Keeping Up with Valley Commerce: FUEL Members Make the Most of Transition to Operating Remotely

By: Anna De Simone

A few members of FUEL at an event held at The Establishment Barnum, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020 in Shelton, Conn. FUEL Chair, Melanie Strout, pictured center, front row. (Photo Credit: FUEL Valley Young Professionals/Facebook)

SHELTON, Conn. – Members of FUEL, a committee of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, recognize their appreciation of in-person meetings and networking events held pre-COVID-19 as they shift to a 100% virtual experience. Rather than becoming discouraged, they are channeling their optimistic energy into making headway for new, enticing projects for current and prospective members.

“At first, I think we all tried to fill the gaps to make staying at home feel as normal as possible,” said Melanie Strout, chair of FUEL. “This meant switching events and happy hours to a virtual platform mirroring what an in-person event would have looked like.”

FUEL serves the young professional community living and working in the lower Naugatuck River Valley. According to Strout, the mission of the committee is to connect and engage emerging leaders in their 20s and 30s in activities that support the Valley community and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. The motive: making the region and its surrounding communities more energetic, exciting and active places to work, live and play. 

Now, over three months into participating in meetings and events from home, Strout said the general consensus is that ‘Zoom fatigue’ is real and challenging when it comes to competing with the nice weather and entering into reopening phases. Nevertheless, she said members of FUEL are continuing to brainstorm ways to stay connected with fellow members and the community by balancing everyone’s needs and interests.

Though FUEL members are longing for the exhilaration of in-person interactions they enjoyed pre-COVID-19, quarantine has allowed extra time to broaden the features of the committee. Strout said the pandemic provided the time for members to reflect on what is important and allowed them to further develop the committee’s core values.

Several members of FUEL at a Charity on Tap event held at BAD SONS Beer Co., Thursday, April 25, 2019 in Derby, Conn. (Photo Credit: FUEL Valley Young Professionals/Facebook)

“We have increased our focus on social media, highlight local businesses and important community updates on fundraisers and COVID-19 related information, said Strout. “The FUEL Blog made its debut --which has been a long-time dream of ours-- and FUELCast [a podcast recorded and managed by FUEL members] also continued to record virtually to finish out season two.”

This time has encouraged creativity and innovation, Strout said, which makes her feel "very excited" about the future of FUEL.  

As far as plans for returning to normal operation go, Strout mentioned that virtual meetings will continue even after the pandemic concludes due to the fact that the virtual platform has given the FUEL Board the opportunity to remain involved. In addition, the committee will continue to collaborate with other young professional groups throughout the state of Connecticut in virtual events.

“Connecticut is a very transient state when it comes to how many people live and work in different communities, said Strout. “A virtual platform eliminates the geographic barriers that have made it harder for our groups to support each other, and we are looking forward to growing and better serving the young professional community throughout Connecticut.”

According to Strout, the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce has always been supportive of FUEL, and she looks forward to working with the Chamber through the pandemic and beyond to “continue serving the amazing community in the lower Naugatuck Valley.”

Despite not being able to be together in person, Strout stressed how FUEL and its members are still just a phone call or email away and how she truly wants to hear from interested individuals –whether they are a member or not.

“Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know how we can help you,” Strout said. “We have always based our programs and events on community needs, so whether it is professional development, career advice, social or fun activities, or looking for volunteer opportunities, --we would love to connect you!”

For further information, visit FUEL’s official website here

Listen to episodes of FUELCast here

Connect to FUEL on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn