A world-traveling auditor from Diversey Inc. was named the Young Professional of Racine's 2010 Young Professional of the Year.
Catherine Conaghan was given YPR's annual award for her professional success and local volunteering efforts. Conaghan works on an international auditing team for Diversey, formerly JohnsonDiversey, and serves on boards for Girls Inc. and YPR. She also volunteered at San Juan Diego, co-led a women in science and engineering group at JohnsonDiversey and graduated from Leadership Racine.
Conaghan is YPR's seventh Young Professional of the Year. Previous winners include: 2009 - Chris Antonneau (David Insurance); 2008 - Jeff McKeown ( Express Personnel Services); 2007 - Doug Nicholson (Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery); 2006 - Anne Stillman (CNH); 2005 - Jay Christie (Racine Zoological Society); 2004 - John Busey (Robert W. Baird).
Conaghan was one of four finalists for the 2010 award. Other finalists include: Gordan Bittner (Realtor), Janine Anderson (The Journal Times), and Russell Warren (SAFE Haven).
Other nominees for the 2010 Young Professional of the Year award include: Sara Luther Hagerman, interim director of QTI of Southeastern Wisconsin; Jim Moes, teacher at Jefferson Lighthouse Elementary; JJ McAuliffe, owner of McAuliffe's Pub; Bret Glembocki, staff scientist at JohnsonDiversey; Michael Fischer, staff scientist at JohnsonDiversey; Tracy Nielsen, vice president-marketing and resource development; Jane Kurylo, business services team lead, Workforce Development Center.
RacinePost compiles a weekly list of volunteer opportunities in the Racine area. This week's list comes from the Volunteer Center of Racine County and Young Professionals of Racine. Have a volunteer opportunity you'd like to share? Send it to: racinepost@gmail.com
Volunteers needed: Racine Founders Rotary Club "Vegas Night" Saturday, February 13 at Festival Hall raising funds for Racine Youth Sports and Camp Anokijig. With a variety of games (blackjack, roulette, craps, etc.) we will need volunteers will help support each station. All volunteers will be assisted in the rules of each game, so don't worry if you have limited experience! Click here to register as a volunteer or e-mail Tracy Nielsen directly at tnielsen@unitedwayracine.org.
HALO (Homeless Assistance Leadership Org) - is looking for a volunteer to help the org get connected on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and any other social media tools. If you can help, please contact Dorothy by clicking here .
Express Employment Professionals and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Racine and Kenosha
Annual Bowl for Kids Sake, Sunday April 11, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
We are looking for individuals, companies or just groups of friends to form bowling teams.You provide the bowlers, Express Employment Professionals provides the adult beverages and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Racine and Kenosha Counties will provide the pizza and some great prizes! For more info email Jeff at Jeff.McKeown@ExpressPros.com
Volunteer Center of Racine County
If you are interested in any of the listed volunteer opportunities below or others on file at the Volunteer Center of Racine County, call 262-886-9612 or toll free (Racine County only) at 1-800-201-9490 or email us at volunteer@volunteercenterofracine.org or visit our web site atwww.volunteercenterofracine.org. Office hours are weekday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 6216 Washington Avenue, Suite G.
YOUR TIME CAN BE A PRICELESS GIFT TO SOMEONE
The Senior Companion Program is constantly seeking volunteers who have a few hours each month to spend visiting or calling an older person who is homebound. The Program’s mission is to enhance quality of life for older adults through friendship, socialization, and advocacy. This is a Ministry of the Racine Dominican Sisters.
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE AT LINCOLN LUTHERAN
Lincoln Lutheran of Racine is seeking volunteers to help out with a variety of activities at the Becker Shoop Center, 6101 16th Street. Opportunities include pet visits, Bible study group, care of the aviary, and helping write the quarterly newsletter. Schedules are flexible, but volunteers should be 16 or older unless accompanies by a responsible adult.
