Chamber-led group connects and empowers Burke's next generation

When Tonia Stephenson became president and CEO of the Burke County Chamber of Commerce in 2018 and realized there was no networking group for young professionals in the area, she decided to do something about it.

“In a smaller county like ours, I believe it’s incredibly important to engage our young people early, help them get involved, and ideally, give them reasons to stay,” Stephenson said. “If they can build connections, make friends and form meaningful business relationships, I think they’ll be much more likely to remain here and support the community they’re a part of.”

She eventually approached the Burke County United Way about working jointly to support a group for younger workers. The two organizations created the Burke County Emerging Leaders networking group for professionals ages 21-40.

“United Way and the Chamber each play to our strengths in supporting and sponsoring this group through our professional skills, advocacy efforts, budget funding and social capital,” said Maureen “Mo” Schwind, BCUW executive director. “Our community is made stronger when we invest in its people. We are proud to support these efforts in partnership with the Chamber.”

Burke County Emerging Leaders attracted members and met until the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March of 2020. The group was forced to suspend their activities until late 2021, but despite that setback, they are thriving today.

“The group now meets monthly, rotating between morning and evening networking events, community service projects and professional development sessions,” Stephenson said. “A dedicated steering committee made up of a dynamic group of young professionals guides the group’s direction and plans the programming.”

Mackenzie Bostian Adams, executive director of the Western Piedmont Foundation, is a member of the group and serves on the steering committee.

“I joined Burke County Emerging Leaders because I was looking for a way to get more connected not just in my career, but in the community too,” Adams said. “I love that this group brings together young professionals who want to grow, give back and build something meaningful in Burke County, whether it’s a networking event, a volunteer project like the Burke Litter Sweep or the Breakfast Club.”

Katherine Christie, who moved to Burke County in 2019 to become director of sales and marketing for the county’s tourism office, joined the group as a way to meet her peers in the community.

“I had only been to Morganton one time before my interview, so I wasn’t familiar with the town or anyone,” Christie said. “I had a great office culture, but none were my age. They all had families and couldn’t really point me in the right direction to make acquaintances outside of work. After things started to open up from COVID, I was asked to be on the board (of Burke County Emerging Leaders). I found it a great way to meet people, as well as welcome new people in my age demographic to Burke County.”

Christie has served as the group’s president for the past two years. The Chamber recognized her with an “Emerging Leader of the Year” award at its annual meeting last year.

While the group’s events have a professional focus, they are designed to be fun. Members participated in the most recent “Burke’s Amazin’ Race” scavenger hunt, enjoyed a potluck and ghost tour at Henry River Mill Village on Halloween and hosted a Christmas party at the tourism office in downtown Morganton.

“I have enjoyed seeing people that were either new to town or otherwise felt like they were on the outside finding people with common interests and making friends through our group,” Christie said. “I have also met people through the networking that I have gone on to do projects with through work. It’s nice to know young people in the business community here in Burke County that I can help support.”

Both Christie and Adams have learned valuable leadership lessons from participating in the group.

“Being part of Burke County Emerging Leaders has taught me that some of the best leadership lessons come from simply being around other driven, community-minded young professionals,” Adams said. “Everyone in the group brings something different to the table, like different careers, backgrounds, perspectives. Being part of this group and participating in events has helped me expand my network and gain a deeper understanding of the people and passions that drive our community.”

The group is free to join, and currently has about a couple dozen members representing a wide variety of professions. Those interested in joining can check out the group’s website, burkeemergingleaders.com, which includes a schedule of events.

Adams encouraged people working in Burke County ages 21-40 to connect with Burke County Emerging Leaders.

“There’s no pressure, no membership fees, just a group of amazing young professionals who care about their community and want to make a difference,” Adams said. “We encourage other young professionals to come to our events and get involved, because this group is all about connection, growth and community. Whether you’re new to the area, looking to expand your network or just want to find ways to give back, Emerging Leaders is a welcoming space where you can do all of that.”