“I knew that research was out there, but 62 percent is really eye-opening,” said Porter, current vice chair of Metro EDGE, the Metro Chamber’s young professional program.

That number, presented by Downtown Development District of New Orleans CEO Kurt Weigle, was part of a body of research that found most young professionals across the nation pick a city based on things they value before finding a job.

“Earning a good living is important, naturally, but the best and brightest are looking for more than just a paycheck,” said 2012 Metro EDGE Chair Sean O’Brien. “Young professionals are looking for a place to live the best life they can—they want to make it count.”

What do young professionals base their locale choices on? In New Orleans the research pointed out things like diverse and unique neighborhoods, convenient housing and public transportation, and a clean environment. A vibrant arts community, access to entertainment and outdoor recreation also top the list.

“We want Sacramento to be a place where young professionals are excited to live. We want to keep our homegrown talent and attract the best from across the country. We want those who will help lead this region toward a prosperous future. That under-40 talent pool is the future of this city,” said O’Brien.

Ensuring Sacramento’s future is at the heart of Metro EDGE’s mission. The goal: to Engage, Develop, Give and Empower the 40-and-under young leaders of the Sacramento region.

Founded in 2009, membership has grown to more than 450 strong. Members come from a myriad of business sectors, ethnic groups and education levels. They have access to various professional enrichment opportunities that are offered throughout the year. EDGE-ucational Forums, networking events and philanthropic projects are among the many Metro EDGE offerings that bring young professionals together.

More than purely social, Metro EDGE provides future leaders a chance to contribute today. Since inception, Metro EDGE has logged more than 1,200 hours of community service and raised more than $8,000 in cash and in-kind services for charitable causes in 2011.

“Our members are incredibly engaged. We want to help, and we want to be a part of positive change,” said O’Brien.

The group encourages members to get involved. From city council meetings to Metro Chamber events to the Next Economy Regional Forums, our members are everywhere.

“Metro EDGE represents the voice of young professionals in the region,” said O’Brien. “We’re not going to be heard, or contribute to any kind of solution, by sitting on the sidelines.”

Not only civically active, Metro EDGE is leading the charge in taking pride in our hometown.

“New Orleans has a very unique brand. It has a culture all its own. It has swagger,” said Porter. “Sacramento desperately needs to embrace its own identity, and Metro EDGE is working toward that end.”

Porter went on by saying, “We have some of the best weather and freshest food in the nation, we’re the state capital, and we have an amazing community and family atmosphere. We all need to take some pride in how great this region is. We all need to believe it and live it every day. Metro EDGE members are doing it, and we want everyone to.”

Metro EDGE is encouraging a larger contingency of its members to join the 2012 Metro Chamber Study Mission to Denver this fall. Part of that program will be devoted to studying the Downtown Denver Partnership’s strategy to attract and retain young professionals. That strategy includes creating a vibrant center city for the surrounding region by building up downtown physically, culturally and socially.

“Young professionals in Sacramento have chosen to live here. We all have a stake in this community and we want it to thrive,” said O’Brien. “It is truly a great time to be a young professional. And it’s an even better time to be in the Sacramento region.

Metro EDGE members are still buzzing about the 2011 Executive Insight Event at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. Phrases like “best EDGE event ever!” and “Inspirational!” are even being thrown around. To be honest, we couldn’t agree more! The amazing group of executives shared their valuable time and profound insight with sincerity and lots of good humor. (“Why am I holding my mic like a rapper!”) We wanted to share a few of our highlights, the warm & fuzzy, the candid, and of course the EDGEy. With all the great insight flying around, we missed a few, so please comment with your insight highlights from the night!

James Beckwith, Five Star Bank
“Flush the toilet on failures.” (In other words, don’t dwell on our failures. Let them go. Flush them and move on.)

Steve Childs, SacTown Magazine
“If you dip your toe in the water, you almost always start swimming, so don’t waste your time procrastinating and just go for it.”

Chris Delfino, Downey Brand Attorneys
“Sacramento is an amazing place. When I am asked what Sacramento needs, I say Sacramento just needs some swagger.”
“Be willing to roll up your sleeves and do the work.”

Mike Heller, Heller Pacific Inc.
You [MetroEDGE] are the crew that’s going to lead Sacramento to raise the bar.”

Becky Johnson, Siemens
“Form genuine friendships.” (In regards to networking.)
“Learn to say no. Establish boundaries.”

Donna Lucas, Lucas Public Affairs
“Do things that challenge you.”
“Give yourself some pause.” (Discussing the importance of a work/life balance.)

