SPONSORED CONTENT

By Duke Butler, tournament director of the Hotel Fitness Championship

As a Florida native, I recently moved to Fort Wayne to take the position of tournament director for the Hotel Fitness Championship. I have been overwhelmed by the generous support of the local community and the welcoming of this prestigious tournament to your city. Fort Wayne is clearly deserving of hosting major sporting events. 

For those of you who may not know, the Hotel Fitness Championship is the first of four tournaments that make up the newly created Web.com Tour Finals. Not only are the top 75 players from the Web.com Tour money list invited to participate, but players ranked 126-200 on the PGA TOUR FedExCup points list will also be eligible. On the line are 50 PGA TOUR cards for the 2013-14 season.  

Local organizations, like YLNI, will play a vital role in making the inaugural Hotel Fitness Championship a success. As the tournament will be returning to Sycamore Hills Golf Club for the next three years, it’s important that we garner community support this first year and establish a footprint for the future. For this reason, we are inviting all YLNI members to volunteer at the tournament Aug. 26–Sept.1.

We are now recruiting volunteers to work on a variety of committees—not all requiring golf knowledge. Approximately 800 volunteers are needed on committees including volunteer hospitality, admissions, marshals and many more. You can review the committee descriptions and volunteer information posted at www.HotelFitnessChampionship.com before submitting an application. 

Volunteers are asked to work a minimum of three shifts that are approximately five hours in length. All volunteers are required to purchase the Official Volunteer Uniform package for $50, which includes:

• Two logo golf shirts
• One hat or visor
• One volunteer credential, valid for entry to the Championship all week
• Food and beverages on days you volunteer
• One Weekly Grounds Ticket for guest entry to the Championship

To register as a volunteer, please follow the instructions below:

• Go to www.HotelFitnessChampionship.com 
• Click on the volunteer tab at the top of the page (or click on the blue volunteer button to skip step 3)
• Click the link to visit the registration site
• Click the green “Register Now” button and set up a username and password
• Complete the registration questions as directed

We hope many of YLNI’s members will participate as volunteers for this event, which will not only benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation and local Fort Wayne charities, but will have a significant economic impact for the community.  

Questions should be directed to Tournament Manager Sally White at white@wgaesf.org or 224-260-3786.

Thanks in advance for your support!

It’s almost time for the new season of Trek the Trails with Fort Wayne Trails.

Trek the Trails
Yes, yes, and YES! Trek the Trails rides are finally here, and we’re going to kick them off in style. Join the City of Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Trails at Salomon Farm Park on Tuesday, May 7th at 6PM for this year’s inaugural ride. After a breezy 8-mile roll (there’s also a shorter walk for those who prefer to keep their feet on terra firma), there’s a fun evening of food and dancing planned back at the Salomon Farm Barn from 7-9PM. The event is free, but please consider making a donation of $10 for the post-ride festivities that will help fund our trails. Please come join the fun!

 

Joshua Allen (JA), harelspoo@aol.com; Krisit Russo (KR), krusso@burkhartadv.com; Zach Sauder (ZS), zach.sauder@micromaticllc.com; Abigail Davis (AD), Abigail.Davis@CFS-Staffing.com

YLNI: Why did you join YLNI?
JA: I joined so I can be a part of the change I want to see in our area. It saddens me to see so many talented individuals leave our area for “better” or “more exciting” opportunities.
KR: I am an East Coaster who moved here for work and needed to develop a professional as well as social network. YLNI was a natural fit.
ZS: To get more involved with the future growth of Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana.
AD: I recently moved back to the greater Fort Wayne area and wanted to get more involved with the city, as well as, network and learn more about what this city has to offer for young professionals.

YLNI: What is your involvement with YLNI?
JA: My involvement is limited to membership at this point. I am eager to change that soon!
KR: I have attended everything from Hotspots to Speed Networking.
ZS: I recently completed the 2013 Leadership Institute.
AD: I joined a couple of months ago and have attended the Speed Networking Event and a couple of the Hot Spots.

