City of Columbus

Create Columbus Commission Introduces New Grant Program

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release 
January 19, 2013 

For More Information:
John Ivanic, City Council, 645-6798
Scott Peacock, Experience Columbus, 222-6104
Tyneisha Harden, Mayor's Office, 645-2425
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COLUMBUS—The Create Columbus Commission (CCC), a young professional (YP) organization established by the City of Columbus and Columbus Chamber in 2007, introduces its first grants program for local YP initiatives called the Create Columbus Grants Program. 

As an organization of over 30 young professionals dedicated to identifying and implementing strategies and tactics to help Columbus attract and retain young and talented individuals, CCC established that this grant opportunity be made available to organizations and groups actively seeking to enhance the YP experience in Columbus.

“The new grants program was created to support initiatives by and for young professionals that make Columbus the best place to live, work and play”, said Steven Michalovich, co-chair of the Create Columbus Commission. “As a commission, we are excited to have a real impact on the ideas and programs that organizations around the city have to support the young professional community.”

Since its inception, the Create Columbus Commission has received tremendous support from community leadership. This continues today, as Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman and City Council President Andrew J. Ginther stand by the Commission and the future of young professionals in Columbus.

“Columbus is already making its mark as a great city for young professionals to establish careers and families,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “By supporting this grants program, we hope to encourage the rest of the city to contribute to supporting and growing this increasingly important segment of our population.”

On July 1st, Columbus City Council unanimously voted to send funds for the grants program to the United Way of Central Ohio who will serve as fiscal agent for the commission. In 2013, the commission expects to distribute $50,000 in grants supporting the YP community.

“These grants will fund initiatives that will engage young professionals in a meaningful way, and help raise the profile of the YP community in Columbus,” said City Council President Andrew J. Ginther. “Much of our success rests on our ability to attract and retain the best and the brightest people, and investing time and resources in developing our young and talented residents is one way we can show that Columbus is a smart and open city committed to their future.”

The goals of the Create Columbus Grants Program are:
1.  Encourage and support residents to launch innovative, community-based initiatives with a specific young professionals component;    
2.  Provide strategic financial support for one-time costs for events, initiatives or programs that impact young professionals;
3.  Improve the young professional experience in the areas of arts, sports and entertainment, careers, neighborhoods, and transportation.

The initial filing period for the 2013 grants program is July 8-Aug. 31, 2013.

Information on eligibility and how to apply can be found within the 2013 Create Columbus Grants Program application.

Questions from grant applicants can be sent to [email protected].

The Create Columbus Commission was established May 24, 2007 by Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, former City Council Member Kevin L. Boyce, and former President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber Ty D. Marsh.

The Commission’s purpose is to identify and implement selected strategies and tactics that will help Columbus attract and retain young and talented individuals. Its vision is for Columbus to be seen – internally and externally – as a great place for young and talented individuals to live, work and play.

The members of the Commission are appointed by the Mayor of Columbus and Columbus City Council President. Commission Members are defined as those who are “young” (e.g., 40 and younger) artists, entrepreneurs and professionals who are residents of or employed in the Columbus metropolitan area. In addition, the Commission consists of individuals that are representative of the broad and diverse community of businesses, organizations and governments, as well as social, ethnic and arts groups throughout the Columbus Region.

The individuals who currently serve on the Create Columbus Commission are:

1.         Lindsay Arnett, Director of Operations, 614 Media Group
2.         Ryan Bauer, Senior Director, Experiential Marketing, Interpublic Group
3.         Beth Berkemer, Public and Media Relations and Events, Berkemer PR
4.         Robert Bickis, Jr., Real Estate Consultant/Broker, MoveDowntownColumbus.com
5.         Kacey Brankamp, Business Recruiter, Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District
6.         Shawn Broadus, Marketing & Brand Consultant, Seven8ths Media Consultants
7.         Benjamin Buckner (Co-Chair), Brand Manager, Gap, Inc.
8.         Christina Christian, Senior Community Manager, Yelp.com
9.         Priyam Chokshi (Stakeholder Liasion), Legislative Assistant to Council President Andrew J. Ginther, Columbus City Council
10.       Kate Christobek (Co-Chair), Assistant Attorney General, Ohio Attorney General's Office
11.       Ashley Curl, Account Executive, First Data Corporation/Huntington Merchant Services
12.       Jordan Davis, Manager, Events and Development, The Columbus Partnership
13.       Tyler Durbin, Marketing Manager, GSW Worldwide
14.       Yaves Ellis, Public Affairs Director, Radio One Columbus/President & CEO, Sling Shot Media Group LLC
15.       Tim Fulton, Director, Small Business Beanstalk
16.       Derek Grosso, President and Founder, Columbus Young Professionals Club (CYP CLUB)
17.       Tyneisha Harden (Stakeholder Liaison), Communications Coordinator, Mayor’s Office, City of Columbus
18.       Andy Hutter, Account Manager, Dynamit
19.       Noel Klay, Talent Acquisition Director, Cardinal Health
20.       Ashley Lester, Project Coordinator, Columbus Downtown Development Corporation & Capitol South
21.       Steve Michalovich (Co-Chair), Senior Specialist, Corporate Communications, ScottsMiracle-Gro
22.       Jesus Ovalle, Program Manager, Columbus Public Health
23.       Diana Pagan, Community Services Manager, CAPA
24.       Scott Peacock, Public Relations Manager, Experience Columbus
25.       Amy Schmittauer, Founder, SavvySexySocial.com
26.       Elissa Schneider, Director, Major Gifts, Mid-Ohio Foodbank
27.       Timothy Wolf Starr, President, The Small Business Beanstalk
28.       Steve Swift, Business Manager, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
29.       Jacob Taylor, Architect, CivitasNow
30.       Kevin Tyler, Sr. Communication Consultant, Cardinal Health
31.       Josue Vicente, Executive Director, Ohio Hispanic Coalition
32.       Lauren Widett, Senior Consulting Professional, Navigator Management Partners