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Young Emerging Leaders of the Greater Fort Smith Region (YEL)

The Young Emerging Leaders of the Greater Fort Smith Region (YEL) seeks to provide an outlet for networking, leadership development, and community involvement among the emerging professional demographic in the Greater Fort Smith Region. YEL connects the youthful and seasoned business community to strengthen the resources available in our region.
 
YEL achieves its mission of connecting young professionals by focusing on three key areas: networking, leadership development, and community involvement. YEL connected over 1700 young professionals through the course of hosting almost 40 events in its first year.
 
Each month YEL hosts socially conscious socials. These networking events are designed for young professionals to connect with their peers as well as to provide them an opportunity to give back to the Greater Fort Smith Region.
 
Attending Leadership Luncheons as well as quarterly seminars are two ways that YEL members may take advantage of leadership development opportunities. Members have benefited from hearing such luncheon speakers as Dr. Paul Beran, chancellor of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, Bennie Westphal, CEO of The Westphal Group, and the city directors for a state-of-the-city forum.
 
YEL members believe in giving back to the community in various ways. Not only do members raise money and give to local charities, they also serve on various boards and councils throughout the city. YEL members can be found serving in various capacities: as board members for local charities, as a city director, and as a member of the Parks & Recreation Commission. Now in its second year, YEL has raised over $20,000 for the community both in monetary donations and in-kind gifts. YEL has sponsored the City of Fort Smith Downtown Beautification Project, the Community Services Clearinghouse, foster children within the Sebastian County Department of Child & Family Services, the Next Step Day Room, Leadership Fort Smith, Fort Smith Art Center’s ArtReach program, and Girls, Inc.
 

YEL launched in September 2006, under the auspices of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce based upon a recommendation of the TIP Strategies report, which stated that, “The creation of a Young Professionals Association should be a top priority for the Chamber.” According to the report, the purpose of such an organization should be to “develop networking opportunities for professionals in the area.” Now in its second year, YEL boasts almost 350 members.