YLNI: Why did you see the value in a paid membership?
JA: I see value in the big picture. I believe in the mission of YLNI, so I have made a decision to invest of myself to the cause of retaining talented individuals locally.
KR: YLNI provides so many great opportunities to embrace our community and our professional growth. Paying for my membership to support their initiatives and hard work is the least I could do!
ZS: Getting to know more young leaders in the area as well as the various initiatives YLNI is participating in today.
AD: I joined to support the organization and meet other young professionals.

YLNI: Who is your employer?
JA: I currently manage a special finance automotive dealership for Auto Credit USA.
KR: Burkhart Advertising, Inc
ZS: Micromatic LLC
AD: Creative Financial Staffing, an affiliate of Crowe Horwath CPA Firm

YLNI: How long have you been affiliated with the company?
JA: I have been with this automotive group for six months. I have been in the automotive industry since high school. There were also many summer days spent cleaning cars at my father’s dealership as a child.
KR: I am just starting my third year.
ZS: 2.5 years
AD: A little over 10 months

YLNI: What is your occupation?
JA: My occupation with Auto Credit USA is store manager. Our new location is in Columbia City, IN. We opened our doors in December 2012.
KR: Media Account Executive
ZS: Chief Financial Officer
AD: I am a Staffing Manager

YLNI: Describe your role within the organization
JA: My position within the new location covers a broad spectrum! In addition to managing the inventory and my sales team I have the responsibility of keeping our facility functioning properly and looking good. Being involved during the infant stages of a new location has also provided me with a great opportunity to learn more about the business, or “behind the scenes” aspect of running a dealership. My job always presents new and exciting challenges with each new customer.
KR: I manage 70-80 active business accounts in Allen and Adams counties and guide them through the world of outdoor advertising.
ZS: I work on the traditional things a typical CFO does and in addition I am responsible for Customer Service, IT, and environmental compliance.
AD: Having an accounting background, I am uniquely qualified to understand both the candidates and the jobs into which we make placements.  My role is to interview the candidates and determine their background, skills and individual goals.  Further, I work with clients to understand their specific needs and to place the right person that fits their needs.  My goal is to make that perfect match, every time, where it’s a win-win for the candidate and the client.

YLNI: What is your favorite thing about working for them?
JA: Being involved in “special finance” offers a unique opportunity to help others in need. My financing tools enable me to service a customer that would otherwise be denied financing through a conventional lender. It feels good to be the guy saying yes, when everyone else says no.
ZS: I work more as an Operational CFO, which allows me the opportunity to be involved in many projects outside the scope of accounting and finance. I get to participate with other Leadership Team members on the vision and future of our company.
AD: I appreciate the give back I get from this position. I really feel like that I am making a difference in someone’s life. I can especially feel the gratification when I make a perfect placement with a candidate and a client.

YLNI: How long have you lived in northeast Indiana?
JA: I have lived in Fort Wayne my whole life, 29 great years! I live within walking distance of the park I played Little League at as a child. My oldest daughter attends school at the same school I attended as a child. I have a deep love and passion for my neighborhood and my neighbors.
KR: I am starting my third year here! Time sure flies.
ZS: 32 years
AD: I am originally from Auburn, Indiana, but took a brief detour to Michigan for a couple of years.

YLNI: What appeals to you most about northeast Indiana?
JA: They number one reason is easy for me. I am partial to this area, because it is where I am from, it is a big part of who I am, and the best way for me to show my gratitude is to make it a place others want to be.
KR: You are in a great location; Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis are all just a drive away.
AD: This is where I am from, I have roots here. I also, really enjoy seeing how the downtown area is developing, giving a bigger city appeal.

Jim Doherty (JD), james.doherty@lfg.com; Heidi Colone (HC), hcolone@trfcu.org; Leslie Snare (LS), leslie.snare@lfg.com; Lindsay Mast (LM), lmast@partners1stcu.org

YLNI: Why did you join YLNI?
JD: I attended the My City Summit and felt really engaged. I left the Summit with a feeling that I could really make a difference in the community. I met some amazing people and wanted to be involved in that positive change.
HC: I wanted an opportunity to meet and network with other young professionals in our community. I believe together we can help grow our downtown and community.
LS: I’m at a point in my life where it makes sense to become actively engaged in the Fort Wayne community. I’ve made it my hometown and I have a responsibility to help it become the community I’d like it to be.
LM: I joined YLNI as a way to make professional contacts with other young professionals in our area. Networking can be very useful in the HR world in order to find out what others are doing in their companies and YLNI seemed like a great place to start to meet peers in the professional world!