Mark Otero, KlickNation
“How you spend [your time] defines who you are.”

Randy Paragary, Paragary Restaurant Group
“Truly find something you love, and stick with it. Simple as that.”

Randy Satar, Teichert Land Company
“This is not a dress rehearsal…Jump in and start doing it.”

Michele Wong, Synergex
“Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.”

Photos and Video will be up soon…

What was you favorite quote or takeaway from the evening?

The Executive Insight will bring together our region’s most influential leaders with our “future” leaders, yes that’s you EDGErs. Its a great opportunity to get a peek into the minds of our region’s leaders. We have lined up 10 CEOs you’ll definitely want to meet:

• James Beckwith, CEO, Five Star Bank
• Steve Childs, Publisher, Sactown Magazine
• Chris Delfino, Partner, Downey Brand Attorneys, LLP
• Mike Heller, CEO, Heller-Pacific
• Becky Johnson, Director of Public Affairs, Siemens
• Donna Lucas, CEO, Lucas Public Affairs
• Mark Otero, CEO, KlickNation
• Randy Paragary, President, Paragary Restaurant Group
• Randy Sater, Senior Vice President, Teichert Inc.
• Michele Wong, Presient/CEO, Synergex

If you are as excited as we are to meet these leaders and secure some insider tips, then you’ll understand why we couldn’t wait till Wednesday to begin introductions. Below is a sneak peek into the background of 4 of our executives.

James E. Beckwith, Five Star Bank

James Beckwith has served as the President & Chief Executive Officer of Five Star Bank since 2003. During his tenure, Five Star Bank has seen an annual growth rate in excess of 20% and has gone from $65 million to more than $500 million in assets. A self-described “boutique bank” that focuses on relationship-based banking for local small business and entrepreneurs. A dedication to excellent service with the expertise to back it up is at the core of the organization’s philosophy. “More than anything we are problem solvers. We are consistent and reliable. We get things done,” said Beckwith.

A native Californian, Beckwith was born in Sacramento and graduated from San Francisco State University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting.  Beckwith is also a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington, class of 1989, where he was class president.  He currently lives in Sacramento with his wife and their three children.

Steve Childs, Sactown Magazine

Steve Childs has been the publisher of Sactown Magazine since its inception in December, 2006. Prior to Sactown, Steve was the president of the largest regional magazine in America — Texas Monthly — which routinely competes with magazines like Vanity Fair and The New Yorker for National Magazine Awards. While he has spent most of his career in publishing, Childs is also an entrepreneur with twenty five years experience in executive roles in publishing, finance, advertising and consumer marketing, business development and management. He was also the Founding Director of Communities at Excite, one if the first major Internet search portals. But possibly the coolest thing he ever did was manage the famed Beacon Theater, a 26,00 concert hall, in New York City at the tender age of 23.

Donna Lucas, Lucas Public Affairs

Donna Lucas is founder and principal of Lucas Public Affairs, a California-based strategic consulting, public affairs, and communications firm.

One of the nation’s foremost public affairs strategists and a widely recognized expert in media relations and political affairs, Lucas has provided strategic counsel to large corporate clients, labor unions, non-profits, initiative campaigns, and political candidates. Prior to forming Lucas Public Affairs in 2006, Lucas served as a deputy chief of staff for strategic planning and initiatives for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and chief of staff to First Lady Maria Shriver.

Lucas is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s School of Journalism.  She and her husband, political satirist and former Bureau Chief of the San Francisco Chronicle, Greg Lucas, live in Sacramento.

Michele Wong, Synergex

A graduate of the University of California, Davis, Michele has been with Synergex since 1982. She began as a systems programmer, and then rapidly progressed through the positions of project leader and vice president of software development. She was promoted to executive vice president in late 1984, achieved the position of president in November 1990, and was named CEO in December 1996.

She was named one of the “Best and Brightest in Sacramento” by Sacramento Magazine, and in 2000, Michele was honored to receive the Woman of the Year Award as the Sacramento Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s top fundraiser. Most recently, she was named Sacramento’s 2006 Business Woman of the Year by the Sacramento Metro Chamber.

Seats are limited and you don’t want to miss out! Plus this amazingly insightful event also includes hosted beer, wine and appetizers, thanks to our sponsor, the Hyatt Regency.

Click here to register.

We Want Your Feedback!

As we prepare for the upcoming year we want to get your feedback on your experience with Metro EDGE so far, and learn more about your areas of interest for 2012 as it pertains to our region.

