YPOWR-Young Professionals to Host CEO Speaker Series Jan. 27-Feb. 27

The Waterbury Regional Chamber’s Y.P.O.W.R.–Young Professionals of Waterbury Region-will host their annual “Influential Business CEO Speaker Series” with the 2015 theme “Making the Difference in YOUR Community”. The series begins Tues., January 27 with Jim O’Rourke, executive director of the Greater Waterbury YMCA; followed Fri., February 13 with Brandon Dufour, general manager of All-Star Driver in Watertown; and Bob Burns, executive director of the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury on Fri., February 27. The series host sponsor is Connecticut Community Foundation. “Lead by Example” will be Jim O’Rourke’s January 27th presentation sponsored by Barker Specialty Company. Attendees will learn why O’Rourke focuses his strengths on developing generations for laying a path to success while he manages his full-time career with the YMCA. “Starting Off on the Right Path” will be Brandon Dufour’s February 13th presentation. Dufour sits on the boards of The Palace Theater and the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs. Event attendees will learn how he has grown this business, and why he feels social responsibility is a necessary element of any young leader’s career today. “Learn By Doing” will be presented by Bob Burns on February 27th sponsored by O & G Industries, Inc. Burns’ is working to invigorate the Mattatuck Museum with a youthful culture, and attract young people to get excited about the area’s arts and culture. Attendees will learn how they can share in his vision and expand their career paths by becoming involved with non-for-profit organizations. Y.P.O.W.R.’s mission is to energize young professionals aged 21 to 39 who want to grow their careers by engaging them in positive opportunities for professional development, educational, social, and community service. Corporate members sponsors of the Y.P.O.W.R. series of events are Belle Case Verde, LLC; Crowne Plaza Hotel, Southbury; and the Connecticut Community Foundation. All events will be held 8:00 to 9:15 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, Downtown Waterbury at 63 Grand Street. The series is open to Y.P.O.W.R. and Waterbury Regional Chamber members, and the general public. Costs are $15/session and $35 for the full series for Y.P.O.W.R. members; $20/session and $40 for the full series for Waterbury Regional Chamber members; and $25/event for not-yet Y.P.O.W.R. members and $60 for the full series. To register, visit www.ypowr.org, or email to info@ypowr.org or call 203-757-0701.