YLNI: What is your involvement with YLNI?
JD: Currently I’m attending the Leadership Institute, which I recommend to everyone! I’m looking to get more engaged when that is over. I hope to start attending the HotSpots and get to know more people. Eventually, I would like to get more involved with the committees.
HC: I have attended Board Bootcamp in 2012. I saw the value and impact that young professionals could have in our community through board service. I have also been attending the Leadership Institute, which has given me a chance to learn and grow in my leadership skills.
LS: I participated in the MyCity Summit and then was accepted into the 2013 YLNI Leadership Institute.

YLNI: Why did you see the value in a paid membership?
JD: There is value in the membership through the interaction you have with the other members. It’s fantastic to be able to tell people your part of this group with a focus on young leaders in the community. That usually gets them excited to join, as well.
HC: Through a paid membership, I feel a sense of ownership in my professional growth. I also see how dedicated YLNI is to the growth of their members and the community.
LS: YLNI offers a multitude of ways to become involved. Paying for membership offers access to all YLNI events, which in turn helps me learn of new ways to get involved.

YLNI: Who is your employer?
JD: Lincoln Financial Group
HC: 3Rivers Federal Credit Union
LS: Lincoln Financial Group
LM: Partners 1st Federal Credit Union

YLNI: How long have you been affiliated with the company?
JD: 5 years
HC: Almost 2 years
LS: 4 1/2 years
LM: 2 years

YLNI: What is your occupation?
JD: I’m a Sales Delivery Manager in Individual Annuity Operations.
HC: Branch Sales Manager, Harrison Square
LS: Operations Relationship Manager
LM: Human Resources Assistant

YLNI: Describe your role within the organization
JD: I manage a processing team of 30 individuals. We are responsible for data entry and applying money to new annuity contracts.
HC: 3Rivers at Harrison Square is a relationship based financial institution. My role is to actively develop new business and personal relationships in the downtown area. In addition, I coach and develop my team to ensure we are proactive in a constantly fluctuating economic market to handle ever-changing member needs and financial goals.
LS: I work with our key accounts at various broker/dealers throughout the country who sell Lincoln annuity products.
LM: My role within Partners 1st is to assist employees with their payroll needs and benefits beyond insurance. I assist with Tuition Reimbursement, Awards, Bonus Points, etc. in order to make their employment here work for them as much as they work for us.

YLNI: What is your favorite thing about working for them?
JD: My favorite this is that every day is different. As a manager I may be scheduled for meetings all day, but other things can come up. You have to be really flexible and make quick decisions. I love the fact that I don’t know how each day will begin or end.
HC: 3Rivers is a not for profit, member owned financial institution. We are able to do what is right for our member.
LS: My job offers a lot of flexibility and autonomy. Plus, I get to meet and interact with industry leaders throughout the country.
LM: They really do have a great benefit program that allows you to feel appreciated in your work, which makes any employee happier to do work for them! They know that you are a person beyond your work and value hard-workers all the way from a Teller to the CEO.

YLNI: How long have you lived in northeast Indiana?
JD: I have lived here most of my life. My family moved to Roanoke when I was 5. For a time my wife and I lived near Chicago, but when it was time to start a family we decided to move back to the Fort Wayne area.
HC: I was born and raised in Fort Wayne.
LS: Since 2004
LM: All 24 years of my life.

YLNI: What appeals to you most about northeast Indiana?
JD: I love the small town feeling of knowing your neighbors and building a relationship with them. It’s also great that Fort Wayne has many of the advantages of a larger city. We have a growing downtown, the coliseum, the zoo, and many other places to get a bite to eat or a drink with friends. Plus, the cost of living here is fantastic! A dollar in Fort Wayne seems to go farther here than any other place I’ve lived.
HC: I love how our community is family oriented. This is a great place to work, live and raise a family.
LS: I like how we’re really working as a community to develop our own culture and ‘personality’. I think we’re going to see some amazing changes in NE Indiana in the next few years and I’m excited to be a part of it.
LM: Northeast Indiana has so much to offer – the feel of a city in Fort Wayne yet the small town closeness all throughout the region. It has employment opportunities, educational opportunities, great places to raise my daughter, sports teams, and so many other places to have fun. Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne especially, is not lacking in anything for any age group.