Please take a moment to fill out this brief survey. It will only take a few minutes to complete and your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Your honest and open feedback will be completely confidential and will only be used as a tool to help us learn how we can continue to improve upon the great things already taking place. We value your opinions and look forward to your responses as we aim to make Metro EDGE the best resource for the next generation of leaders in our region.

This information will not be distributed in any capacity and will only be used for Metro EDGE purposes.

Metro EDGE member MacKenzie Woodard talks about her experience at June’s “In the Mix” event.

I don’t live in Downtown Sacramento. I don’t even work in Downtown Sacramento. But like anyone else who lives and works beyond the downtown grid, I know that Downtown Sac is the place to play. It’s the area that determines the future of the region. And it’s the only place where you can get an amazing Blueberry Mojito with a colleague, make a new business connection, and get an in-person education about the future of downtown revitalization all in one evening.

I mentioned to my colleague, Eric that I was heading out of the office a bit early to head downtown. EDGE was having an event at Ella’s Dining Room and Bar, and never having been there, I was excited to give it a try. Especially during a half-priced happy hour (as a financial planner I find a good deal especially attractive!). Turns out Eric, who recently moved downtown, had never been there either and agreed to join me. So, we found ourselves at Ella Dining Room & Bar, putting their claim of having the best happy hour in Sacramento to the test – and we were not disappointed. From the famous Gin and Tonic to the Blueberry Mojitos, Ella’s delightful cocktails and elegant ambiance were a terrific break from the summer heat. This event was one of our best attended “In The Mix” nights ever, and I was very happy to be the one to introduce my friend to the idea of being a young professional, engaged in the local landscape.

After saying hello to the EDGE members I knew and meeting several that I didn’t, it was time to make a critical decision – brave the heat to go on the tour of K St with the Downtown Partnership’s Kevin Greene or stay cool at Ella. Never one to back away from a challenge, we joined the group of 20 or so “EDGErs” and headed out the door after Kevin to hear about plans to add vehicle traffic to K St, develop new mixed-use space to bring more residential and commercial business to the area, and how these types of projects can be funded. I think our event was the good luck charm that allowed some of that funding to pass a vote that very evening.

Next it was off to the Downtown Railyards to learn about the possibilities for development there. Should it be a new sports complex? Is there a better use for the area? Who is going to pay for improvements? Of course these are complicated issues, but as the next generation of Sacramento’s leaders, we are the ones who will have to live with the decisions that are being made today.

Our attempts to take Light Rail back to Ella were foiled, so we spent the walk back to the restaurant getting to know one other a little better. After discussions of business philosophies, our personal ties to the region, and our reasons for joining EDGE , business cards were exchanged and we arrived back at the restaurant with new friends and a deeper understanding of the issues at hand for the downtown area.

When I got to the office the next day I asked Eric what he thought about the event. He said he was submitting the funding request to his manager that day to pay for the membership. And so EDGE has grown by one more member, new friends have been made and a group of young professionals are now engaged in the future of Sacramento. This is exactly what makes EDGE such a great organization to be a part of!

What is a personal brand? What does the term mean? Why does it matter? What can you do to manage it? All of these questions and more were tackled at the latest EDGEucational Forum Event :: Building Your Personal Brand. It turns out “personal branding” is more than just a buzzword used by people to whom words like “synergy” and “outside the box” are part of the vernacular.  A personal brand is yours to make or break and, luckily, it can be actively managed to ensure that you are putting your best “you” out there in the world.

Guided by Michele McCormick, EVP at Circlepoint, Metro EDGErs talked about basics like not posting anything inappropriate or when to avoid mixing religious or political views with business (tip: that’s pretty much always) to what a Klout score was to deeper issues like the true value of LinkedIn groups and how to engage them. The discussion gave attendees some great insights into the concept of managing who you are online, in person, and via word of mouth. Below are some quick tips from the session:

1.      There is no privacy. That is a concept of the past and that’s a little scary but there is power in knowing that you can control much of what’s out there.

2.      Do quality work and it will speak for itself. Don’t seek credit but make sure the right person knows you did it.

3.      Be helpful to others. Seek opportunities to collaborate as much as possible, even if it means possibly losing business.

4.      Be kind.

5.      Be yourself! It’s ok to be you! You can differentiate yourself. If that’s who you are then own it!

6.      Ask questions! Newsflash: the best sales pitch is not about YOU … it’s about THEM!

7.      Actively manage your online reputation … manage what you can within sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter … Google yourself, determine your Klout score, etc. This requires some work on your part but use all the tools out there to protect your online reputation. It’s worth it.

