Networking session set by four disparate organizations

Four disparate professional organizations are getting together to network and learn about each other.

Members of the African American Business and Professional Association, the Hispanic Business Professional Association, Leadership Racine and Young Professionals of Racine will join on Jan. 17 for a presentation, speed networking and a reception.

The session, called Making Connections: Building Your Network, will feature a presentation by Martha Carrigan, of Milwaukee’s Big Shoes Network, on the importance of building a professional network.

The event, with registration starting at 5 p.m. and the presentation at 5:30 p.m. will be held at the St. Luke’s Health Pavilion Auditorium on the All Saints campus.

“The fact that you have four of the most active and recognizable non-profit organizations coming together to network is historic,” said HBPA President Wally Rendon. “Never in the history of Racine do I recall groups representing the different ethnic and non-ethnic groups collaborating in the same event to promote each others’ organizations which will undoubtedly benefit the overall Racine Community.”

“We all hope this event will spur further collaborative efforts, friendships and partnering opportunities,” said YPR Program Director Dana Grueter. “Our members can get to know many new people at an event designed to help them build their network in a comfortable atmosphere. We wanted to be part of this to build relationships with other organizations across the community and to expand our outreach.”

While the focus of the event is networking, each organization will briefly discuss what it does.

“In business, a lot of success happens based off of relationships,” said AABPA President Scott Terry. “This event will help stimulate relationship-building not only for our members, but the general public as well. I hope the community sees that we have thriving groups of professionals and business owners of all colors and, many times, these positive, successful people get overshadowed by the negative elements that may exist in the community.”

The event is sponsored by City of Racine, Racine County and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints. Registration is not required, but is encouraged at www.ypracine.org. There is no charge to participants.

“Each of the four participating organizations have their own mission, but, collectively, we all live, work and play in Racine,” said Leadership Racine Executive Director Karen Bayer. “By utilizing each of our groups’ strengths and sharing resources, we will ultimately benefit the organizations and our community as a whole.”