Thursday, April 4, 5:30 p.m.

Henry’s Restaurant

536 W Main St 
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Get Directions

Event Details:

The Living Fort Wayne Committee held its first meeting on March 13 with a great turnout and good discussion. Our next meeting is scheduled for April 3, 5:30 p.m. at Henry’s Restaurant. We will start establishing roles for committee members based on objectives discussed at the first meeting. We have a great start, and are looking for additional members to help with committee needs, which we’ve segmented into the following categories:

• LFW Communications
• Web Oversight & Upkeep
• Contracting Freelance Writing & Content
• Community Campaign & Outreach
• Community Partnership & Sponsoring

If you have any interest in learning more about these volunteer opportunities or are planning on attending, please contact us at lfw@ylni.org.

There are a few open positions for the 2013-2014 Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana Board of Directors, YLNI’s governing body. The Board term begins July 1, 2013. Their big-picture approach is to guide the organization to fulfill YLNI’s mission. The day-to-day happenings include approving activities, securing funding, and being advocates for our demographic. If you are interested in being a part of the Board of Directors, please submit the YLNI Leadership Application by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, March 20, 2013 to nominating@ylni.org. Information about the current YLNI Board of Directors can be found at www.ylni.org. If you have any questions, contact nominating@ylni.org.

John Foxworthy II, CFP (JF), john.foxworthy@1phillips.com ; Tracy Gorjup (TG), tracy.gorjup@starfinancial.com-TG; Austin Allen (AA), allen@tincamps.com; Jennifer Ford (JF2), jford@choicedesignsinc.com

YLNI: Why did you join YLNI?
JF: I joined YLNI to meet and network with other young, successful professionals who are passionate about making Northeast Indiana a better place to live, work and raise a family.
TG: I attended the Masquerade Ball and had a great time. I enjoyed meeting other professionals in Fort Wayne.
AA: I joined YLNI to take part in the Leadership Institute. I also work with people who are active in YLNI and view it as a great way to network.
JF2: I loved Fort Wayne growing up and I left for 15 years to pursue my career. When I came back I was eager to reconnect with the city as an adult.

YLNI: What is your involvement with YLNI?
JF: I am a member of the Social Committee and Chair of the Masquerade Ball Committee. This is my second year as a paid member.
TG: I just joined, so I have been participating in the Leadership Institute and learning about the different areas that YLNI offers.
AA: I am currently enrolled in the Leadership Institute.
JF2: Limited at this point, but I am hoping to be more involved in some of the volunteer activities.

YLNI: Why did you see the value in a paid membership?
JF: Increasing the number of paid members is very important so that our voices will be heard. There are also various discounts and other benefits that are worth much more than annual membership fees.
TG: I have really enjoyed meeting other young professionals from a variety of companies. I have been in banking all my life, so learning from other professionals in different industries appeals to me.
AA: Between the Leadership Institute and other events, it seemed like a great deal to be able to network with a bunch of other young professionals.
JF2: I am happy anytime I get the chance to support progressive movements in Fort Wayne that will make it a more interesting place to live.

YLNI: Who is your employer?
JF: Phillips Financial
TG: STAR Financial Bank
AA: Fort Wayne TinCaps
JF2: Choice Designs, Inc.

YLNI: How long have you been affiliated with the company?
JF: Nearly 3 years
TG: I have been with STAR for almost 8 years total.
AA: I’ve worked with the TinCaps since May of 2011. I started as an intern and then got hired on full time in October 2011.
JF2: 3 years

YLNI: What is your occupation?
JF: Financial Advisor
TG: Compliance Officer
AA: Ticket Sales Manager
JF2: Interior Designer and Art Consultant

YLNI: Describe your role within the organization
JF: I help individuals and families to define their financial goals while developing and executing a specific action plan to achieve them. My specialty is working with young business owners and professionals.
TG: I am primarily responsible for auditing the different areas of the bank in accordance with federal compliance regulations. I also communicate the many regulatory changes to our management team. We work together to stay ahead of the changes and meet the compliance requirements while still serving our customer’s needs.
AA: My main responsibilities include selling group tickets and season tickets. I also run the Little League Fundraising Program and the Scout Overnight events. I dance at every home game as well!
JF2: I work with clients on a wide range of needs from corporate interiors, remodels, furniture design, art collections, and staging.