8.      If there is a blemish on your online reputation… “the only way to manage bad is to bury it with good.” It’s up to you to make sure there is so much good stuff about you online that they never find the bad.

It was a very collaborative conversation that wound down with EDGERs giving each other advice on networking opportunities, Facebook privacy tips, and ideas on how social media tools are being co-opted and used internally by larger companies.  Collaboration! One of the key take-aways from the presenter was the essence of the event. When you think about it, that’s really what Metro EDGE is all about … a group of like-minded people who care not only about their own futures, but the futures of those who will help make our home what it is to become.

EDGE gets educated! Metro EDGEr’s had the opportunity to learn more about Sacramento’s actions to grow our green economy at the Sacramento’s Green Economy :: EDGEucational Forum Event. Two guest speakers, Julia Burrows and Warren Smith, were present to converse with EDGE members.

Julia Burrows is the managing partner of Valley Vision and Project Manager of Sacramento’s Greenwise Initiative. She educated the group about Greenwise and the steps being taking to make Sacramento the greenest region in the country. Over the next ten years Greenwise will work to attract new clean technology, develop a qualified workforce, engage the community and encourage every city to lead by example.

Warren Smith is the co-founder and senior vice president of business and development at Clean World Partners. He talked about his work at Clean World Partners. The company works with businesses and communities to convert organic waste to renewable energy, soil enhancement products and other valuable byproducts using proprietary technologies that are scalable, cost-efficient, and effective.

One of the major concerns Julia and Warren discussed was creating more green jobs for Sacramento. Julia noted that there are currently 14,000 green jobs and goal of Greenwise is to double that number to 28,000 in the next 10 years.  There was mention of several up-and-coming green-tech companies in the region which we can be proud of and are companies to watch in the coming years. Some of those companies are SMA Solar Technology, Siemens Light Rail, and Micromidias.

Warren noted that the support of the private sector has assisted with the green efforts in the area, but that retaining talent in the Sacramento region after college remains an issue. Many of the graduates leave the area and do not stay in Sacramento, which continues to be a concern for businesses. Sacramento must take action to keep green talent in the area so  current businesses do not relocate outside of the region.

EDGE gets a voice! The floor was opened to allow the group to provide insights to the guest speakers about how to make Sacramento the country’s emerald valley. Suggestions were made to improve public transportation, streamlining the process for larger green energy projects to come to fruition and more education and information for the public to learn about available programs and how they can get involved.

EDGE can take action! The group asked how metroEDGE fits into the Sacramento green economy. Warren encouraged the group to pursue their passions and be active in the community. Julia suggested getting involved in the green movement by volunteering time towards green programs and contribute to their company’s green efforts. A potential outlet for involvement is the Greenwise Business Leadership Council where various businesses throughout the region can collaborate and take action to reinforce the goals of Greenwise.

For more information you can check out these available links:

Greenwise Sacramento website

Valley Vision/Green Capital Alliance website

Greenwise Sacramento Regional Action Plan

Green Capital Alliance 5-year progress report

Clean World Partners

On December 16, 2010, EDGEr’s gathered with a panel of local experts to discuss the progress and setbacks of revitalizing the downtown region. Experts included prominent local developer David Taylor, R.E. Graswich, Special Assistant to the Mayor, and Leslie Fritzsche, Downtown Development Manager for the City of Sacramento.

The discussion focused on the completed & in-progress development efforts of K Street. Randy Paragary was in attendance and expressed his excitement about the new entertainment complex (District 30, Pizza Rock, and Dive Bar) opening on K Street this winter.

The group also discussed the development of the Railyards and Sacramento’s Arena initiative. David Taylor provided perspective regarding the magnitude of funding it takes for projects like these to come to fruition and the importance of public funds. R.E. Graswich provided insight regarding the position from the Mayor’s office, commenting that any proposal for a sports entertainment complex will need a groundswell of public support and enthusiasm.

For those of you who missed it, here is a summary of some of the exciting downtown revitalization projects currently in progress:

• The Metropolitan at 1001 J street – a 39 story mixed use tower – $250 million
• Entertainment complex on K street (District 30, Pizza Rock, and Dive Bar) – $11 million total cost
• New greyhound bus station – relocating to the river district in 2012
• Other projects including an upscale urban hotel and the development of a condo community on L street.

