Join the AYC Leadership Service Committee for an evening of volunteerism, running, and fun at the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon’s Trash Run. The AYC’s Leadership Service Committee will be participating in one of the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon summer series of trash runs on May 22nd. It’s a great chance to give back, get some exercise, and hang out with other AYC members!

Details: LSC committee members and other volunteers will meet at 6:00pm at Threadgills on Riverside Drive. Look for LSC Chair John Fleckenstein or Vice Chair Todd Milligan when you arrive!

6:00pm- Austin Marathon and Half Marathon staff will give an overview and materials to collect trash
6:10pm- Run around with fun people collecting trash
7:00pm- Happy Hour with other participants at Threadgills
8:00pm- Go home feeling good about helping keep our city beautiful!

Please RSVP with John Fleckstein at john.fleckenstein2@sunbeltsecurities.com or830-285-1423.

For more info on the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon summer trash run series go to http://youraustinmarathon.com/trashrun.

1. How did you get to Austin?
My previous company brought me to Austin to start a new branch, and now that I’m here, I don’t think I’ll be leaving anytime soon.

2. Why did you join the AYC?
I joined the AYC to create and build relationships with people around my age from the wide variety of industries in the area.

3. What is your favorite lunch spot?
I’d probably say that All Star Burger, in the Hill Country Galleria would be at the top of my list. (try the “Make My Day” if your heart can handle it)

4. If you could have any super power, what would it be and what would you use it for?
Given my commute, I could really benefit from teleportation. I would get to work and get home in a much better mood every day!

5. If you could have any celebrity live next door to you, who would it be?
I’m going to have to say Si Robertson. Hey, there can never be a dull moment with him around, Jack!

6. What are your top 3 things to do/see in Austin?
1) Top Golf (this is a must for everyone)
2) One of the many zipline tours in the area
3) See a concert at the Austin360 Amphitheater

7. If you played hooky for a day, where would we find you?
Either at Top Golf or on one of the many actual courses in Austin.

8. When people ask you what you do for a living, what do you tell them?
I sell auto, home and life insurance to protect people from the things that are out of their control.

9. What do you think is the best invention in the past 50 years?
The iPhone; it has just tremendously changed everyday life.

10. Who was your first Facebook friend?
I’m almost positive it was my brother.

11. If you couldn’t live in Austin, where would you want to live?
I would move to Scottsdale, AZ, for the weather and the golf.

Read the Newsletter >

This very interesting and important presentation tells Austin’s demographic story using a Top Ten approach with charts, graphs and maps that gives great insights about where Austin is and what’s in store for Austin’s future.

If  you missed the presentation or just trying to remember some of the data, Ryan Robinson has given us access to the presentation for AYC members to review. Click here to download the presentation.

Come celebrate the good work of these non-profits and find a way to give back to your community!

ATTN NON PROFITS: Non-profit tables are now full. If you’ve already applied we will contact you soon to confirm your table and give you event details.  If you are a non-profit organization looking to participate in the fair, please complete the application. All spots are full, however we will keep a wait list in case a space becomes available.

Special thank you to our beverage sponsors Brown Distributing and Z Tequila!

 Join Z Tequila for a Fizzy Paloma! This refreshing cocktail features Z Tequila’s San Francisco World Spirit Awards Double Gold Medal winning Blanco or Silver Tequila blended with Grapefruit and Blood Orange italian sodas. Pepe, Z Tequila’s founder lives right here in Austin and supports local community leaders. Pepe says, “I am proud to support our Young Chamber and the next generation of leaders in our great city.” As always we recommend you Z Responsibly.

Click here to register!

1. How did you get to Austin? I moved to San Marcos to attend Texas State then was lucky enough to land a job in Austin.

2. Why did you join the AYC? To expand my network of young professionals in the Austin area and give back to our community.

3.What is your favorite lunch spot? Hopdoddy, the long wait is worth the delicious food!

4. If you could have any super power, what would it be and what would you use it for? I would love to be able to see into future, just think how useful that could be!

5. If you could have any celebrity live next door to you, who would it be? Chelsea Handler, I’m confident that she would keep things entertaining.

6. What are your top 3 things to do/see in Austin? The greenbelt, South Congress on a Sunday and enjoying our downtown nightlife.

7.If you played hooky for a day, where would we find you? Enjoying the sun, either at the Greenbelt, on the lake or by a pool.

8. When people ask you what you do for a living, what do you tell them? I work with small businesses to help manage cash flow, attract and retain their top talent and stay in compliance. I take care of those areas so business owners can focus on growing their business and doing what they love.

9. What do you think is the best invention in the past 50 years? Apple.

10. Who was your first Facebook friend? My best friend Kate Goodrick, we actually made our Facebook pages together.

11. If you couldn’t live in Austin, where would you want to live? Denver, Colorado

On February 22, 2013, John King, Executive Director of the CleanTX Foundation, was awarded the prestigious AU40 Award for Technology Science for his leadership of Austin’s leading clean tech professional organization and at the AYC.  AJ Bingham, Legislative Director at McWilliams Governmental Affairs Consultants, received recognition as a finalist for the Government and Public Affairs category.

