Written by Mike McMullin
Launch Carroll is the Young Professional Networking Group of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. This group focuses on getting people aged 21-45 involved in building relationships within the local business community. Launch Carroll started approximately 11 years ago.
We wanted to bring people in that age group together to brainstorm what the Chamber could do to appeal to younger business professionals. In no time at all, through communication and collaboration, this networking group was born and we quickly saw the many benefits it afforded to our Carroll County young professionals Launch Carroll meets about five times per year and it’s events are attended by approximately 70 to 100 enthusiastic young people.
Some of the most important benefits for young professionals through participation in Launch Carroll are:
- In a world where so many connections are built around social media posts and text messages, Launch Carroll focuses on bringing people together to build relationships face-to-face. Some things in life are timeless, and communicating face-to-face is one of those things. Messages we send are so heavily influenced by non-verbal cues and by our tone of voice. Personal communication is critical for healthy relationships, yet so much communication today lacks this.
- Relationships are forged and strengthened through Launch Carroll, as are business connections. It is a way to get people that are newer in their industry, or looking for jobs, out in the community and meeting other professionals.
- Our young professionals build confidence through networking with people their own age. Launch Carroll empowers younger professionals to make new connections and retain existing ones in order to create more opportunities in their career. They are able to take their business to the next level.
- Launch Carroll also gives the young professionals a platform to grow their leadership skills by being part of the planning committee. Speaking in front of a large group is not an easy thing and these events give them a little practice at presenting to groups. It is indeed a rare opportunity for someone 22 years old to be the leader of a group that attracts 100 people to one of its events. This is truly an amazing learning opportunity.
- Launch Carroll gives these young people a place to be free to share ideas and act on these ideas. The location and structure of the events, as well as the methods of marketing the events, are the responsibility of the planning committee. They are empowered to implement their ideas in ways they may not be able to do on the job.
The current Chair of the Chamber’s Launch Carroll Committee is Carli Cofiell. Cofiell is 22 years old and works at Crawford Yingling Insurance in Downtown Westminster. Speaking of the benefits to the young professionals who are involved in Launch Carroll, Cofiell says, “People come out of college or high school so used to having a bond with sports/clubs/fraternities/sororities, and Launch Carroll is a way that we can keep a fun group together while meeting new people at each event.”
