by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Finding out where to park, getting a name tag and organizing a desk are some of the normal tasks when starting a new job, not helping to organize your company’s major fundraising campaign.
Jennifer Strickland, 26, was hired by the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce May 12 as one of its member relations managers and her first task is to help do just that.
“I was looking for a chance to expand my professional abilities,” said Strickland. “Working with programs like the Power of Partnerships Campaign will give me those opportunities.”
The Chamber’s Power of Partnerships Campaign IV utilizes members who volunteer their time to help find sponsors and funding for the Chamber’s programs. Last year’s program raised nearly $1.3 million and this year’s goal is $1.4 million. Revenue is raised through new membership sales, upgraded memberships, new Cornerstone investments, event sponsorships and advertising sales in Chamber publications.
The Chamber is predicting it will meet the latest goal by Thursday when it will hold a victory celebration from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Jacksonville Zoo.
Strickland, a 2002 University of Florida graduate, works with about 15 other managers to organize about 400 volunteers from February 29 to July 31.
She joined the Chamber after working for the Gator Bowl Association for six years. The association organizes the football game and events that are a 64-year-old Jacksonville tradition.
Shortly after she was handed her B.S. in event planning, Strickland was hired to work for the GBA’s marketing and planning department. She became the association’s event manager four years ago and chose to pursue other opportunities with the Chamber in May.
“One of the things that drew me here is that the job market is getting younger,” said Strickland. “The Chamber recognizes that and is adjusting its programs to meet the needs of younger employees.”