RACINE YOUTHFUL OFFENDER CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
Volunteers are needed to facilitate discussion, learning activities, arts and crafts related to their curriculum. Curriculum includes wellness, education, employment, family support, financial literacy, health, housing, personal development, transportation, arts and crafts. Volunteers will work at 1501 Albert St, Racine. Days and times to volunteer are flexible. Background checks will be necessary. When calling RYOCF, please indicate which curriculum area you are interested in working with.
HELP SUPPORT OUR TROOPS OVERSEAS
Lincoln Lutheran’s Becker Shoop facility needs volunteers to assist with sorting coupons for the overseas Military program. So far, they have been able to send over $18,000 worth of coupons for the service people stationed in Japan. This can be a work-at-home project.
COMPUTER HELP-DESK VOLUNTEER
The Racine Public Library, 75 7th Street, has openings for individuals interested in assisting library patrons in performing basic functions on the computers such as printing, navigating the Internet and creating documents. Computer and Internet proficiency required. Hours are flexible
JOB LAB VOLUNTEER
The Racine Public Library, 75 7th Street, is expanding its service to the unemployed by opening a Job Lab on the second floor. Volunteers will assist job seekers with searching and applying for jobs, writing resumes, applying for benefits, and basic computer skills. Training is provided.
A real estate agent, accountant, journalist and shelter coordinator are finalists for the annual Young Professional of the Year Award given out by Young Professionals of Racine.
Russell Warren, youth shelter program coordinator, SAFE Haven of Racine
The four finalists were chosen from 11 nominations. Here's bio information on the finalists:
Janine Anderson
Janine Anderson is a courts reporter and a parenting columnist for The Journal Times. She lives in Racine with her husband, Scott, a photographer at the JT, and their 2-year-old son Henry. Janine is a national-award winning reporter who provides excellent coverage of the Racine County court system. Outside of work, she is a teacher-in-training at the Original Root Zen Center, an active member with the Over Our Head Players, appearing in two Snowdance festivals, and an avid knitter.
Gordon Bittner
Gordon Bittner is an award-winning Realtor with RE/MAX Preferred in Racine. A life-long Racine resident, he's sold homes in the city for the past 15 years. He's also started a leadership program for teens and played 17 years as quarterback for the Racine Raiders, winning two national championships. He lives in Racine with his wife and three sons, coaches RYS football, volunteers with several local organizations and rides his Harley.
Catherine Conaghan
Catherine Conaghan is an internal auditor for JohnsonDiversey. She recently accepted a two-year transfer from the company's R&D organization to its internal audit department. The move allowed her to learn more about JohnsonDiversey's international operations. While she travels 40 percent of the time, she dedicates her home time as a volunteer at Girls Inc. in Racine, serving on the nonprofit's Board of Directors. She also serves on the YPR board of directors.
Russell Warren
Russell Warren is youth shelter program coordinator for SAFE Haven of Racine. He moved to Racine from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia two years ago. As shelter coordinator, he's actively involved in the city's homeless coalition and represents SAFE Haven to many groups in the community. Warren is member of the LBGT Center of Wisconsin's Board of Directors, is a regular at Uncorkt's Thursday night wine tastings, and his College Avenue home was featured on the 2009 Preservation Racine Tour of Historic Places.
Nominees
Other nominees for the 2010 Young Professional of the Year award include: Sara Luther Hagerman, interim director of QTI of Southeastern Wisconsin; Jim Moes, teacher at Jefferson Lighthouse Elementary; JJ McAuliffe, owner of McAuliffe's Pub; Bret Glembocki, staff scientist at JohnsonDiversey; Michael Fischer, staff scientist at JohnsonDiversey; Tracy Nielsen, vice president-marketing and resource development; Jane Kurylo, business services team lead, Workforce Development Center.
This will be the seventh year in a row YPR has given out its Young Professional of the Year Award. Previous winners include: 2009 - Chris Antonneau (David Insurance); 2008 - Jeff McKeown ( Express Personnel Services); 2007 - Doug Nicholson (Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery); 2006 - Anne Stillman (CNH); 2005 - Jay Christie (Racine Zoological Society); 2004 - John Busey (Robert W. Baird)
For more information about Young Professionals of Racine, visit: www.ypracineorg
KRM commuter rail was the lead topic Tuesday during Mayor John Dickert's first meeting with the Young Professionals of Racine.
