What is [ithaca Forward]?
The mission of [ithaca Forward] is to offer innovative opportunities with a key focus on social networking, professional development, personal enrichment and civic leadership to cultivate the overall quality of life for its members. We are interested in making community connections for members, encouraging younger residents of Tompkins County to establish local roots, and to serve as a voice for this important demographic.

Do I have to be under 40 to join?
Absolutely not.  We like to think anyone is capable of the under 40 mindset – and welcome all interested to participate in our events and programs.

What is young professional “brain drain?”
A challenge that US cities are currently facing to attract and keep young, college-educated workers, thus improving local economic development and ensuring successful transitions as the baby boomers retire.

Is [ithaca Forward] looking for volunteers? (How do I get involved?)
Yes. There are a plethora of opportunities for involvement ranging from leadership of the organization to planning events to committee involvement.

Does [ithaca Forward] have regular meetings?
No. Only the Board of Directors and individual sub initiatives have meetings. We consider our meetings for our members to be our events and happenings.

Who is already involved from the community?
Seemingly everyone including the Chamber of Commerce ([iF] falls under the Chamber), local government, media, big and small businesses and NPOs. This is not just a social group that gets together for coffee...[ithaca Forward] is an all encompassing voice and community for the young professional of Tompkins County.

How many members do you have?
We do not have a "formal membership" at this time...just a large amount of very interested young professionals like you and me that love to come out and meet new people and share their ideas. (However, we will be offering membership opportunities in the near future.)

Is this a company or a project?
Neither. [ithaca Forward] is a collection of young professionals from every  nook and
cranny of our community (including, but not limited to: business, Not For Profit and
government) that are brought together on so many different levels. Levels like work, play and leadership that are driving this community's future in every single way.