WELCOME HOME CHATHAM-KENT 

                    JOHN D.BRADLEY CONVENTION CENTRE

                                    JUNE 1-2/2012

The first Annual Welcome Back Chatham-Kent will take place at the new John D. Bradley Convention Centre on Keil Dr. in Chatham the weekend of JUNE 1-2/2012. The event will present a showcase of ammenities, organizations and activities that Chatham-Kent has to offer to young adults. The event is targeting those between the ages of 18-35.  Chatham-Kent has a lot to offer this target group, known at GENERATION Y, and the Goal of the weekend is to make them aware of the benefits of remaining or moving to Chatham-Kent. 

 We have a unique culture and diversity in this area and we should celebrate  and promote that fact. There are incentives available for young people to settle in Chatham-Kent. Chatham-Kent has something for everyone. Our motto is 'IT IS ALL HERE ALL YEAR!'    

United Way of Chatham-Kent has received funding from Community Futures Development Corporation of Chatham-Kent and the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration to help with the initiative.

Generation Y has a different set of standards than their parents and grandparents. The world has changed. This generation born from the early 1980's to the late 1990's  have grown up in microwave society,from food to messaging. They are tech savvy and communication tools such as computers, i-phones, texting and any of the other latest technology are a way of life for them. The future to them is exciting but uncertain. They are aware that they will probably have several careers in their lifetime unlike their parents or grandparents who got an education, secured a good job and very possibly stayed at one company until they retired. They have also witnessed the early heart attacks, strokes, broken marriages and stress experienced by that generation. As a result their priorities are different.WORK-LIFE BALANCE IS A TOP PRIORITY. They can and will work hard but they want lifestyle along the way. They are not living their lives with rose-colored glasses on. The realize that due to evolving technology, certain careers may not always be there and they are willing to be versatile and flexible. This is a unique and  interesting segment of society to work with. They bring something very valuable to the table and we in Chatham-Kent want to celebrate that. 

 Paul Zane Pilzer,world-renowned economist, professor and author of nine best selling books says this is the best time to be an Entrepeneur. Generation Y understand that and many of them are looking for opportunities. This venue will provide many for them and also give them a feel of the great community of Chatham-Kent and all it has to offer. 

 The event will begin on Friday evening.There will be an opportunity to network, followed by a Men's Fashion show by Gentry Manor,and some local live entertainment. Saturday will begin with breakfast. The community showcase will be open all day giving attendees time to visit the various tables and talk with the hosts.The showcase will feature of 50 local business and employment opportunites, not-for-profit orgaqnizations and recreational facilites. During lunch there will be testimonials from young professionals who have stayed in Chatham-Kent or returned to make it their home. There will be a dinner and live entertainment capping off this spectacular weekend.

 Spread the word and come and find out more about this great area of Chatham-Kent