How I YPC

Washington D.C: A Trip to Remember

Greater Des Moines Partnership — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:45:45 -0600

Every year the Des Moines Partnership sends the President-Elect of YPC to Washington D.C. on the annual trip with a few select Partnership individuals. This year our President-Elect Emilee Richardson attended and has some interested thoughts to share.......

Last week, I was in Washington, D.C. representing YPC on the Greater Des Moines Partnership's annual trip. In case you don't know, each year, the Partnership takes roughly 200 business executives and community leaders to D.C. in order to educate, advocate and network. Each year, the YPC president-elect is sent on the trip. This year, that privilege was mine.

This trip is very unique. The Greater Des Moines Partnership represents more than 4,700 businesses and 150,000 employees. And on this year's trip, 190 of us represented one unified voice, advocating for the issues most important to our region. That's a powerful voice, wouldn't you agree? Our formal sessions included everything from education to immigration and from housing and the arts. Our luncheons included speakers like Rep. Paul Ryan and his Democratic counterpart Rep. Chris Van Hollen as well as Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. One thing I learned on this trip: Washington cares about Iowa.

On Thursday morning, we had a breakfast with the entire Iowa Congressional delegation: Sen. Grassley, Sen. Harkin, Rep. Braley, Rep. King, Rep. Latham and Rep. Loebsack. It was somewhat surreal to see them all in one place, speaking to a bipartisan group of Iowans. They each had their hot button issues to speak on, but the bottom line was an overwhelming sense of Iowa pride. Congressman Braley even suggested that "we'd get a lot more done here in Washington if we had more potlucks."

Along the way, we also got to do some fun things, too. On Wednesday night, I had dinner with a group organized by the Des Moines Social Club's Zachary Mannheimer. We went to a restaurant called Jaleo, where we proceeded to dine on 17 very... um, *interesting* courses of Spanish tapas followed by two more dessert courses. The 18 of us formed a special bond after being so brave. And on Thursday, I joined a group that toured the Pentagon!

Overall, the trip for me represented a chance to make connections and talk about the great work YPC does for the community. Another thing I learned: People think very highly of our organization. One woman even shared that she had seen one of our committees meeting at Gateway Market and gushed to her husband, "THOSE are the future leaders of Des Moines!"

I met so many incredible people on this trip, and I'm excited to find ways to collaborate with these new friends as I continue in my leadership roles with YPC!

-Emilee Richarson
YPC President-Elect

Member Spotlight: Spring 2013

Greater Des Moines Partnership — Tue, 07 May 2013 08:39:48 -0600

Throughout the year YPC looks to spotlight one of it's members, hopes of showing more members how to engage and learn more about our community. This month we feature Molly Hanson of Johnston, IA. A member for several years, she is working on an exciting project that might attract YPC's to get involved in our community's environment .......check it out below!

Name: Molly Hanson

Hometown: Johnston, Iowa

Current Location: Urbandale, Iowa

Employment: Naturalist for the Madison County Conservation Board

How long have you been involved in the Young Professionals Connection?:

I got involved with YPC when I moved back to Des Moines after college and an internship (2010). I didn't join right away but began getting involved and joined the following year. It was inevitable.

You are currently working on the Iowa Rivers Revival, what is that?:

I am a board member for Iowa Rivers Revival. Through my work for county conservation boards and Earth Science classes at UNI, I have developed a relationship with our Iowa rivers and the individuals who treasure them. Iowa is the most altered state in the country and much of that has had an impact on our local watersheds. IRR is a voice for the rivers. Through legislation, outreach and events, our group works to uphold our mission and share our vision around the state.

How does this project impact Des Moines and the local environment?:

IRR has devoloped curriculum for a Master River Stewards Program focusing on riverine systems and skills, including paddling and navigating skills, knowledge to restore aquatic habitat and improve water quality, and understanding policies related to floodplains, river protection, and restoration. The Master River Steward program will build a network of river experts in various local partner agencies and non-profit organizations. Master River Stewards will help adult learners collaborate to protect and improve Iowa’s rivers, so that current and future generations can enjoy these resources.

