Lakeland Business Guide 2019 Chamber Guide_2019 | Page 60

“So, truly,
from meeting
people your age
to developing
yourself as
a leader, to
then finding
successful
positions
utilizing
the talents
and résumé
builders within
Lakeland —
that keeps you
here, engaged,
and holds the
talent.”
Photo by Nikki Roman
to truly focus on the young professional and
Lakeland, and how we can help to develop
them and get them used to Lakeland,”
says Hamid. Dedicated to helping young
professionals of our community, EMERGE
offers unique opportunities to develop
their members relationally, professionally,
politically, philanthropically, and more. “Those
professionals might not be business owners
yet or may not even be managers yet, but they
have to start building those competencies
today to get into those roles,” says Hamid.
With members of EMERGE from all
over the state, focusing in on a targeted group
of people within the larger demographic that
exists within the Chamber has been helpful
with quickly acclimating young talent to the
Lakeland area. EMERGE introduces these
individuals to the community, giving them
connections to notable and established leaders
while providing them with a community
filled with others in a similar season. “You get
access to people who are closer to your age, so
it’s way less intimidating,” says Hamid.
Even though networking is one of the
seeked benefits of joining an organization like
– TAHER HAMID
60