Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange (FLEX) continues to help young professionals connect with one another, develop professionally and give back to the community.
FLEX is a group of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce for local young professionals (suggested age 40 and under). The group’s mission is to represent the needs and interests of young professionals by positioning themselves as leaders, entrepreneurs and advocates for the sustainability of the Venango Area through civic engagement, leadership development and networking.
Socials and events
Networking and socializing are essential ways FLEX engages young professionals. The group kicked off 2024 with in-person events, including First Friday Lunches at local restaurants, a Dinner and Show Social at Bella Cucina and the Barrow-Civic Theatre, Game Night, Summer Kick-Off Event, Coffee Chats, Speaker Series, Windchime Making Social, setup at the Boo Mile Trunk or Treat and an Ugly Sweater Party.
FLEX Presents, an annual event where FLEX names the Young Professional of the Year, was held at Wanango Country Club in Reno. Ten nominees were introduced, and the 2024 Young Professional of the Year, Tyler VanWormer, was recognized for their exceptional contributions to the community.
The Annual Bike ‘n Brew returned with both in-person and curbside options. Attendees enjoyed live music and food in the Chamber Office courtyard, participated in a scavenger hunt for bikers, and received insulated tote bags filled with craft beers, brewery swag and sponsor items.
The FLEX Annual Meeting in November provided an opportunity to elect new officers, network and transition into the upcoming year. The event included food, free headshots and a program overview of FLEX’s achievements throughout 2024.
FLEX in the community
Beyond hosting socials and events, FLEX actively participates in community initiatives and volunteer opportunities.
In 2024, FLEX joined Oil City Clean-Up Day and volunteered at events like the Oil Heritage Ice Cream Social in July and the Cranberry Festival in September. FLEX also organized the Annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Party at Franklin’s FoxTales Pub, collecting donations for Hope 21 Boutique in Oil City, which provides clothing, toiletries and other essentials to those in need.
This involvement in local community events showcases FLEX’s commitment to giving back and making a positive impact beyond just the business community through various initiatives. FLEX participated in the VenangoReady Educator’s Expo, celebrated with Leadership Venango graduates and attended multiple Chamber mixers at local businesses. These events not only provided networking opportunities for FLEX, but also allowed them to showcase their services and get involved in the community.
FLEX continues to support other regional programs, such as Leadership Venango, Be Here and Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW), contributing to the betterment of the Venango Area. Members also participated in additional volunteer activities promoted through the Venango Area Chamber’s website and Facebook page, including clean-up days and local fundraisers.
Professional development
Helping young professionals gain professional experience remains a priority for FLEX. In March, FLEX hosted a Speaker Series titled “What they didn’t teach you about money,” with speaker Eli Busch from Kingdom Guard Financial.
Each month, FLEX publishes “FLEX Your Ideas (FYI),” a newsletter included in the Venango Chamber’s monthly publication. The FYI highlights upcoming networking, social and volunteer events, along with professional development tips and articles written by young professionals. The newsletter is available online at venangochamber.org/fyi-newsletter.
FLEX offers additional opportunities for professional growth through involvement in committees and leadership roles. Members practice skills like public speaking, event planning, team collaboration and sponsorship acquisition in a supportive environment.
Leadership
FLEX is a program of the Venango Chamber and receives assistance from Chamber staff, but is primarily led by young professional volunteers, including a president, vice president/secretary and three committee chairs.
The officers of 2024 were President Devin Zagar from 7 Foot Productions & Marketing, VP/Secretary Chad Skoch from Edward Jones, Events & Fundraising Chair Ivy Kuberry from Oil Creek State Park, Development Chair Joseph Brooker from Brooker Kidney Care, Marketing & Community Partnerships Chair Kate Shitling from Schake Industries, and Membership Chair Juliet Hilburn from Northwest Hospital Foundation.
Rachel O’Neil from Curia and Jennifer Hughes from First National Bank will be acting as Event Leads and assisting Events & Fundraising Chair Ivy Kuberry with her duties.
Looking ahead to 2025, our officers for the coming year include President Devin Zagar from 7 Foot Productions & Marketing, VP/Secretary Cassady Calder from Debence Antique Music World, Events & Fundraising Chairs Nicole Burton from UPMC and Mirand Heller from Northern PA Regional College, Development Chair Joseph Brooker from Brooker Kidney Care, Marketing & Community Partnerships Chair Kate Shitling from Schake Industries, and Membership Chair Juliet Hilburn from Northwest Hospital Foundation.
Each committee focuses on different parts of FLEX, whether it is planning socials and events, coordinating volunteer activities, attracting and retaining members, or promoting the group. Committees have meetings each month in addition to monthly meetings for all officers and any members to attend.
Get involved
If you are a young professional, or know of a young professional in the region, FLEX is a great way to get connected, develop professionally and socialize with other young professionals. Involvement is open to anyone under 40 who lives or works in the Venango Area, no matter the job.
The membership cost is a one-time $15 fee and young professionals can join at any time. Official members get benefits, such as a FLEX nametag and discounts at events, but membership is not required to attend events or serve on committees.
More information can be found at www.VenangoFLEX.org and the group is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VenangoFLEX and Instagram as @VenangoFLEX. Questions can also be answered by contacting the Venango Chamber at flex@venangochamber.org or 814-676-8521.