Dickert met with 25 YPR members at the Radisson hotel. Here's some notes on the forum:
* No surprise, Dickert came out strong in support of commuter rail and regional bus transit. He said he had no problem with government supporting trains and buses because it's government that pays for roads. The state is spending $1 billion adding another lane to I-94, and Racine won't get much benefit from it. Buses and KRM will cost less than that, and benefit Racine more.
* But YPR member Chris Terry said he didn't believe transit alone would solve Racine's problems. The city needs to become more aggressive in attracting businesses with tax benefits and other incentives, he said.
* One YPR member said Racine needed KRM to connect to its neighbors. "We're getting cut off from the rest of the world," she said. "We're going to be a ghost town."
* Talk about KRM, high-speed rail and buses took up easily more than half of the forum.
* Dickert said he's working to create a 10-year parks plan for the city. Park land along the Root River, which Dickert called on the "longest continuous parks" in the country, will be a focus of the plan.
* The city is re-writing its housing ordinances to discourage bad landlords and bad tenants tenants, Dickert said. He also wants the city involved in remodeling more homes. Right now, Dickert said, the city spends $1 million remodeling 3-4 homes a year. He wants to renovate 30-40 homes a year, without spending much more money.
Krystyna Sarrazin, executive director of YPR, introduces Mayor John Dickert Tuesday.
* Dickert said his No. 1 priority is creating jobs. He pointed out there's about 10,000 adults out of work in the city right now.
* The city is vetting every developer interested in Racine, Dickert said. Over the last five year, he said, the city took in any developer and wound up with too much low-income housing. He's trying to even out types of developments that are coming into Racine.
* Dickert said he doesn't hold grudges. He shared a story about a disagreement with an alderman over how City Administrator Tom Friedel was hired. The alderman, who opposed aspects of Friedel's hiring, assumed he was on Dickert's bad side. Dickert said he assured the alderman he wasn't. "I'm OK with disagreement," Dickert said.
* Speaking cryptically, Dickert told the YPR members there's a lot going on. "More than you know," he said.
YPR's new executive director Krystyna Sarrazin is inviting Racine's young professionals out for a drink Thursday at the Chancery's Friki Tiki lounge. Here's the invitation from Sarrazin:
They’re in every large corporation, small business, retail store on Main Street, and just about everywhere business is conducted – they’re Racine’s young professionals and they will play a role in the future of this community. The Young Professionals of Racine (YPR) is calling these professionals to come out in force on Thursday to show Racine just how many of us are out there and to learn more about the Young Professionals of Racine (YPR) organization. “YPR exists in order to help bring this demographic together – for professional and social networking and community service opportunities,” said Krystyna Sarrazin, YPR director. “We are the face and voice of young professionals in our community and Thursday’s event is a casual social-networking opportunity. The event is our monthly 5:05 Club which takes place the 3rd Thursday of each month. There is no charge and you can come anytime it is convenient for you. This week we are gathering at Freddie’s Friki Tiki at the Chancery. I’m not even going to mention the rain location because the forecast is calling for near 80 degrees and sunny!" To learn more about YPR and other upcoming events, check out our website at www.ypracine.org.
YPR Program Director Dana Grueter is leaving the organization after three years on the job. Here's the message she sent out to members Monday:
YPR Members & Friends,
After 3 years with Young Professionals of Racine, I have decided to make some changes in my life. I am planning to go back to school this fall for a Global Studies Masters Program in Europe! Prior to that, I've decided to spend the summer in Italy with my boyfriend (who is stationed there in the Army), and with all these plans I am announcing my resignation as Program Director of Young Professionals of Racine. My time with YPR has been rewarding and challenging and I'm so grateful for all the lessons I've learned and friends and colleagues that I've met. Thanks to all of you who have been part of this time in my life! With that, please see a job description for a part-time program director position here.
