Region’s first young professionals conference to be held in May
Baton Rouge, La. (January 10, 2022) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) and Forum 225 today announced a partnership agreement to better retain the region’s young professionals through civic involvement and volunteerism.
“Better engaging the region’s young professional population and connecting them to the job opportunities and lifestyle amenities here is critical in our ability to drive economic growth,” said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of BRAC. “Formalizing a partnership with Forum 225 gives BRAC’s investor businesses a powerful tool for young professional development, engagement, and retention.”
The Baton Rouge Area has experienced net negative migration patterns for young professionals in six of the past seven years, yet that same demographic is more positive about the region’s future than older cohorts. That dichotomy underscores the importance of connecting college students and young professionals to career opportunities, personal and professional networks, and quality of life amenities to make the decision to build a career and life in the region as easy as possible.
“Forum 225 has always served as a welcome wagon of sorts to Baton Rouge’s young professionals,” said Morgan Almeida, president of Forum 225. “Our mission is to create opportunities for young professionals to grow philanthropically, professionally, and civically, and we believe that the more people we can engage in that mission, the more we can enhance the vitality of the Baton Rouge community.”
The organizations will collaborate on an annual young professionals conference, the first of which will be held May 26. Additional information on the event will be forthcoming. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event may reach out to Michelle Mahaffey at michelle.mahaffey@brac.org.
As part of the partnership, BRAC will also promote Forum 225 as BRAC’s primary young professionals’ organization partner to build greater awareness and participation among the business community, and Forum 225 will offer corporate partner discounts to BRAC investors above the $1,500 level.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,400 small businesses, mid-sized firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at www.brac.org.
About Forum 225
As Baton Rouge’s largest young professionals’ organization, Forum 225 (previously Forum 35) strives to improve the quality of life in Baton Rouge through philanthropic, professional, and civic opportunities for area young professionals. Forum 225’s work is completely member-led and supported by Corporate Partners. Learn more about Forum 225 at forum225.org.
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