Project sponsors: REAP Conservation Education Program, IA DNR IOWATER Program and IA DNR River Programs.

How can YP's get involved?:

Sign up! We are looking for individuals looking to participate in our 8 week program involving classroom time, time on the water, and planning and implementation of service project to help local watersheds. Please contact me if you are interested at molly.hanson4@gmail.com or 515-371-6977. The class starts mid May and runs through June.

How will the YP's involvement make an impact on the project?

Participants will be learning primarily - just how they can make an impact on our rivers.

Anything else?:

If you need some paddling in your life, check out our float schedule of events going on in Winterset this spring and summer through the Madison County Conservation Board. Check out our website at www.madisoncountyparks.org and download our Spring/Summer newsletter. Happy paddling and happy trails!

A Discussion on Civil Rights

Greater Des Moines Partnership — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 06:43:18 -0600

The Diversity Committee organized a panel discussion on civil rights in the workplace. A group of about 25 young professionals gathered at Java Joes last Wednesday for networking and learning. For the first half an hour attendees were able to meet each other and socialize over appetizers.

After the networking portion, a panel of three local attorneys answered questions. Patrick Smith, a civil defense lawyer for Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor and Fairgrave PC, Whitney Judkins, a plaintiff's attorney for Fiedler and Timmer, PLLC, and Beth Townsend, the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, mainly focused on the issues of harassment, discrimination and medical leave.

YPCers learned about the recent sex discrimination case to come out of the Iowa Supreme Court, Nelson v. Knight, and what it means for working Iowans. Ms. Judkins’ firm represented Nelson in her discrimination claim, and she talked about the slippery slope the decision creates for anyone in the workplace who might be found attractive by a co-worker or boss. Mr. Smith, who writes a blog on civil rights issues, argued that this was a narrow case that should not result in a change in how sex discrimination cases are treated in Iowa. Director Townsend commented that it is important for Iowans to know their rights and to seek help if they find themselves on either sides of a civil rights issue.

-Erin Lain
Diversity Committee Member

The Point: YPC's Monthly Happy Hour

Greater Des Moines Partnership — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:38:32 -0600

The YPC Board has taken a strong look at its membership demographics the past 4 months. Looking deeper into WHERE our members live and WHERE our members work. Taking these things into consideration – we are strategically scheduling our monthly Happy Hours to cater that information. This month we featured our monthly Happy Hour at The Point – located in Clive, just off of Hickman and 86^th street. This is a newly renovated and renamed venue – previously named Bombay Bicycle Club.

There is usually good food, good music, and good networking at the monthly Happy Hour. The night itself was a blast! The Point was newly furnished and had a similar layout to the old Bombay Bicycle Club. Numbers for YP’s at the event were right around 105 and people stayed long into the night. Well past 9pm, people were still enjoying networking, playing pool, and competing in Foosball. The food at this Happy Hour was featured by Tacopocalypse. Reviews from the event on the food – “Fantastic” “Just what I needed on a Thursday” and “I have never tasted something so delicious!”

Along with good networking and food – YPC features a monthly non-profit at the Happy Hour. This month the featured non-profit was Prevent Child Abuse Iowa. Margi Weiss (president of Prevent Child Abuse Iowa) was there to discuss the goals and the history of the organization. She also gave a wonderful speech to raise awareness. YP’s will engage with this non-profit throughout the month at other YPC sponsored events.

Look for next month’s Happy Hour to be listed on the website as more details are released!

-Matt Stump
YPC Social Chair

How I YPC

<font size="4">Washington D.C: A Trip to Remember</font>

<font size="4">Member Spotlight: Spring 2013</font>

<font size="4">A Discussion on Civil Rights</font>

<font size="4">The Point: YPC's Monthly Happy Hour</font>