YPR and Leadership Racine drew a standing-room crowd Monday night for their candidate forum at City Hall. It was a strong showing for the organizations and a testament to their growing impact on the local political scene.
State Rep. Bob Turner was not among the 10 candidates who participated in the forum, which was moderated by Janet Days and Scott Terry. Turner sent a message that he had a prior commitment in Madison and could not attend.
Turner refused to participate in the last mayoral candidate forum at City Hall, claiming it was against city ordinance to hold a forum in the City Council's chambers. Mayor Tom Friedel and the City Attorney's office said forums in the chambers were fine.
Lesia Hill-Driver was the new candidate in the mix. She was unable to participate in previous forums because of a family emergency.
Now, to the forum. It was the fourth time the candidates got together to talk issues and each of them seem settled into their message. Here's a look at my impressions of the first four questions of the forum:
The four-term alderman seems to be growing in confidence as the primary approaches. He used his story again about Dubuque, Iowa luring an IBM plant as a model for Racine and emphasized his experience as a politician and business owner (he owns Johnson's Home Furnishings in West Racine). He supports KRM.
Alderman Helding had another round of solid answers to questions. On specifics, he talked about using the City Council's Alcohol and License Committee to crackdown on problem taverns in Racine. He said it was an example of him making "real changes" instead of nibbling around the edges.
Karas flashed the charisma and confidence of a candidate who's thought through his campaign and the local issues. He brought up his public power proposal as a specific he'd do as mayor, and backed it up with key stats like 82 other communities in the state have their own power plants utilities. A woman sitting by me whispered in response: Is that true? I'm guessing people like the idea of public power, but they're not sure if it's possible. He backed KRM, noting gas prices alone may force people to look for alternative transportation.
Dickert said he's the guy to break the stalemate over KRM in the community. He likes the idea, and says more people will buy in if they realize the development potential of a train station in the city. He emphasized his local, state and federal experience.
Kim Plache
Plache said the city needs strong leadership, and she's the candidate to bring strength to the job. No doubt her state experience, both in the legislature and with WHEDA, will help her as mayor. She was the only candidate to point out the top business leaders in the Racine area testified in favor of KRM Monday at the Joint Finance Committee meeting at Case High. She also noted Racine's low housing prices will make it an attractive buy once the commuter rail station opens. Raymond Fay
Fay emphasizes his County Board experience and reiterated his support for KRM. He has an interesting idea of having members of a Regional Transit Authority elected to office. He opposed an appointed board to levy taxes to support mass transit in the Racine area.
Jaimie Charon
Charon split from the field Monday night by voicing his opposition to KRM. He joined Jody Harding as one of two candidates opposed to commuter rail in Racine. He supports expanding bus service. Charon also noted he's a former Coast Guard officer
Shakoor brought his crisp professionalism to the forum. It's clear he loves Racine - he's lived in the city for 55 years - and mentioned the Boy Scout program he leads in the city. He's a KRM supporter and would like to save property tax payers money by having the RTA funding the bus system with a sales tax. Other candidates agreed this would be a good way to improve mass transit while lower property taxes.
Harding noted she committed to running for mayor last August - months ahead of any other candidate. Of course, she was planning a couple of years to run for office, not a couple of months. But she's clearly been thinking through her stance on the issues. Like Charon, she's opposed to KRM. She said local government would translate any savings from an RTA into property tax reduction. Harding says she does support mass transit, though.
Lesia Hill-Driver
It's her first forum, but Hill-Driver debuted solid. She's looking to help people, and seemed confident she could do that as mayor. She's a KRM supporter.
YPR (Young Professionals of Racine) announced its new board of directors Monday. Here's the release:
Elections were held for the 2008-2009 Young Professionals of Racine board of directors. YPR’s board is often a starter board for young professionals looking to get more involved in the community. The board of Young Professionals of Racine welcomes 5 new members; Scott Terry from Fuel Creative, Marlene Keilholz from Johnson Bank, Mark Graceffa from Educators Credit Union, Matt Chamberlain from Perpetual Motivation and Chuck Swetland from Network Specialists.
