Claire Ryan’s latest FUSION Saint John article appeared in today’s Telegraph-Journal:
This month, FUSION’s Party with a Purpose is a joint venture with the Saint John Board of Trade, which has partnered with FUSION to provide an opportunity for members of each organization to mix, mingle and learn more about the work they are doing in Greater Saint John.
“We are looking forward to this opportunity to network with FUSION members,” says Saint John Board of Trade president Imelda Gilman. This is the first time the Board of Trade has participated in a Party with a Purpose, but it is not the first time the two organizations have teamed up to engage members. Last year the two co-hosted the Campaign on the Clock event during the municipal elections giving Saint Johners a chance to meet the candidates.
The idea for the party was born out of a recent focus group session that sought input from FUSION members. The conversation centred on identifying new ways to work together to engage current members and generate interest for potential members.
“This event will be another great opportunity to learn about each other and build on those relationships,” Gilman said. “We already have a number of FUSION representatives on our committees and this event will be an opportunity to encourage more young business professionals to get involved with our organization.”
The purpose of this party is not just a chance for FUSION members to learn more about the Board of Trade (and vice versa), it is also an opportunity for any Saint Johners interested in learning more about their community and available opportunities to contribute. It is especially timely, considering the number of current students and recent university graduates who are back in town, looking for work and new ways to be involved in their community.
Two very familiar FUSION supporters are also lending a hand to this Party with a Purpose. It is being held at the Saint John Arts Centre, which also provides an office space year-round (as anyone who has ever sent us a piece of mail may have noticed). Cracked Canoe, the newest product from Moosehead Breweries Ltd., is sponsoring the event. Moosehead was FUSION’s first corporate sponsor in 2004 and has continually supported events and activities over the past five years.
“Moosehead Breweries is very proud of the fact that it was the very first corporate sponsor of FUSION,” says Megan Parsons, brand manager, premium brands with Moosehead. “As a corporate citizen, we try to support groups and events that are making valuable contributions to our community.”
Moosehead’s continued support has arguably been integral to the success of many FUSION events. The “happy hour” component is as important to drawing members to our events as the purpose itself.
All are welcome at the Party with a Purpose, which will take place this Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For more information, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
