To anyone who's ever attended school, let's use our imaginations for a moment.
Your teacher walks to the front of the room and hands out a big assignment. A few of your classmates (or perhaps you) might groan or even protest. At this point, you may hear one of two popular phrases: 1. "It'll be good for you." and/or 2. "It won't kill you."
Both may send shivers up your spine, but chances are that if you are reading this perhaps your teacher might have been right on either one of those statements or both. The day I graduated college, I vowed never to study or write another paper in my life. HA. Little did I realize that every day would turn into a some type of learning experience. Not only that, but the experiences are vital to the success of whatever you are doing.
Last year, we asked Greater Grand Forks Young Professional members what they felt was the most important thing our organization could provide for them. An overwhelming number stated the professional development opportunities were a major reason that they initially signed up and continue to sign up. When our members talk, we do our best to accommodate; so in addition to our already stellar offerings of Executive Briefings and Professional Development Series, we kicked it up one more notch with our monthly Lunch & Learns.
What are these? Executive Briefings allow us to sit down with an "established professional" in the community and hear their life story -- the struggles, the triumphs, the risks, the rewards -- all that has led them to the point they are at today. It is a fun and interesting way to learn about a local business and leader. Past speakers have included: Hal Gershman of Happy Harry's, Matt Winjum of Rhombus Guys, Randy Newman of Alerus Financial, Barb Schultz of Ideal Aerosmith, Brian Johnson of Choice Financial, Jody Hodgson of Ralph Engelstad Arena and Fernanda Philbrick of Intel. A few of our Professional Development Series have offered lessons in presentation and communication, starting your own business and lunch etiquette.
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Over a year ago, we started monthly Lunch & Learns, which allow members to stay connected with pertinent and local hot topics and the community as a whole. We've had local nonprofits, event organizers and advocates come in to share information. Now we're using L&Ls as a way to offer both professional development and community involvement. Every other month starting in July, we will have a trained instructor from UND or Northland Community and Technical College make a presentation. On July 18, we learned all about stress management (apparently a tub of ice cream is not the best way to cope).
Everyone is welcome to attend these sessions, which will be held every third Thursday on the second floor of Rhombus Guys from noon to 1 p.m. The opposing months will continue with community involvement. You'll be surrounded by good people, delicious food and information to absorb and benefit you. (Did I mention that Rhombus Guys sets up a family-style buffet for our attendees? It's great.) If you'd like to check one of our L&Ls out, feel free to drop me an email at stacey@ggfyp.com . We'd love to save you a seat at the table.
Dimmler is executive director of Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals. Reach her at Stacey@ggfyp.com or at (218) 779-9369. Go to the group's website at GGFYP.com.