The 2008-2009 Board of Directors is formed by: Chris Terry, President, Tracy Nielsen, Vice President, Chuck Christoffersen, Secretary, Mike Slye, Finance Chair, Courtney Graney, Events Chair, Ellen Tracy, Events Chair, Kevin Pinkerton, Marketing Chair, Christine Markusen, Membership Chair, Mark Graceffa, Professional Development Chair, Marlene Keilholz, Technology Chair, Kelli Stein, Vision Chair, and the following Member At Large; Melanie Cannon, Matt Chamberlain, Catherine Conaghan, Edyta Odorowska, Ben Smith, Chuck Swetland, Scott Terry and Melissa Udovicic.
"We are very pleased with this year’s board. There were some difficult decisions to make in this year’s election process; but we definitely feel that the people we have selected are a talented, passionate group of people who will lead YPR in a great direction," said Dana Grueter, Program Director.
Young Professionals of Racine is a membership-driven organization created in 2002 as a division of Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce as a vehicle to engage the next generation of Racine’s leaders. Founded by 12 enterprising professionals, the group has grown to more than 2,200 associates representing more than 150 companies regionally.
UPDATE: The numbers are in ... the wedding party brought in $5,985 in contributions and gifts to benefit HALO, Safe Haven, the Women's Resource Center and Bethany Apartments, according to Chris Terry of YPR. Once the bills for the party are paid, YPR also expects to kick in an additional $500 for the party being under budget.
"The turnout was wonderful and everyone had a good time," said Terry (see below for proof).
ORIGINAL POST: It wasn't your everyday wedding party.
Oh, there was the lovely bride, and "Tex," the wealthy groom. Dinner, dancing, the garter toss and a wedding cake.
And also the pregnant bridesmaid, the quickly-sloshed best man, the mother of the bride telling everyone within earshot she wished her daughter had married someone else, "someone more like her brother." Ah, yes, the bride's brother: collecting the gifts and dates for later...
Mother of the Bride helps Best Man get ready
It was all in good fun -- and for a good cause. The Young Professionals of Racine staged the wedding party -- "My Big Fat YPR Wedding" -- as a benefit for HALO, the Bethany House Apartments, Safe Haven of Racine and the Women’s Resource Center. All 200 guests brought wedding gifts, many gaily wrapped, and bid on silent auction items donated by three dozen community sponsors.
Bride greets "family members;" what does groom see?
All the wedding gifts -- the crock pots, toasters, glass sets, appliances, blankets, cash and so on -- and all the proceeds from the silent auction will be distributed to the four recipient agencies on Friday. The event was YPR's sixth anniversary party, but the aim was to assist individuals who will soon be out on their own beginning a new life, often without many items typically associated with wedding gifts.
For the record, the bride was portrayed by Juliana Garcia, of Express Professionals; the groom was Jay Christie of the Racine Zoological Society. (He got the better of the deal; "Mom" was right.)
Best man was Chris Terry, of Carpetland USA, next year's YPR president; Maid of Honor was Tabitha Flores, of Express Professionals.
Bridesmaids were Angela Schott and Mandy Boroski, both of Leman USA. Groomsmen were Charlie Petrarch of The Party Company and Philippe Bisson of Bombardier Recreational Products.
Mother of the Bride was Loretta Olson of Express Professionals.
Dana Grueter, wedding planner extraordinaire
Guest J.J. McAuliffe forgot to wear pants
Best Man Chris Terry looked spiffy at first...
...but quickly fell victim to musical chairs and...?
Here's a cool event from the Young Professionals of Racine. The group is hosting an anniverary party Thursday night and asking people who come to bring a "wedding present" to benefit local nonprofit organizations. Here's all the details, as written by Chris Terry of YPR:
The leaders of Young Professionals of Racine are optimistic that this year’s anniversary party will be remembered as more than just a party celebrating the organization’s sixth year of existence.
