AUSTIN, TEXAS — February 22, 2017 – The Austin Young Chamber (AYC) hosted its 4th Annual State of AYC program on Friday, February 17, 2017 at The Westin Downtown. With more than 240 guests in attendance and keynotes from Association Chair Adam Flagg, Foundation Chair Yvette Ruiz, and Executive Director Matt Glazer, the event highlighted the successes AYC has seen in 2016 and its vision for engagement and growth in 2017.

A highlight of the program’s agenda was the announcement of its ChangeMaker Award, presented by University Federal Credit Union, to Chelsea Elliott, founder and executive director of the half Helen Foundation, and Sam Killermann, director of creativity at hues. The AYC ChangeMaker Award is presented to individuals who have a vision for the community and who are working hard to make that vision a reality. After a record number of nominations from the community, Elliot and Killerman were honored for their work in providing vision and hearing screenings to the community and educating millions on social justice, respectively.

The keynote from AYC Executive Director Matt Glazer highlighted the work done by AYC over the past 9 years and specific work achieved in 2016, including the 373 hours of direct community service by AYC members, the civic and business leadership roles AYC has stepped into, and the recognition members have received from the community. In 2017, AYC will identify more opportunities for members to serve the city of Austin in its cultural, civic and business endeavors.

The AYC Foundation (AYCF), a non-profit launched at the 3rd Annual State of AYC, presented its 2016 accomplishments and plans for 2017. AYCF launched a community-wide scholarship program in 2016 to empower young leaders, and will be developing a young professional summit in 2017 to bring the millennial workforce together across the Austin metro.

“The millennial workforce is now the largest in the world, and it is the duty of AYC and its community partners to connect and empower anyone who is ready to step up and lead for the generations to come,” said Matt Glazer. “We have the opportunity to make a difference in our community, and the time is now to take action.. AYC provides the tools and resources Austinites need to reach their personal and professional goals.”

Click here to learn more about joining AYC, or reach out to Member Relations Coordinator Ashleigh O’Connor at: Ashleigh@AustinYoungChamber.org.

About Austin Young Chamber
AYC was created in July 2009 and has since experienced incredible growth in the Austin community. AYC is now the largest and fastest growing young professional organization in Central Texas, and is also one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in Central Texas. Our staff
and board members strive to offer the resources and skill-building opportunities needed for young professionals in Austin to develop, connect, and create business, community and individual success. AYC provides valuable and comprehensive opportunities for the development of young professionals in the Austin area. This includes fostering professional growth and skill development through exposure to community and business leaders, while gaining a broader perspective on Central Texas business opportunities. AYC also provides unique social networking opportunities to help develop peer-to-peer relationships on both a personal and business level.

Media Contact
Matt Glazer
Executive Director
matt@austinyoungchamber.org