This month YPN encourages you to:

• Attend the Annual YPN Golf Outing.
• Volunteer with at the National Governor’s Association Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration.
• Volunteer at McClure Elementary Spring Fling.
• Read about YPN’s Sold Out Success in the City Event.
• Participate in WorkReady Philadelphia’s Summer Paid Internship Program.

Time is running out to Register for the Annual YPN Golf Outing

Monday, June 23, 2008
Registration and Lunch: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Golf: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Networking Reception: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Bala Golf Club
2200 Belmont Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

YPN is bringing back the golf outing! Come out for a day of intimate networking on the green. You’ll play in a group of four, which may include a senior business executive. Cost covers lunch, carts, access to the locker rooms, $10 to the golf shop and an evening reception. Parking is free.

You may sign up as an individual, pair, or threesome. Register online at www.ypnphilly.com.

Volunteer with the National Governor’s Association Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration

For the last decade, the Young Professionals Network of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce has provided volunteer services for such momentous occasions such as the President’s Summit for America’s Future and the Republican National Convention thereby enhancing the smooth operation of these historic events. Governor Ed Rendell and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce invite you to serve once again in this capacity when he welcomes the nation’s governors to Philadelphia for the National Governor Association’s Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration, July 11-14. Much like previous events in which the YPN has participated, this conference will offer an insider’s perspective into a prestigious organization. The YPN Board of Directors will be the primary volunteer team assisting the Pennsylvania Host Committee at the event.

Areas in which volunteer participation is needed include hospitality, registration, media, transportation & logistics and event operations. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, please contact Jacob Rozran at 215 790-3677 or jrozran@greaterphilachamber.com for further details. Space is limited.

Volunteer at the McClure Elementary Spring Fling

Friday, June 6, 2008
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

McClure Elementary School
600 West Hunting Park Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140

Last year, the Young Professionals Network started a relationship with McClure Elementary School through Greater Philadelphia Cares Day. McClure is a K-4 school with 25 classrooms consisting of children with diverse backgrounds, many of whom are considered at-risk or living at the poverty level.

YPN has continued this relationship with the school for a second year, recently hosting a Career and Education Day for the students. To wrap up the year, the Young Professionals Network will be hosting a Spring Fling at McClure. Students on honor roll and who attend Saturday school will be recognized with a pizza party, awards, and giveaways.

This is a great opportunity for members to volunteer and help support the celebration of students' year long dedication to hard work. If you are interested, please contact Jacob Rozran at jrozran@greaterphilachamber.com.

The Pyramid Club hosts YPN for Success in the City
Submitted by Tina Greco, PREIT

This year’s YPN Success in the City event brought a room full of aspiring young professionals together to hear about the winning careers of 3 very reputable panelists who have had an impact on Philadelphia, including Judy Spires, President of Acme Markets, Wes Wyatt, Chairman and CEO of Cintron Beverage Group, Vai Sikahema, Anchorman/Sports Director for NBC 10 News, and our favorite moderator, Lori Wilson, Anchor/Reporter and Co-hot of “10!” for NBC 10 News. All of the speakers had the common thread of Philadelphia playing a role in their professional and personal success, and it all came back to the relationships and the people of the Philadelphia region that contributed in some way.

Being in a location like The Pyramid Club with its majestic views, myself, and the peers I talked to, couldn’t help but feel a sense of empowerment and motivation. We were encouraged by the speakers to keep family and social values among our priorities, to learn from every experience (no matter how frustrating or difficult) and take that with us as we figure out our way to where and who we want to be. Despite the rainy weather, it was a great event and I look forward to continuing to be inspired by their careers – whether you are an entrepreneur, an athlete or a female climbing a corporate ladder, there is success to be had in Philadelphia.

YPN Partners with the Young Friends of Philadelphia Youth Network to Benefit WorkReady Philadelphia

YPN came together with the Young Friends of Philadelphia Youth Network for a networking event to benefit WorkReady Philadelphia’s Summer Paid Internship Program. All told, the event raised over $1700; all of the proceeds from the event will go directly to subsidize summer paid internships for Philadelphia High School students.

Speaking at the event were Howard Cutler of AETNA, a recent recipient of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40-under-40 award, and Al Golden, head football coach of Temple University. Howard Cutler talked about how important it is to find room for students at your workplace. Howard surprised everyone when he provided a personal donation, above and beyond that which AETNA has already pledged to support. Al Golden spoke about the importance of providing opportunities to those who are less fortunate.

Thank you to all who attended this worthwhile event.

Are you a New Member of YPN?

Want to meet other new members and get an overview of the organization? Join YPN Board members Sarah Talasnik and Steve Grandizio this month at the Chamber for YPN New Member Orientation. Sarah Talasnik works as the Development Manager for the National MS Society, Greater Delaware Valley Chapter. Sarah is mainly responsible for working with two of the chapter's events: Walk MS at the Philadelphia Art Museum and Bike MS: PA Dutch Ride. Previously, she worked at Advanced Health Media as a Speaker Bureau Planner. Sarah received her BA in Business Administration in 2003 from Lynchburg College. Steve Grandizio is president of Friendly Mortgage, a mortgage brokerage firm with offices in Old City and West Palm Beach, Florida. After playing professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, Steve returned to Philadelphia in 1996. In 2007, Steve was named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 as well as being the Chair of the YPN Board.

The next YPN New Member Orientation will be on Monday July 28, 2008, at 5:30PM. The orientations will be held at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce located at 200 S. Broad Street (Broad & Walnut) on the 7th floor. Please confirm your attendance by emailing your contact information to Jacob Rozran at ypn@greaterphilachamber.com.