YPR is asking its members, and the general public, to bring a typical wedding gift or donation in lieu of an entrance fee for the celebration, which will begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 12 at Infusino’s Banquet Hall on Rapids Drive. The celebration, dubbed My Big Fat YPR Wedding!, will benefit HALO, the Bethany House Apartments, Safe Haven of Racine and the Women’s Resource Center. Dinner, dancing and a wedding cake will all be part of the celebration.
“One of our goals is to involve young professionals in the community,” said YPR Program Director Dana Grueter. “This event allows to not only be of service to some wonderful organizations in our community, but to introduce young professionals to what they do, as well.”
The organizations chosen were selected because they all assist individuals who, in the near future, will be out on their own beginning a new life, oftentimes without many items typically associated with wedding gifts, such as plates, silverware, pots, pans, toasters, microwaves, etc.
In addition to the donation of gifts and any financial contributions, many of YPR’s partner companies have donated items which will be included in a silent auction, again with all proceeds benefitting the four organizations.
“We expect to donate over $5,000 in gifts, financial donations and silent auction contributions to four great organizations in Racine,” Grueter said. “Also, we’re offering an amazingly fun networking opportunity for our young professionals in addition to letting them know about these organizations which do so much for the Racine community.”
YPR has had success in previous fundraising ventures, contributing $10,000 to the American Red Cross’ Hurricane Katrina relief effort in 2005 via the organization’s Hurricane for Hurricane Relief fundraiser.
Young Professionals of Racine is a membership-driven organization created in 2002 as a division of Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce as a vehicle to engage the next generation of Racine’s leaders. Founded by 12 enterprising professionals, the group has grown to more than 2,200 members representing more than 150 companies regionally.
At 16 years old, Jeff McKeown was a high school dropout in the small central Illinois town of Monmouth, located about an hour south of the Quad Cities. McKeown was the middle son of two alcoholic parents, spending most of his childhood on welfare. With no real parental guidance, he simply stopped going to high school for about a year.
That was then and this is now. Today, McKeown is the owner of Racine’s Express Personnel Services, a temporary employment agency with 10 full-time employees that puts more than 275 employees to work at 80 companies in Racine every day. For the past two years, his company has been among the top six fastest growing franchises amongst the more than 600 agencies nationwide.
On April 8, at RAMAC’s Annual Awards Dinner, McKeown’s transformation from high-school dropout to successful business owner takes another step forward as he will be named Racine’s Young Professional of the Year. The award is given out by Young Professionals of Racine.
“I have been active in the community and work to make Racine a better place to live and work,” he said. “I have been fortunate to be in positions that are visible and that get public attention.”
McKeown is a past president of YPR. He is also a graduate of Leadership Racine and Rapport Leadership International. McKeown is also a board member of the Racine Founders Rotary Club and Racine County Economic Development Corporation. He and his wife, Meredith, have two daughters, Reagan, 6, and Georgia, 2. As a teenager, he returned to school after a one-year hiatus, largely because of one influential teacher named Brian Cirks. “He taught me many lessons, but the most important was that it does not matter where you come from or your circumstances. Everyone has the potential to be successful,” McKeown said. “I always strive to invest in others the way that he invested in me.”
McKeown recently hired a general manager for Express to handle the day-to-day business. He’s in the process of opening a second office in Kenosha and hopes to open additional locations.
YPR Program Director Dana Grueter said McKeown befriends everyone he meets and truly fits YPR’s motto of Connect, Grow, Succeed, Have Fun. McKeown credits much of his success to his wife, a teacher in the New Berlin school district.
“Many times it feels like work and volunteering take a more prominent role than they should,” he said. “I am very lucky because Meredith and I have similar goals and beliefs about what we are doing. She picks up slack and that allows me to focus time and energy on helping others.”
McKeown was selected as the winner from three finalists, including Melinda Wilke, managing director of Northwestern Mutual in Racine, and Chris Terry, a contract salesman with Carpetland USA Flooring Center.
McKeown joins Doug Nicholson (Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery), Anne Stillman (CNH), Jay Christie (Racine Zoological Society) and John Busey (Robert W. Baird) as previous winners of the Young Professional of the Year Award.
