Northeast Metro Business VHEDC 2019 | Page 8

ENGAGING FUTURE LEADERS Nancy Hoglund, President of Hoglund Coaching (second from left), partners with the VHEDC to deliver the NMYP program. NE Metro Young Professionals Program T he NE Metro Young Professionals Program (NMYP) was established in 2017 by the VHEDC to create a unique experience for millennial professionals in the area. The year- long cohort is a combined leadership development and community engagement program. In the first two years, the program has served 29 young leaders in a wide variety of sectors including manufacturing, financial, healthcare, education, business, hospitality and non-profits. The cohort engages current and emerging leaders who are ready for further personal growth, civic engagement, career advancement, and service in the NE Metro area. The program is developed and delivered through a partnership between the VHEDC and Hoglund Coaching LLC. The majority of NMYP sessions focus on cultivating leadership and gaining a deeper understanding about the local community. The program offers service opportunities, behind-the- scenes tours, hands-on development, group discussion, networking events and also includes a community service project so that participants have the opportunity to make a real impact as part of their experience. FOR M ORE I N FORM AT I O N AB O UT T HE NM Y P PRO GRAM , EMAIL I N FO@VHE DC .CO M Participants have said NMYP has helped them to grow personally and professionally and that they’ve gained new perspectives and increased confidence in themselves and their leadership. They also expressed the value in learning about the different resources available throughout the community. Long-lasting relationships have been formed among participants and an ongoing peer group has been created between both years of cohorts. A core component of the program is leadership coaching offered by Nancy Hoglund, President of Hoglund Coaching. She provides strong guidance and mentorship to the group’s participants. Because Hoglund works with many C-Suite level leaders, NMYP provides a distinct opportunity for these young professionals. Former VHEDC Executive Director Ling Becker has provided leadership and a wealth of community experience since the program’s start. Becker says, “Employers are concerned about retaining their younger millennial workforce. This program is a great way for businesses to invest in their employees, give them exposure in the community where they work and allow them to gain valuable leadership skills. Thank you to Nancy Hoglund for her partnership with the VHEDC and serving as the leadership coach to the program. It adds a vital component.” To learn more about the experience of the 2018 participants, visit the NMYP website: vhedc.com/northeast-metro- young-professionals/ I have loved all the amazing leadership tools we have learned in the group. Each session, I have been able to learn new ideas and apply them directly to my profession. It is pretty incredible.” Lauren Welch, Operations Specialist at Children’s Discovery Academy. Nancy Hoglund, President of Hoglund Coaching – hoglundcoaching.com – has been maximizing leadership and organizational performance since 2007. In 2017 Hoglund was awarded the VHEDC Board Appreciation Award for Guidance and Leadership, for designing and facilitating a comprehensive strategic plan that ensures strong service to investors and the community. For more information, call 651-226-1587. 8 Northeast Metro Business