NYSJC Metro Chapters have many reasons to be proud this year

By 2007 NYSJC Metro-Conference Director Shonda Ranson

In St. Louis in 2006, former MCD Jennifer Sinatra-MacNeil (Buffalo) attended a special training with the idea that someday, New York State would host the prestigous JCI MetNet international conference. Well, from her beginnings to our formal bid in Atlanta in August 2007, New York State has made a big name for itself and is hosting JCI MetNet 2008: “MetNet & the City.”

But we haven’t stopped there. New York City Metros played hosts to many JCI international guests and banded together to impress UN delegates for a New York City night. Rochester launched a countywide young talent survey that made statewide news and started a conference led by First Lady Governor Silda Spitzer while capturing the attention of local colleges and setting the groundwork for collegiate extensions. KAJC Presidential Advisor Jonathon led an international moment of silence in honor of the Virginia Tech shooting victims. Syracuse connected with young professional giant 40 Below to begin a new collaborative partnership and invited them to participate in the JCI Training program. PNY boosted membership training to a new level and still kept their high level of community involvement. And, finally, Christine D’Andrade was elected the 2008 Metro-Conference Director while Gina Pellettieri took on the JCI MetNet Chairperson role.

Still, with all of these accomplishments, the most impressive accomplishment of the New York State Metro Chapters in 2007 was their ability to seek involvement of all of New York State, whether through the acceptance from the Board of Directors or consulting all of the chapters regardless of designation. Truly, what we’ve accomplished in 2007 will carry us through years to come and I am very proud that I was allowed to be a part of it.

The passing of my Great, Great Aunt Fondy -- A Strong, Amazing Lady

Fonda Opal Heath Pumphrey
Fonda Opal Heath Pumphrey, 93, of 4030 Indian Fork Road, Orlando, departed this life at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Friday, December 14, 2007, at her home.
Fonda was born on March 11, 1914, a daughter of the late Charles Bates Heath and Amanda Mae Bond Heath, in Lewis County.
On June 9, 1932, she was united in marriage to Alvin J. Pumphrey, who preceded her in death in June 1985.
Surviving are two grandchildren: grandson, Robert P. Pumphrey II of Indian Fork Road and granddaughter, Robin Lynn Pumphrey, also of Indian Fork Road; one sister, Rena P. Heath Pumphrey, Indian Fork Road; a special nephew, Earnest "Cliff" Wine, her caregiver and faithful friend; several other nieces and nephews; and many other special friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, Fonda was preceded in death by her only son, Robert Parker Pumphrey; four brothers, Oliver Herbert Heath, Alton Parker Heath and two infant brothers; and one sister, Frena Heath Wine.
Fonda was the oldest member of the Blackburn United Methodist Church. She loved her church and was a faithful supporter of her faith. She loved gardening, sewing, singing, working puzzles and entertaining the many who came to visit. She gave the Pine Run Schoolhouse to Cedar Creek State Park to which it was moved and restored. It stands today, in a prominent spot, as a tribute to the one-room schools of a by-gone era, thanks to her gift.
Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 19, at Boyle Funeral Home of Weston. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday from the Boyle Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Roy Wiant officiating. Interment will follow in the Pumphrey Cemetery, Indian Fork Road, Orlando.

Are you providing what your competition is missing?

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with a large Young Professional group that does wonderful things in a metropolitan area. I've known about this group and have watched it develop for a few years, now, and I knew that it was the right time to talk to them about collaboration instead of competition. How? In reserching the organization, I found that there was a key element that the group was missing that we provide -- leadership training.

In marketing, your taught to know your target audience, understand their needs, and either explain how you fill those needs or create a customized product to meet the need. The same principles apply when assessing competing organizations. As only Junior Chamber affiliates can have what the Junior Chamber offers, there will always be one element that another group needs to fully develop.

It got met thinking about how well do we know these other groups? In my home town, we work alongside one another, support each others' projects, and make a bigger impact on the community as a result. While most of the other groups are social-networking or community volunteerism only, they recommend membership in the Junior Chamber to their own members who want something more. It's a great relationship to have and improves long-term civic revival from the young professional roots.

So I encourage you to take a look at competing groups, get to know them, understand them, and see what they can provide for your group. In exchange, find out how you can fill their needs and build a great civic, collaborative relationship.