FLOW – the Future Leaders of West Hartford – has become actively engaged in the community and has an active schedule of activities planned for the fall.

By Ryan M. Keating, President, Future Leaders Of West Hartford

As the fall foliage fills the trees and daylight dwindles, more and more time will begin to be spent inside over the coming months. There’s no better time to get out and network with your local community!

I want to share with you a bit about the Future Leaders Of West Hartford (FLOW), a young professional organization formed this past year in conjunction with the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce to “attract and retain future leaders to invest in the West Hartford community through social events, professional development, and philanthropy.”

Over the last year we have grown steadily, topping just over the 100 member mark this past summer. FLOW is a foundation for Young Professionals in their 20s and 30s to facilitate networking, personal/professional development, and philanthropy through all that West Hartford offers. We do cater to those under 40 with many of our events and opportunities to participate in committees, but like our home buying event detailed below, we will continue work to put on events for people of all ages to attend.

Check out our upcoming events:

Oct. 25 – Homebuying – Tips of the Trade – A Panel Education

• 5:30-8 p.m. at the Pond House Café. Ticket prices are $10-$25, and the event is open to all ages
• Register here: Homebuying Panel
• Panelist include Carl Lantz, Lyle Rotondo, Marc Nathan, Pat Vautour, Drew Reid, Robert Kulakowski, Jennifer Mira, and Tim Goetz.

Our Programs Committee has worked hard to assemble a panel of eight industry leaders who will be “presenting the five ‘W’s of homebuying in a way that is easy to understand and in a relaxed setting.  Gaining perspectives and insights into local real estate market dynamics from very knowledgeable industry experts. My hope is that this event will foster new connections and/or further existing ones between the participants and the West Hartford community,” said Jonathan Wang, who helped compile the mixed panel of real estate, mortgage lenders, attorneys, and home inspectors.

Program Committee Chair Aaron Bohigian said, “It will be a very informative program with good knowledge for ourselves and others. If you are buying your first home, this is a ‘must-see-TV event.’ Even if you own a home, I think this information is great for friends as they will be asking us the same questions as time goes on, if not already.”

You do not want to miss this great opportunity to pick up a few tips for buying or selling your next home. The event is sponsored by West Hartford Lock, Residential Mortgage Services, Webster Bank, and Keating Agency Insurance.

Nov. 11 – Foodshare Volunteer Day

• 8:30-11:30 a.m., must be 18 or older.
• Participation is limited to 30 people, but there is the potential for afternoon shift if registration is full. Email [email protected] and we can coordinate.
• Register here: Foodshare Sign Up

Our Philanthropy Committee has been working hard all year, with events like Celebrate West Hartford and Jonathan’s Dream, and we are excited for our newest opportunity to help combat hunger! Come out and spend a morning of sorting and packing at Foodshare. Last year Foodshare distributed more than 11.5 million meals worth of food to the one in eight adults and one in six children in Hartford and Tolland counties who are food insecure.

Ongoing through Nov. 10 – Headshot Fundraiser

In conjunction with our Jonathan’s Dream volunteer day, FLOW has committed to donating a bench to the new inclusive, accessible play space for families and children of all abilities. We have had great success and feedback for our headshot fundraiser and have extended the opportunity through Nov. 10. The cost of a professional headshot is $150 dollars, of which $100 goes to the Jonathan’s Dream bench. To set up your appointment, check out flow.amberjones.com.

Nov. 13 – Open Board Meeting in Town Hall Room 400, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

As we look to continue building on the success and head into 2018, we need great people. We are inviting anyone who wants to support our mission to invest in the West Hartford community to come and learn more about FLOW or how to get involved with one of our great committees as we plan for 2018 with a January social, February restaurateur program, March philanthropy event, April social, and our inaugural event in May for which planning is already underway.

Committees are: Programs, Membership, Sponsorship, Philanthropy, Social (Events/Media), and we will be forming our Annual Event committee. If you are interested or have any questions, please email Ryan Keating at [email protected].

I would also like to give a quick thank you and acknowledgement to the FLOW Board Members who over the last year have put in a lot of time, effort, and energy to create a sustainable group for decades to come: Vice President Kristen Gorksi, Social Chair Matt Banever, Membership Chair Amber Jones, Programs Chair Aaron Bohigian, Philanthropy Chair Maria Angelico, Sponsorship Chair Morgan Hilyard, and Matt Daly, Michael Thibodeau, Daniel Flynn, Susan LeBel, Lyle Rotondo, Jeff Lovanio, Erin Tracey, Jonathan Wang, Dave Souza, Cailin McBee, Steve Quish, Justin Aguado, Rachel Noiseux, and Marjorie Brown.

Follow FLOW on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and email [email protected] for updates!

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