The Bulletin -- May 27, 2009 (#992)

PP Marty Mannix and Incoming President Bonnie Black speak with ADK YP Member, Keri Mack (Right).

Program: Adirondack Young Professionals (ADK YP)

Comprehensive Survey Keri Mack, Founding ADK YP Member and Director of Business Services at the Work Force Investment Board, began the presentation. She said that in 2008, the WIB commissioned the Technical Assistance Center at SUNY Plattsburgh to conduct a Young Professionals Survey addressing the issues of attraction and retention. Ms. Mack discussed the survey’s findings.

Importance of Professional Opportunities The survey identified six main areas relating to professional opportunities. Survey respondents ranked six categories from most important to least. The results were as follows: pay scale, educational opportunities, number of jobs available, professional development opportunities, job variety and networking opportunities.

Respondents were then asked to determine if these same categories were well afforded in the North Country. Categories deemed positive represented were educational opportunities, professional development and networking opportunities. Those deemed underrepresented were variety of jobs, number of jobs and pay scale.

Importance of Lifestyle Opportunities Respondents were asked to rank seven lifestyle categories from most important to least and the survey resulted in the following: recreational opportunities, community involvement, arts and cultural activities, social gathering spots, community image/identity, diversity and night life.

When asked to identify those areas that are well afforded in the North Country they chose the following: recreational opportunities, community involvement, and community image/identity. Areas that were underrepresented in the North Country were social gathering spots and cultural opportunities.

Point of Interest As a result of the survey, the WIB learned that 75% of respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with their current jobs while 54% planned to stay permanently in the region or for at least 9 years. Additionally, 58% said they were satisfied/very satisfied with the community outside of work. Quality of life and the variety of recreational opportunities were main reasons for young professionals deciding to live and stay in the area.

ADK YP President Michael Cashman discusses the organization with PP Marty Mannix.

What is ADK Young Professional?

Michael Cashman, board member and President of ADK YP, spoke about the organization and its goals. The mission of the ADK YP is to create opportunities for young professionals to network, socialize and serve the Greater Adirondack Community. It began as a local Young Professionals group in the North Country by the WIB’s North Country Leadership Class of 2007 and has evolved through the years.

Impact The ADK YP identified three ways they hope to make an impact on the region and fulfill their mission. They include Economic Development and Talent Retention Forums, speed networking, and social service events.

Defining Young Professionals The ADK YP is by no means an exclusive organization. Member ages range from 18 to 44, but Cashman emphasized that anyone who is new to their profession or would benefit from ADKYP is welcome to join.

Community Support Both Mack and Cashman extended sincere gratitude to the community organizations and agencies that have helped promote ADK YP. They specifically highlighted the WIB, Glens Falls National Bank, the Chamber of Commerce, ETS, Naked Turtle, and Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna, LLP.

This Week:

President Steve Frederick with District Governor Peter Bashaw.

Congratulations to Ed Marin for winning a seat on the Beekmantown School Board of Directors.
Friday, May 29 is the Paul Harris Dinner. RSVPs are due today (May 27th). Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner to follow at 6:30 p.m. at the Valcour Educational Center Boathouse Please join the club in celebrating our Paul Harris Fellows.
Friday-Sunday, June 5-7, is the Rotary Fishing Tournament. Volunteers are in dire need to man weigh stations. If you haven’t signed up, please consider helping. It is one of three biggest fundraisers and requires substantial club participation.
Wednesday, June 10, is the Rotary Golf Outing, and PP Marty Mannix is still looking for applications by June 3.
President Steve made Ange LaMariana a promise 6 months ago. Ange is 94 years young, and as a diabetic, has never tasted maple syrup. Steve fulfilled his promise and presented Ange with a sample sized jar of his own maple syrup.

Visiting Rotarians: Jim Bennett, Assistant District Governor; Peter Bashaw, District Governor

Guests: Joshua Kretser (Maria Alexander); Michael Cashman and Keri Mack (Paul Sands); Joselyn Parks (Bob Parks)

Fines: Kristen Shives spun the rotary wheel of justice for $3 for her photo in the press.

50/50 : The pot is worth $734 and Stan Ransom drew the Ace of Spades.

Happy Dollars

PP Bob Miller’s granddaughter just completed her MBA!
Jody Carpenter is holding a seminar tonight (May 27) on “How to Build a Budget” at Plattsburgh State at the Cardinal Lounge, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
John Seiden thanked those who invited us to the Strand Theater last week. Secondly, John announced that the 2009 Rotary House is under contract. John’s oldest son just graduated from the Police Academy, and his youngest son has just become a Level 1 Firefighter with Plattsburgh District 3 Department.
Bob Parks had a dollar for his daughter who is with him today. With a second dollar he greeted Wallace Westfeldt and Alice Church. Bob announced that eight area museums and galleries will be open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. to the public on Saturday, June 6. Events will be held rain or shine, and donations are welcome.
DG Peter Bashaw thanked the club for our support and donation to the Rotary Foundation. We exceeded our goal and are making great strides in expanding our club.
Keith Tyo pointed out that Joslyn Parks is one of 800 graduates who participated in the events last weekend. He also gave kudos to Distinguished Service Award Recipients PP Rod Giltz and Celine Paquette for their participation and service to the college and community.
Bonnie Black announced that her youngest daughter is on the Dean’s List once again at Ithaca College with a 3.87.
PP Kevin Killen reminded the club that “Hair of the Dog” will be playing at the Naked Turtle on Sunday at 4 p.m. as a benefit for the YMCA.
Roger VanGuilder would like everyone to know about the Boy Scout breakfast on Tuesday, June 9 at the American Legion Post 20 on the Quarry Road.
PP Marty Mannix had a dollar for Mountain Lake PBS and Cinematographer Jason Stanley who went on the Mission of Hope trip to Nicaragua and created a wonderful video of his experience.
Ray Guydosh congratulated Keith Tyo for his part in making the graduation ceremony at SUNY Plattsburgh happen flawlessly.
Amy Kretser thanked the club for allowing her flexibility with attendance. Her family’s schedule has changed allowing her continued participation at club meetings, and she is glad to be back.

Upcoming Programs/Duties: go to Membership Duty List