PRESS RELEASE
18 March 2009

JCI CAMBRIDGE INVITES NEW MEMBERS TO LEARN ABOUT BECOMING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW

The Cambridge branch of Junior Chamber International has invited professionals in their 20s and 30s to join its networking group – and learn about becoming the leaders of tomorrow.

It is being relaunched by president Gemma Cockbill who believes it provides the vital support and training opportunities needed for future high flyers.

Gemma, who is a branch manager for the Cambridge Building Society, said: “There are plenty of networking opportunities for older business men and women, but those who are younger and climbing the career ladder find there is little for them. At JCI Cambridge, we provide networking in a social environment so it is not a daunting experience.

“I joined a year ago because of their really helpful training events and learnt about presentation skills. I have really enjoyed the networking and social opportunities too and want to encourage new members to join. It is an inspirational group which helps to develop tomorrow’s leaders – today.

“I have found that young professionals are very concerned about losing their jobs in the current recession and need advice about making their next move to their next job. At JCI Cambridge, we hope to equip them the essential skills which will give them an advantage over others.

“We would also like to get more involved with community and charity work in the future to help develop our business and organisational skills, and to give something back to the local community.”
New member Ben Bullman, an accountant with Price Bailey, said JCI Cambridge provided the ideal opportunities for people his age to meet other young professionals.

“JCI offers us a great opportunity to network with people our own age as it can be quite intimidating if people are much older. It also enables us to build business relationships and socialise too.”

Former JCI Cambridge member Kate Atkin said the group had been a tremendous support to her and she has maintained links with the organisation.

“JCI enabled me to develop my skills in management and leadership so much so that I set up my own training business. I know from personal experience about the many benefits JCI can provide and I am delighted to talk to new members about this.”

In fact Kate, author of The Confident Manager, has been recognised as the Most Outstanding Trainer in JCI UK.

The group holds a “Turbo Thursday” event – networking without the stuffed shirts – on the 4th Thursday every month at All Bar One, Regent Street, Cambridge, from 6.30pm.

“We would love to see as many new faces as possible. We are hoping our group will grow from strength to strength and that new members will enjoy its many benefits. Please look at our YouTube to find out more about us at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWlKP0MNsZo ,” Gemma added.

Further details are available from Gemma on 07729 374538.

Notes to Editors:

1. Please call Gemma Cockbill on 07729 374538 for further information.
2. JCI United Kingdom (JCIUK) is a personal development and networking organisation for men and women in their 20s and 30s. It is part of a global organisation called Junior Chamber International (JCI) which has over 250,000 members in 100 different countries and territories all over the world. www.jciuk.org.uk
3. Its aim is to develop the skills of members and help them reach their true potential – whatever that may be. It also strives to “create positive change” both in their members and in society as a whole.