Greetings,

Allow me to introduce “NetIP 2.0”: the new and improved NetIP-Chicago. The “upgrades” we are unfolding this year are part of our mission to become the premier networking organization in Chicago. The mission “specs” form the bases for our “rebranding effort” — a series of initiatives, programs and structural changes conducive to reflecting and furthering the ideals and pillars on which NetIP was founded two decades ago.

Our rebranding effort is geared towards energizing and mobilizing our membership and the local community. Starting with our 2009 partnership with Apna Ghar—to benefit victims of domestic violence—we observed an outpouring of support and personal commitments directed towards the success of our programming. The culmination of our efforts led to a charity gala with over 400 attendees and revenue exceeding $50,000 to support a worthy cause.

Leveraging our success from 2009, to kick-off 2010, we hosted a recruitment event to help assemble the 2010 NetIP-Chicago Board of Directors (“Board”). Over sixty individuals looking to make a difference attended the event. Given the overwhelming interest from the community, we conducted a two-week interview process, which resulted in 36 individual leaders of varying professional backgrounds joining our Board. (We continue to accept applications for Board positions in certain functional areas.)

In the midst of assembling our Board, we were also able to host a number of successful high-impact events this year, including our Haiti Relief Effort fundraiser (January) and Valentine Mixer to raise awareness for the American Heart Association and American Heart Month (February). Now with the benefit of a talented and dedicated Board, along with a formal operational structure and reporting protocols, 2010 promises to be a busy and exciting time to be part of NetIP-Chicago.

But the ultimate success of our rebranding effort is entirely dependent on our members’ active participation and feedback. Whether helping coordinate our culture show (June), professional development workshops (quarterly), or community outreach events related to our year-end banquet to benefit pediatric cancer patients at Children’s Memorial Hospital, it is time to get involved. With your help, the best is yet to come. Please join our efforts today.

Sincerely,
Ashwin Janakiram 2010
President, NetIP-Chicago