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Chamber creates position to engage young professionals

Shannon Ealy
Shannon Ealy

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce wants to see more young professionals take advantage of the networking and professional development services it offers.

"The goal is to equip them with these connections and with all the experience that currently exists with some of the most iconic companies and skilled business people in the world who are right here in our community," said Shannon Ealy, who has been named manager of the chamber's newly created Office of Future Leadership.

Ealy says young people have a lot to offer the region in terms of their energy, creativity, and perspective.

"I think young professionals grew up in a different time,” she said. “They face some challenges that some of the other generations didn't and they have different goals for their community, their mobility, and for their careers."

In her new role, Ealy will be gathering input from young professionals on business policy reform issues such as health care, workers' compensation, and education.

Ealy is a member of Rochester Young Professionals and co-chairs the Employment Action Team for RocCity Coalition’s Vision 2025 initiative.  She previously served as public policy and advocacy coordinator at the Chamber of Commerce.

Beth Adams joined WXXI as host of Morning Edition in 2012 after a more than two-decade radio career. She was the longtime host of the WHAM Morning News in Rochester. Her career also took her from radio stations in Elmira, New York, to Miami, Florida.