Our State Government Sponsor: Young Emerging Leaders

Published on 2009-03-18

"Sponsor Spotlight"

Young Emerging Leaders of the Greater Fort Smith Region (YEL), an affiliate of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, seeks to provide an outlet for networking, leadership development, and community involvement for the 21- to 39-year old demographic. 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 believes in making our community a better place by being actively involved in the programs that make our region successful. We believe in not just saying our beliefs, but putting our beliefs into action. Fort Smith and the region is a vibrant and growing community. YEL believes that by giving back and supporting programs that make our area thrive that we are all the better for it. It is not enough to say we support our community or economic development or city initiatives; we must be leaders within our region. We must be active participants in being what we say: doing what we say we will do, and giving of our time to fulfill YEL's mission.

YEL members also 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 must continue to be integral components for positive action in our community.

Because of YEL's commitment to education and leadership development, Leadership Fort Smith is the beneficiary of YEL's annual fundraiser, Bella Notte. The YEL Scholarship Fund is available to sponsor YEL members selected to participate in the Leadership Fort Smith program. Leadership Fort Smith, under the direction of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith , was designed for leaders who want to make a difference in the region.

YEL began in September 2006 as part of the TIP Strategies and is affiliated with the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. YEL currently has over 300 members. To learn more about YEL, visit yelfortsmith.org.

Leadership Fort Smith salutes YEL's mission of education and leadership development and appreciates its sponsorship and support of YEL members who participate in the Leadership Fort Smith program.