by David Chapman
Staff Writer
In his position at Jacksonville University, Matthew Kampfe connects with high school students in Northeast Florida and nearly a dozen other states by forming relationships and extolling the benefits of the university during recruitment.
In his off time from being assistant director of admissions for the university, he’s connecting with other young people – professionals and future leaders – in an entirely different way as Northeast (Florida) Region chair of Connect Florida.
The group was developed by Leadership Florida, created in 1982 by the Florida Chamber of Commerce with a goal to build strong, committed and diverse statewide leaders to make their communities and state prosper.
Much like Leadership Florida, Connect Florida follows many of the same goals but focuses on young professionals ages 21–35 throughout the state.
“It’s about getting professionals at an early age who want to help their community and the State of Florida,” said Kampfe. “It’s about learning, networking and maybe acquiring business while making a difference.”
The lines of communication from region to region are open, said Kampfe, and beginning in December the organization will start hosting a series of hot-topic forums on different issues. December’s topic is slated to focus on energy consumption and alternatives.
“We want to know what’s going on not just with us (local community) but the state, too,” he said. “It could be the implications of laws being passed on businesses, problems one region is having that could be on the horizon for other Florida regions ... we’re not just isolated and it’s important to understand what’s going on.”
Being a part of Connect Florida was something that naturally fit with Kampfe.
“I love working with and meeting new people,” he said, noting that with JU he has met with around 7,000 students in his three recruiting cycles at JU. “Both at JU and Connect Florida, I get to get out there and help people.”
Connect Florida currently has around 275 members and collaborates with 40 young professional groups throughout the state.
Though it was created in 2006 and is still in its early years, the plan is to gain momentum through smart growth, said Kampfe.
“It’s a selective group of individuals,” he said. “We need dedicated young people.”
While other states have youth leadership programs, Kampfe said he believes none are like Connect Florida. One hope, he noted, is in time to become a model organization for other states to mimic when their officials look to implement a youth leadership program.
“We’re here to take on and adapt to the challenges that are affecting our community,” said Kampfe. “We’re the future.”
For more information on Connect Florida, go to www.connectflorida.org or contact Kampfe at 718-3272.
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