Melanie Plummer, Executive Director of the AYC lauded King and Bingham’s contributions to the community, “The AYC is Austin’s largest and fastest growing young professional organization since we started in 2009.  Our growth and size are indicators of our impact in the community and the value that we present to our members.  John and AJ exemplify AYC’s leadership in the community and we are honored that they have received recognition for their dedication and hard work.”

AYC board members have been recognized as finalist for AU40 awards in the past, John King is the first AYC Board Members to win the award.

“Being recognized by our friends at the Young Men’s Business League and the Young Women’s Alliance is truly an honor.  The AYC is a great organization that brings tremendous value to the community and I am grateful to be a part of the organization’s leadership,” said King, AU40 winner. “Having the opportunity to impact my hometown through my work at CleanTX and AYC is a special thing, I feel truly blessed that my work is completely focused on giving back to Austin.”

The entire AYC family is proud to have such tremendous leadership throughout our organization.  We congratulate John King and AJ Bingham and look forward to their continued leadership as AYC continues to grow and prosper.

About the Austin Young Chamber of Commerce
The purpose of the Austin Young Chamber of Commerce (AYC) is to develop and connect young professionals in Austin to create business, community and individual success. The AYC believes that our members are the next generation of Austin leaders. That’s why we work hard to provide leadership opportunities, educational programming, and social events to promote personal, professional and community growth.

How did you get to Austin?
I moved to Austin after receiving a promotion from my old employer! It was the best move ever!

Why did you join the AYC?
I joined AYC because I love my community and wanted to contribute to its greatness. UFCU is very involved and I took the opportunity to join AYC and have enjoyed every minute.

What is your favorite lunch spot?
Royal Blue Grocery on Congress! Wednesday is the day to go.

If you could have any super power, what would it be and what would you use it for?
Shape-shifting so I can shift into a house cat and eat and nap all day long.

If you could have any celebrity live next door to you, who would it be?
Grumpy Cat.

What are your top 3 things to do/see in Austin?
FUN FUN FUN Fest, Kite Festival, kayak on town lake.

If you played hooky for a day, where would we find you?
Hanging by the pool with my cats eating peanut M&Ms and a Royal Blue Grocery Sandwich!

When people ask you what you do for a living, what do you tell them?
I help people succeed financially.

What do you think is the best invention in the past 50 years?
George Foreman Grill! I’d starve to death without it!

Who was your first Facebook friend?
Don’t remember, but maybe it was Tom or is that MySpace….

If you couldn’t live in Austin, where would you want to live?
I’d like to live in Washington D.C. because that is where I was born and I’d love to rub elbows with the President.

“Being a part of the AYC has been a fantastic experience for me, both personally and professionally,” says Lindsey Tyner, 2013 AYC President. “The young professionals who are invested in this organization are truly the next generation of Austin leaders. I am so honored to be a part of the impact they are going to be making on our city.”

AYC also adds six new members to the Board for 2013-2014 who will each begin two-year terms in 2013. Abby Alwan, Andy Cates, John Fleckenstein II, James Nortey, Ashley Teykl and George Ward join eight returning board members this year.

“In 2013, the AYC is focused on actively promoting the growth and evolution of the organization by increasing our value to our members. We’re concentrating on doing so through diversity, increased brand visibility, strategic partnerships, and new or improved programming,” says Melanie Plummer, executive director of the Austin Young Chamber of Commerce.

Board of Directors, 2013:

Lindsey Tyner, President/Chair– Lindsey is the owner and founder of Alt Creative, a philanthropic marketing and web design agency. In addition to her role in providing direction for strategic growth in 2013, she will lead all branding initiatives and oversee the AYC website and digital communications.

John King, Vice President/Chair– John King is the Executive Director for the CleanTX Foundation, a non-profit that focuses on promoting, supporting and encouraging the growth of Central Texas’ advanced energy economy and clean energy eco-system. John will lead several initiatives in 2013 including the inaugural advisory board.

Blake Absher, Past President & Treasurer- Blake is the Vice President, Business Services Officer at BB&T Bank. Blake previously served as the 2012 President and Chair of the Community Committee. Blake will serve on the Executive Committee as Treasurer in 2013 and will focus on finance and development.

Ali Putnam, Secretary & Tailgate Committee Chair- Ali is the Media and Community Relations Manager for Circuit of the Americas, the purpose-built Formula 1 facility. She serves on the Executive Committee as Board Secretary and she chairs the AYC Tailgate, an annual fundraising event at a University of Texas Football game.

