Junior Chamber open to all between 18 and 40
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A junior chamber of commerce club isn’t just for up-and-coming lawyers and real estate agents, says the Junior Chamber International Canada regional president.
The Calgary chapter of JCI Canada, for example, is rounded out with truckers, IT professionals, students and an operator of a home spa, Jennifer Derzaph said this week.
A chapter of the organization in Red Deer — the potential of which JCI Canada will explore at a wine-and-cheese mixer at the Capri Hotel on May 7 — would be open to anyone of any occupation between the ages of 18 and 40.
“If you’re an entrepreneur and you want business networking, it’s a good organization. If you’re community minded and want to do some volunteer work, it’s a good organization,” said Derzaph, a recent import to Alberta from B.C. in the pharmaceutical sales business.
The junior chamber can also aid one’s personal development through the likes of public speaking and resumé writing courses, she added.
A similar meeting was held in Red Deer in 2003 and a dismal turnout meant no chapter was formed. But this time, Derzaph said, they already have a dozen people confirmed, and attendance will be filled out with some 45 JCI members from Calgary and Edmonton in town for regional convention and help from “senators” — past members who can offer newcomers insight into what they can expect.
The last time there was a junior chamber chapter operating in Red Deer was in the mid-1980s, she said.
There are two chapters in the province, in Calgary and Edmonton, compared to a dozen in B.C. and more in Ontario. Membership in Alberta once topped 600 and is now less than 100, said Derzaph.
“It doesn’t make a lot of sense because the number of young professionals in Alberta supersedes that in B.C., in my opinion,” said Derzaph.
RSVP to Derzaph at jennwills@hotmail.com to attend the free event, which starts at 4 p.m.
mgauk@reddeeradvocate.com
