Emerging Leaders member, Erica Schmitt, listens in to speakers at the Kickoff Event at Cool Beans. Over 70 young professionals filtered through in support of the giving circle. Thanks to our guest attendees, Mark Schroeder, CEO, German American and Doug Bawel, CEO, Jasper Engines, for their opening remarks at the social event.
ABOUT EMERGING LEADERS
State Representative Sue Ellspermann and University of Southern Indiana's Center for Applied Research led the "Southern Indiana Rural Communities Summit: Plugging the Brain Drain" for over 150 attendees in early September at the Huntingburg Events Center. What emerged were long lists of ideas for encouraging people in the 25-44 age block to return to their rural communities.
Of the over 300 ideas generated, the Foundation has taken the lead on one of the six priority efforts to combat the departure of the best and brightest young minds. With the Emerging Leaders and Impact Today Giving Circles, the Foundation will help launch two influential professional networks that will be rooted in giving back to the community.
At this time, the Foundation has secured a major investment from its corporate founding partners, German American and Jasper Engines and Transmissions, to launch these innovative giving tools that will "bridge the gap" for giving to the local among the generations.
Emerging Leaders is designed for young professionals under the age of 45 to give, grant, and connect for as little as $120/yr. Their funds will be pooled together to grant thousands to the community. Impact Today is an attractive option for business leaders who desire to give back $500 annually to support their philanthropic interests.
The Emerging Leaders Steering Committee includes:
Brian Craig, Woods Printing, Holland
Cory Menke, OFS Brands, Huntingburg
Andrea Hedinger, Hedinger Beverage, Jasper
Cara Ward, Two Blue Design, Jasper
Eric Vollmer, Best Chairs, Ferdinand
Derek Bolling, Schmutzler Insurance, Huntingburg
Jessica Delorenzo, Vincennes University Jasper, Jasper
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