YLNI: What is your favorite thing about working for them?
JF: I love meeting new people and helping them to find peace of mind with regard to their finances.
TG: Through experience, I realized I prefer working for a family owned business. STAR provides a personal and community driven side to a very regulated industry. Decisions are made with a truly personal touch and an eye toward the communities we serve. I think that is missing in a lot of the big banks today.
AA: It’s tough to choose just one thing that I would consider my favorite. I love the variety that comes with my job. I also love talking and interacting with fans.
JF2: I feel very lucky to have the freedom of creativity. I love being able to transform a space with color, light, and work of art that have personality and character.

YLNI: How long have you lived in northeast Indiana?
JF: More than 10 years
TG: I grew up in Northeast Indiana and moved away after college for Cleveland, Ohio. I realized I prefer the small city community to the anonymity of a larger city, so I moved back to Fort Wayne.
AA: I moved to Fort Wayne in May of 2011.
JF2: I grew up here and left when I was 17. I just returned a few years ago.

YLNI: What appeals to you most about northeast Indiana?
JF: The greater Fort Wayne area is the perfect mixture of “big city” and “small town” There is so much to do, but it is still a safe and low-cost place to be.
TG: I enjoy the connections of a smaller city. You can almost always find a common link through anyone you meet. It has the perks of a small town, with the opportunities of a larger city.
AA: The low cost of living is great. I also enjoy the different festivals that go on throughout the summer.
JF2: I have a wonderful tight-knit family and my husband and I love being close to them.

Join us at our next Hotspot for the premiere of the new Citizen Wayne video at the February Hotspot on Thursday, 2/21. Catch up with previous editions at Citizen Wayne here. 

Ever wonder why people love to play 300-year old violins and cellos? I know, but I’m not going to tell you.

Saturday, I took advantage of the Phil’s “Moskva to the Thames” Masterworks series concert. YLNI was given a special insider’s reception after the show with the Phil’s Music Director and conductor Andrew Constantine. Andrew (I get to call him that because I met him this weekend) is a world renown conductor and is well respected when it comes to classical music. And he knows a thing or two about the strings of Stradivarious.

Constantine deconstructed the evening’s selections for us, answered our questions and gave a vivid historical context of what was going on in the life of the composers. We also got to find out why people think a musty old violin sounds so much better than a brand new one. But again, you’ll have to ask Andrew yourself.

This was truly like the VH1 show, Behind the Music, but it was explained in detail by one of the world’s foremost experts on classical music.

The Phil is looking forward to more partnerships with YLNI, so if you missed the chance for Saturday’s concert, be on the lookout for more opportunities to come. You’ll have fun, enjoy some great music and learn about things from a fresh perspective. —Tom Boyer

Jake Fetters, jake@fettersconstruction.com (JF); Mandie Kolkman, MandieKolkman@gmail.com (MK); Kyrsten Shepley, kshepley@verabradley.com (KS); Tiffany McIntosh, Tiffany.McIntosh@53.com (TM);

YLNI: Why did you join YLNI?
JF: To get more involved in our community, and further hone my leadership development.
MK- I joined YLNI to get more involved in my new community and to meet young, ambitious individuals in Fort Wayne. My goal is to make strong relationships and potentially life long friendships by finding people with similar interests.
KS: To get more connected with the Fort Wayne community
TM: I decided to join YLNI to become more engaged in the local community while having the opportunity to meet and network with other like minded young professionals.

