The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of its new young professional group, the Fairfield Emerging Leaders Organization, or FELO (pronounced “fellow”), an organization of emerging leaders representing all management levels.
“Our group’s mission is to provide a platform for young professionals to enhance their professional skills, engage in business-sponsored activities and network with well-respected professional,” stated Beverly A. Balaz, Executive Director. “FELO will also promote social and civic opportunities for the enrichment of our business community.”
As part of the Chamber’s Professional Development Program, FELO members will act as ambassadors for the organization. These Chamber Ambassadors will personally meet and greet new members and visit a variety of Fairfield businesses. This program will provide FELO members with opportunities to learn about how businesses are run and managed, thus broadening their knowledge base. Ambassadors will also connect with new Chamber members throughout the year, and provide continued information on Chamber benefits and events.
“We are huge supporters of education," Balaz points out. “As such, FELO will also raise money throughout the year to contribute to a newly created scholarship for a Fairfield graduating high school student who will be a business major in college.”
FELO will also have a positive impact on Chamber membership in general through their initiatives and monthly events.
“This is a very exciting new Chamber program”, said Darrin Fodor, Manager and Vice President of People’s United Bank. “As Chairman, I am proud to provide the group’s leadership and look forward to working with FELO officers and membership to achieve our goals and objectives.”
FELO officers and founding members are:
|
Name |
Organization |
|
Darrin Fodor (Chairman)
|
People's United Bank |
|
Edward Banks |
Banks Wealth Management, LLC |
|
Jacqueline Kosiba (Marketing & Events Chair) |
The Delamar |
|
Jamie Toole |
Bridgeport Bluefish |
|
Justin Magri (Treasurer) |
First Niagra Bank |
|
Lori Jones (Secretary) |
Fairfield University (Quick Center for the Arts) |
|
Louis Czerwinski |
Bankwell Investment Services |
|
Rachael Grabiec |
The Delamar |
|
Rebecca Lautenslager (Vice Chairman) |
Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home |
|
Ryan Santoro |
Connect Computer |
FELO will host its first social event and all are welcome to attend. Reservations can be made through the Chamber website, www.FairfieldCTChamber.com. For further information, please call the Chamber office at 203-255-1011.