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YPI Update by Miranda Muir


Since being asked to serve as the Florida Federation of Fairs’ YPI Committee Chairman, I was also given the honor of serving on the IAFE’s YPI Steering Committee as the representative from Zone II. These opportunities have given me the chance to meet some amaz- ing movers and shakers from across the nation, who are all com- mitted to the industry we love. It makes me proud to be a part of


such a dynamic group and I feel confident that the legacy so many before us have worked so hard to preserve, is in good hands. Yet, there is still work to be done! Here in Florida, we continue to encourage individuals 40 and under to participate in


social events and Fair visits, giving them the chance to grow, learn more, and create a network of friends and colleagues they can turn to for anything. That is the wonderful thing about the Fair business, right? When you need a favor, advice, or just an opportunity to chat with some- one who knows what you are going through, 5 days before opening and you want to scream, our neighbors and friends are always there. Many of us (even some YPI’ers like me) have been involved for years. Our contact list is long and we have so


many wonderful stories to tell about our experiences and friendships developed over time. However, that is not the case for all of our young volunteers, staff members, and interested followers. Having had the experi- ence of moving to a new state, meeting a wealth of new people, and trying the crack the code of a Fair where I did not grow up, I can tell you, that without those friends, contacts, and loving individuals calling to just check in, I am not sure I would have made it. Being the new kid is tough! And although I will swear by my assumption that the Fair industry is filled with the most loving and caring people there are, sometimes even we get busy and forget to extend that helping hand. The list of YPI supporters is endless. It is easy to tell with the scholarships available nationwide, the spon-


sors willing to dip into their pockets to help out, and the individuals willing to volunteer their time to make our visits and events successful, that as a whole, we want this initiative to see success. With that in mind, and the thoughts regarding the role my friends and mentors have played in my life, I would like to ask all of you to take your support one step further this year. Look for that volunteer or employee at your Fair that might ben- efit from visiting another Fair. Instead of sending them by their lonesome, come join us as well. Be their sidekick for the day, allowing them to get their feet wet, meet new people and see what other opportunities are out there. I am sure many of you remember what it is like to step into a room full of people you do not know and introduce yourself, scary! Sometimes, all we need is a friend to start us off. Or when those emails or reminders find their way to your inbox, instead of hitting delete because the ages 40 and under no longer pertains to you, actually take one minute of your time to think of someone who might be interested and for- ward it on, with a word of encouragement. We need everyone’s help to successfully grow this program and reap the rewards it is certainly capable of. We had a fantastic get together and visit at the Osceola County Fair in February. The group was small but mighty and it was awesome to see new faces. We are planning a visit to the Miami-Dade Fair March 28th and hoping to organize some fun activities for the Convention in May as well. Details will soon follow. So be on the lookout, and help us make 2015 and even better year for the Young Professionals Initiative.


Fair Attendee and YPI Convention Scholarships Available


The Federation Board of Directors is offering several opportunities for scholarships to attend this year’s Convention! First, for Fairs that haven’t participated in the Convention in the last


April 15th. Also, for YPI members, the Federation is also offering a limited number of scholarships for YPI members (ages 18


to 40) to cover your costs to attend the convention. Go to the Federation website and check for the application under Events/2015 Convention. The deadline for applications is April 15th.


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3 years, please note that there are a limited number of Federation scholarships available to help offset the cost for someone from your Fair to attend. Go to the Federation website and check for the applica- tion under Events/2015 Convention. The deadline for applications is


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