Colin Pope, Board Member at Large & Education Chair- Colin is the Editor at the Austin Business Journal. He leads the effort for the AYC Speaker Series, monthly luncheons designed to develop and educate Austin’s young professionals. Past speakers include Mack Brown, University of Texas Men’s Football Coach, Tim McClure, Co-Founder of GSD&M and Clayton Christopher, Founder of Sweet Leaf Tea.

Abby Alwan, Special Event Support- Abby is the Small Business Coordinator for Emma, Inc. overseeing the Texas market. Abby previously served on the AYC FAVE Awards committee. She is a new board member for 2013 and will focus on supporting major annual AYC events such FAVE, Poker tournament, and various new events.

Tommy Belton, AYC FAVE Awards Chair- Tommy chairs the AYC Favorite Austin Ventures and Enterprises (FAVE), an annual awards gala honoring Austin area businesses that cater to young professionals.

A.J. Bingham, Strategic Partnership Development- A.J. serves as a legislative aide and registered lobbyist with McWilliams Governmental Affairs Consultants, a full-service government affairs firm. He will provide support for new strategic partnerships for AYC.

Andy Cates- Public Policy Committee Chair and Imagine Committee Liason- Andy Cates is Associate Counsel for the Texas Association of REALTORS (TAR) where he serves as the lead legal counsel for the largest political action committee in Texas. Andy will work with the Public Policy Committee (formerly the Government Relations Committee) and the Imagine Committee in 2013.

Jonny Rodgers, Ambassadors Committee Chair- Jonny is a Partner Agent at DEN Property Group LLC. He is one of the original founders of AYC and served as President in 2010. Jonny will chair the Ambassadors Committee, which welcomes new members to the AYC through new member happy hours, coffees and networking.

John Fleckenstein II, Leadership Service Committee Chair- John is the Vice President Portfolio Manager at Sunbelt Securities. He is a new board member for 2013 and will serve as the chair of the Leadership Service Committee, which provides opportunities for community service to AYC members.

James Nortey, Public Policy Committee and Energy & Emerging Technology Committee- James is an Associate at Andrews Kurth LLP. His practice includes commercial litigation, administrative law, and energy matters. He is a new board member for 2013 and will be working with the Public Policy Committee (formerly Government Relations Committee) and the Energy & Emerging Technology Committee.

Ashley Teykl, Poker Committee Co-Chair and Special Event Support- Ashley Teykl is a Commercial Business Development Representative for Independence Title. She is a new board member for 2013 and will focus on supporting major annual AYC events such FAVE, Poker tournament, and various new events.

George Ward, Finance and Development Support- George B. Ward practices law at DeLeon & Washburn. His focus is on business litigation, employment matters, commercial transactions, and insurance law. George is a new board member in 2013 and will focus on finance and development for the organization.

Ed Kargbo, 2011 Past President- Ed is the General Manager of Greater Austin Transportation Company (dba Yellow Cab). As Past President, Ed will continue to help AYC grow its membership base and provide support and direction to the board.

Melanie Plummer, Executive Director- Melanie serves as the chief executor for the overall vision and direction of the AYC. She is responsible for the general growth and branding of the organization as well as the management of everyday operations.

About the Austin Young Chamber of Commerce-
The purpose of the Austin Young Chamber of Commerce (AYC) is to develop and connect young professionals in Austin to create business, community and individual success. The AYC believes that our members are the next generation of Austin leaders. That’s why we work hard to provide leadership opportunities, educational programming, and social events to promote personal, professional and community growth.
Find us online:
www.austinyc.org

www.facebook.com/austinyoungchamber

http://twitter.com/austinyc
###

Name: Jason Stoneberg
Company: KeyStaff
Title: Co-Founder

How did you get to Austin?
I grew up around Austin and moved here after high school to go to UT. I’ve travelled a lot of places but Austin has a special energy not found in many places, so I decided to stay around and put down roots here.

Why did you join the AYC?
AYC is a great place to meet a lot of great people.

What is your favorite lunch spot?
Austin has so many that it’s hard to choose just one. I’ve been going to Sway a lot lately.

If you could have any super power, what would it be and what would you use it for?
Hmm, maybe I could do the most with immortality. Then I could keep doing great things and adding value to others in the world for a really long time. Plus it’s fun to be alive.

If you could have any celebrity live next door to you, who would it be?
Probably Bruno Mars, it seems like he’d always have a great party going on next door.

What are your top 3 things to do/see in Austin?
Segway Nation tours, Barton Springs, and ACL Fest.

If you played hooky for a day, where would we find you?
Barton Springs.

When people ask you what you do for a living, what do you tell them?
Entrepreneur.

What do you think is the best invention in the past 50 years?
The iPhone along with its older brother, the Mac. They both completely changed and simplified the way we interface with technology.

Who was your first Facebook friend?
I don’t remember. My timeline didn’t keep track of that.

If you couldn’t live in Austin, where would you want to live?
Maybe New York or Shanghai.