About ELO

ELO’s mission is to provide young professionals of Ocala/Marion County with a forum for influence to understand community issues, develop leadership skills, give back to the community and promote the growth of Ocala/Marion County. ELO is open to young professionals ages 21-45 with annual membership dues of $75. There are several benefits to being in ELO including an all access pass to all ELO events, entrance into many of the Chamber of commerce events and activities, and exclusive networking and leadership opportunities.

Exclusive ELO Events:

• Every other month we host Lunch and Learns/Dinner and Leans that give members the opportunity to learn about critical issues affecting Marion County.
• Several times a year we offer members the chance to just have pure fun at our special events. In the past they have included a Halloween party, Polo at the Park and our annual Luau membership party.
• In the fall and spring ELO goes on educational excursions around town to learn more about Marion County. We have had fantastic behind the scenes tours of such important companies like Monroe Regional Medical Center and Signature Brands, as well as taking our first trip to Tallahassee to meet and greet our local and state policy makers at work.
• Every other month we have great networking events and Happy Hours.
• ELO also participates in many community service activities around the community including Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, Food 4 Kids and United Way’s Day of Caring. We are the lead organization on the Holiday Giving Tree, a holiday assistance program for senior citizens and children. The Holiday Giving Tree has been able to donate over 2,500 gifts to those in need in the last three years since they took over the project.
• Our Public Policy Committee is currently working on getting ELO members educated on our City and County governments with the hopes that ELO members will take on the ultimate leadership role of running for political office in Ocala/Marion County.
• ELO also sponsors a very active golf league and softball team.
• We also have tons of member activities arranged by the members themselves.

“ELO is an exceptional group of more than 300 young professionals who have redefined what it means to be a leader in Marion County. These individuals are dedicated to making their community a better place for all to live by connecting, engaging and empowering each other in both their professional and personal lives. ”

Summer Gill, United Way of Marion County, 2008-2009 ELO Chair.