For more info on development projects in Sacramento, visit the City of Sacramento’s Economic Development website.

Sacramento’s downtown area has come a long way in the last ten years and many want to take it to the next level.  However, the recession has posed challenges to these visions – the downtown mall is struggling, the Railyards project has been slowed by bankruptcy issues, several residential projects have been shelved, and K Street continues to be an eye sore.  What is the state of current development projects in the downtown?  What have been the major development roadblocks?  What does the downtown need and how do we (yes – us EDGErs!) effect change? Join us on December 16th with our two forum experts — R.E. Graswich and David S. Taylor — for a round table discussion on revitalizing downtown.

R.E. Graswich is Kevin Johnson’s Special Assistant to the Mayor; his responsibilities include policy issues, community relations, and communications. Considering Graswich has been a print and broadcast journalist in Sacramento for 38 years, he has a wealth of knowledge about our city. “He loves Sacramento, has a deep appreciation for our city’s history and knows how great Sacramento can become in the years ahead.”, said Mayor Johnson.

David S. Taylor is the president and founder of a full-service commercial real estate development and management company based here in Sacramento. You may be familiar with a few of his projects including: Esquire Plaza, Sheraton Grand Hotel, 1201 K Street, and Sacramento City Hall. These buildings have helped shape downtown Sacramento and reflect David’s commitment to add elegance, promote environmental sustainability, and energize the local economy.

Get more event details and register today for the Edgucational Forum : Revitalizing Downtown.

Please leave a comment with any questions you would like to have considered for discussion at the forum.

Here’s your third sneak peak into the background of one of the four local entrepreneurs we have lined up for you at next Thursday’s EDGE Insight event. First us was Mark Otero, KlickNation – Founder & CEO, click here to read his profile. Then came Dave Kovar, Kovar’s Satori Academy of Martial Arts – Founder & Chief Training Officer, click here to read his profile. Third came John Argo, Bloo Solar – Founding CEO, click here to read his profile. Last, and most definitely not least, came Robb Moore, ioSafe – Founder & CEO, click here to read his profile. The event will be held at Spataro on October 21st at 5:30pm. This intimate venue will give you a unique opportunity to ask questions and network with  speakers as well as attendees.

Meg Arnold, SARTA – CEO
(EVENT MODERATOR)

Meg Arnold became CEO of SARTA in November 2009, after being closely involved as a SARTA Board member since late 2005. Prior to joining SARTA, Meg was with UC Davis for six years, supporting technology commercialization and entrepreneurship on the campus, with both UC Davis InnovationAccess and UC Davis CONNECT, where she developed programs to support campus-originated start-up companies, and participated in technology transfer licensing to new start-ups.

After leaving UC Davis in 2008, Meg consulted to Drexel University as Director, Community Partnerships, and to Valley Vision, as Senior Project Manager for the Green Capital Alliance. In addition to SARTA, Meg has served on the Board of the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy (SEA), the Steering Committee of the Green Capital Alliance, and the High Tech Direct advisory committee.

Before coming to the Sacramento region in 2001, Meg spent ten years in the telecommunications industry, working primarily in strategic planning and business development for AT&T Canada, in Toronto, and British Telecom (BT), in London. In these roles, her work focused on mergers and acquisitions, strategic and joint ventures, as well as developing and expanding new business units. She was also involved with the then-largest telecom acquisition in Canada, and the corporate restructuring and spin-off program of BT in 2001-02.

Meg has an MBA in Finance from the University of San Francisco, and a BA in English from Cornell University. She lives in Davis with her husband, son, and daughter, and would sail competitively on San Francisco Bay if it were closer.

Link to bio online and SARTA website: http://www.sarta.org/go/sarta/about-us/sarta-team/

Come out to the event!

Ever wish you could peek into the minds of local entrepreneurs? Now’s your chance!

Join EDGE for a night of mixing with local entrepreneurs. Enjoy appetizers and drinks from Sacramento hot spot Spataro as you learn about the experiences of several local entrepreneurs.

Bring your questions! You will also have a chance to ask the entrepreneurs what’s on your mind.

Who’s in the lineup?

Featured Entrepreneurs

• Mark Otero, KlickNation – Founder & CEO
• Dave Kovar, Kovar’s Satori Academy of Martial Arts – Founder & Chief Training Officer
• John Argo, Bloo Solar – Founding CEO
• Robb Moore, ioSafe – Founder & CEO

Moderator

• Meg Arnold, SARTA, CEO

Register Now!

tickets are only $20 for EDGE members