ELO Gets Statewide Recognition
P.O. Box 11309 • Tallahassee, FL 32302 • 850.521.1206
emerging leaders ocala (ELO): A Forum for Influence
The idea to form a Young Professional group originated in a conversation
I had with one of our Legacy Trustees, Brian O’Conner at Lockheed Martin.
When I asked him what the Chamber could do for Lockheed, he quickly
responded by saying, help us figure out a way to retain our young professionals.
Develop a network so that can plug into the community, get ‘rooted’ and choose
to stay. Accepting Brian’s challenge, The Chamber formed a small team to research
other YP groups and visit area YP groups. In March 2005, the Chamber convened a
group of 13 young Ocala professionals. The discussion centered on the role young
professionals play in our community. From that meeting, a new leadership group
was formed – Emerging Leaders Ocala (ELO).
In June 26, 2005 Star Banner Editor Brad Rogers wrote, “This is a refreshing and
dynamic group that can leave an indelible imprint on our community – an imprint
dangerously absent now. They are young, smart and motivated. They understand
Ocala is a hot sport and they have the opportunity to be a part of a prosperous and
innovative time. They just want the chance. And, impressively, they’re seizing the
opportunity. What a positive development for our community. ELO is going to make
a difference, and you can bet the ranch it’s going to be good for our future.” Rogers
was correct, since that first meeting, ELO has grown from the original 13 members to
more than 300 and has made a substantial impact on the Ocala/Marion County
community.
Most recently, ELO participated in the 2008 YP Global Impact Survey developed and commissioned by Next Generation Consulting, a market research firm. The survey took a snapshot of young professionals in Ocala by measuring their impact on the community and their perceptions of Ocala while allowing Ocala to be compared with other communities from around the country. The results provide valuable information that was recently shared with community leaders. An engaging conversation centered on the findings, the significant economic impact this demographic has on our community and the high level of civic engagement the YP’s practice. The immediate implication for our community is a desire at the city and county level to engage YP’s in advisory boards and councils and the ability for government heads to use ELO as a sounding board for the issues and opportunities our community faces.
“The Global Impact survey is an inventory of our community’s assets and gaps from a young professional’s viewpoint. The findings will be instrumental in developing our plans to recruit and retain the creative class and to ensure a progressive community”
- Jaye Baillie
