By Samantha Lodge
At the Greater Halifax Partnership we consistently talk about the benefits of connecting people in our community. Whether on a previous episode of SmartCity, in an interview with President & CEO Paul Kent, or me telling you just now, the message is all the same – networking and collaboration are what helps a city grow. So it’s no wonder that in this new season of SmartCity we profile an organization like Fusion Halifax.
Fusion Halifax focuses on bringing the city’s 20 to 40 year-olds together to create a dynamic and strong network of young and emerging talent (YET) in Halifax.
“We want to make sure that all the young professionals in Halifax know people, so they’re already starting their career with a whole list of ‘who-you-knows,’” said Sarah Levy, Vice Chair of Fusion Halifax.
The group is continuously growing as it reaches its five year anniversary. The growth is more than apparent as we watch SmartCity host, Craig Layton, engage with Fusion members at Obladee Wine Bar. Once Craig finds Sarah she explains that the crowded affair is nothing new to the group’s networking events.
However, Fusion Halifax is about more than get-togethers at local restaurants. The organization provides a forum for Halifax YETs to have a voice in the community by becoming a member of one of five action teams that focus on a wide range of issues such as health, arts and culture and urban development.
Fusion is also working with the Greater Halifax Partnership to educate businesses about the benefits of hiring young talent through the Hire Young Halifax campaign. It is important to clear up misconceptions that employers may have about hiring young talent and explain the benefits YETs can bring to a company through innovative ideas, technical skills and new strategies. Retention of Young and Emerging Talent is vital to the growth of Halifax.
As a native of Newfoundland and a public relations student I can say that an organization like Fusion is extremely useful to young professionals looking to make connections, build their professional network, and get involved in the community.
By exposing the young citizens of Halifax to networking events and action teams, Fusion ensures the next generation has the skills and ability to take the lead and make sure Halifax continues to be an attractive place to live, work, and do business.
So to all of you who are new to this beautiful city – don’t sweat it! Groups like Fusion Halifax are here to help you and to make sure we keep smart, young talent in this smart city.
You Might Also Like:
Author: Samantha Lodge
Samantha is the Communications and Marketing Assistant at the Greater Halifax Partnership. She moved from Newfoundland to Halifax to attend university, and ended up rekindling her love of the east coast. She feels that being close to the ocean in a city with so much excitement is the ideal situation – Halifax’s talented music scene is an added bonus!