YLNI: What is your involvement with YLNI?
JF: I volunteered to help with the Social Committee, and applied for the Leadership Institute.
MK: Although I recently became a member, I have already started making relationships and reaching out to other members. I hope to join an event planning team and help put on exciting events for YLNI members.
KS: YLNI Ambassadorship, Social Committee

YLNI: Why did you see the value in a paid membership?
JF: I see value in the community engagement on a multitude of levels, with like-minded & similar aged individuals from a diverse group of corporations and backgrounds, and is worth the investment in time and money in membership in YLNI.
MK: I saw value in being a paid member for both my social life and my career. Paying to be a part of the organization gives me more as a member and it also helps support an organization that is trying to keep young professionals in my new town. It was a win/win.
KS: As a new YLNI Ambassador, I wanted to become an official member to promote the group, etc.

YLNI: Who is your employer?
JF: Fetters Construction Inc.
MK: I work for The Philmore on Broadway. In my free time I teach dance technique classes and both Zumba and Zumba Toning classes at Fort Wayne Ballet, KMonique’s Studio of Dance, and Spiece.
KS: Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.
TM: Fifth Third Bank

YLNI: How long have you been affiliated with the company?
JF: 5 years
MK: I moved to Fort Wayne during the summer of 2012 and started my time with my employers shortly after.
KS: 1 year
TM: I have been affiliated with 5/3 Bank for 2 years as a mortgage loan consultant at our Dupont location. Prior to my position with 5/3, I spent 6.5 years in the same position with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage at the Covington Plaza location.

YLNI: What is your occupation?
JF: Construction Project Manager, President of FCI
MK: I am the Special Events Planner at The Philmore on Broadway.
KS: Recruiting Coordinator
TM: I am a mortgage loan consultant

YLNI: Describe your role within the organization
JF: Overall coordination of company operations with executive oversight of leadership, productivity, integrity, and profitability, including strategic planning and civil/social community reputation, with oversight on business development, and masonry, as well as management of assigned construction projects.
MK: At The Philmore I plan public concerts, manage ticket sales, market and advertise public events, coordinate private events, manage social media, and much more!
KS: I support the Human Resources Recruiting department (team of 7) in most aspects of the interviewing and on-boarding process of new employees across the organization.
TM: I specialize in existing home purchase, new construction, and refinancing. We offer some unique products including low money down, Physician Programs, and one time close construction programs while offering extremely competitive rates.

YLNI: What is your favorite thing about working for them?
JF: Providing a lasting service through the building process to our clients & communities we serve & work in.
MK: The Philmore is a wonderful place to work because it gives me the opportunity to meet people in the community as well as artists in several genres of music. It is a great feeling to enrich the community through art. I love dance for the same reason.
KS: My favorite thing about Vera Bradley is the culture. We work and live by the core values set forth by our co-founders. I also love working for an organization that gives back (Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research). Being around such beautiful products doesn’t hurt either!
TM: My favorite thing about my position is being able to assist individuals with the American dream of home ownership by leveraging my experience and education to provide my client with concierge level customer service.

YLNI: How long have you lived in northeast Indiana?
JF: The short answer is 23 years. I was born in DeKalb Hospital and grew up in St. Joe Indiana, until I left for Purdue University at 18. I spent nine years away at Purdue, interning in Chicago, and later working in the Phoenix area. My wife and I moved back in 2007 to be close to family and raise our children.
MK: I am originally from Louisiana. I moved to Indiana to attend Butler University in 2006. I stayed in Indianapolis for two years and moved to Fort Wayne a couple of months ago. I guess I’ve been a northerner now for about 6 ½ years, but am only 7 months into living in northeast Indiana.
KS: 1 year
TM: While I have spent over 10 years in the Fort Wayne markets professionally, I have always lived in Ohio where I grew up. We are excitedly in the process of relocating to Fort Wayne finally! It is such an exciting time for me to get involved, meet new people, and be able to contribute to my “new” local community.

YLNI: What appeals to you most about northeast Indiana?
JF: The thing that appeals to me most are our Midwestern values – God, Family, and Work. Our religious and educational strengths, with close family ties, and a great work ethic are something I felt were very important for my family to be immersed in to help my children succeed in the future.
MK: The people in northeast Indiana and seem very friendly and accepting. I’ve also heard that it is a great place to raise a family.
KS: I love the friendliness of the Midwest!