the exclusive platinum partner of Emerging Leaders. Dave Eidle, head of Business Banking for Massachusetts, is a member of the Chamber Board of Directors and a passionate advocate for the Emerging Leaders program.

The group is also very fortunate to have the guidance of Chamber members Deane Gyllenhaal of Intelligent Leadership Executive Coaching, and Samanda Morales, CEO of Ahora Inc. Deane and Samanda have volunteered as advisors to the Emerging Leaders.

How can you get involved?

First, please consider sponsoring Emerging Leaders events, and/or purchasing tickets for students and young professionals. Also, attend Emerging Leaders events and share your wealth of experiences. (You never know – you just might find your next best hire.)

Lastly, please encourage young professionals at your organization to join Emerging Leaders – it’s free to sign up – and use the Chamber’s workshops and seminars as their training opportunities. What better way to retain your young professionals than investing in their career development?

After all, our Emerging Leaders are our next CEOs, board members, and business owners. They are the future of our workforce, and the North Shore Chamber of Commerce.

I look forward to seeing you at our next Emerging Leaders event.

JULY

President and Chief Executive Officer

KAREN E. ANDREAS karen.andreas@ northshorechamber.org

Editor KATIE LOVETT katie.lovett@ northshorechamber.org

Director of Sales and Marketing CHERYL BEGIN cheryl.begin@ northshorechamber.org

Director of Business Development SCOTT MUIR scott.muir@ northshorechamber.org

Operations Manager ROBYN PREGENT robyn.pregent@ northshorechamber.org

Membership Coordinator KAY EISENSTEIN kay.eisenstein@ northshorechamber.org

Events Manager PATTI BAKER patti.baker@ northshorechamber.org

Summer 2023 Intern

ELISE FIRTH-GONZALEZ

Creative Design and Production DIANE CARNEVALE ART dianecarnevale.com