Charlottesville launches young professionals group

The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce announced Monday it has launched Cville Rising Professionals, a business networking group for people under the age of 40. 

The group is open to Chamber members and nonmembers and will assist young professionals in making connections in the business world.

“We’ve needed a group like this in Charlottesville for a long time,” Rhianon Botizan, chamber co-chair, said in a statement. “People have been going to Richmond to network with other young professionals, and we’re thrilled that the Charlottesville Chamber has stepped in to meet this need.” 

Botizan and co-chair Scott Hamler worked with chamber President and CEO Elizabeth Cromwell to establish a steering committee including local businesspeople to lead the group.

Steering members include:

• Kirsten Ashbaugh, Wilkinson Wealth Management LLC
• Russ Cronberg, Boar’s Head Resort
• Anna Isserow, Community Investment Collaborative
• Matt Lawless, town of Scottsville
• Scott Raney, Flora Pettit PC
• Emily Rosenberger, Alzheimer’s Association of Central and Western Virginia
• Zoie Smith, city of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development
• Giles Sydnor, Wells Fargo
• Shannon Temlak, Flora Pettit PC
• Myles Wood, Tom Tom Summit & Festival

“This group is a great way of connecting up-and-coming members of our community together – individuals that aren’t brand new to their career, but who also aren’t super well-established,” Hamler said in a statement. 

The group will meet virtually through the pandemic. Those who are interested in the program can learn more or sign up through the chamber’s website.

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