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right away and was so grateful to be accepted,” she said. My participation in NMYP has given me the ability to know myself on a deeper level.” - Allison Johnson , Training and Development Manager, IC System In addition to attending every meeting and nearly every extracurricular event outside of the main program as well, Johnson had the opportunity to host one of the organization’s meetings for which she co-created content and co-facilitated that month’s discussion regarding challenges millennials face in the workplace. She has also participated in volunteer projects, such as sorting food at the White Bear Lake Food Shelf and helping at the Santa Shop at Solid Ground. “My participation in NMYP has given me the ability to know myself on a deeper level. My increased self- awareness has been beneficial to me in my role as Training and Development Manager at IC System. The program has helped me hone in on my strengths and use them to my advantage in the workplace,” said Johnson. Caleb Peterson, Commercial Banking Specialist for Peoples Bank Midwest (PBM) since Jan. 2017, credits the program with helping him get a solid understanding of the traits of a good leader. “I used to focus mostly on the present, but now understand the importance of having goals for the future that will help advance my career, and assist with the bank’s goals as well,” he said. Peoples Bank Midwest has been involved in the Young Professionals program since its beginning. Company President Kevin Whelan says Peterson is the third employee to participate. “Our employees are our most important asset and employee development is key to business success,” he said. “The 2020: Kelly Carey, Mikaela Freese, Elena Glass, Mike Vowels, Kate Goebel, Kyia Britts, Michael Steck (Not pictured Chanel Bell, Bri Hinzman) biggest benefit for PBM has been the growth of our employees, not just in banking skill set terms, but enhanced confidence in their ability to be a solid producer and achiever. Working together with their peers at different industries broadens the employees’ horizons; they learn more about the community and how other local businesses operate.” Another Northeast Metro company that has seen great benefit from the Young Professionals Program is Merrick Inc., which has been providing day services to adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Ramsey County since 1964. “Three current employees of Merrick have participated in the program—one in each of the previous years. The program provided each of them an opportunity to focus on their professional development. They each are using learned leadership skills at Merrick to benefit the clients who choose Merrick for life enrichment or employment support services. Not coincidentally, each of the NMYP participants have pursued and received promotions within our organization,” said Merrick Inc.’s Executive Director John Wayne Barker, who is known to all as JWB. Learning the true meaning of economic development and business working together to grow their community was one of the key takeaways of the Nancy Hoglund, President of Hoglund Coaching – hoglundcoaching@icloud. com – has been certified and coaching C-Suite leaders and senior leadership teams nationally since 2007. Hoglund was awarded the 2017 VHEDC Board Appreciation Award for Guidance and Leadership for designing and facilitating a comprehensive strategic plan that ensures strong service to investors and the community. For more information, call 651-226-1587. Nancy Hoglund (center) with former Young Professionals Donnally Moua, Merrick, Inc., (Left) and Will Reinhardt, (Right) Peoples Bank Midwest. vhedc.com 27