BUSINESS connections Spring 2022 3 We began the Rainbow Youth Advisory Council at the start of the 2021/2022 school year. It’s comprised of juniors from local high schools within Rainbow’s serving area, and its purpose is to educate and involve students in the scope of our services and obtain ideas and suggestions from student leaders regarding technology. In exchange for their time and participation, each council member will receive a $500 scholarship upon completion of the program. So far, the Youth Advisory Council members have met in person to network with one another and to discuss and execute halftime entertainment for various local basketball games. The next meeting will take place at the end of March and will be a career fair, during which Rainbow employees will talk about their jobs, explain what tasks they do daily, and describe what education they had prior to starting employment at Rainbow. Members of the Rainbow Youth Advisory Council will also get to learn how to splice fiber and actually try their hand at doing it. Highland Community College will also be coming to the March meeting to talk about classes they have available that can fit each pathway for employment at Rainbow. Students on the Rainbow Youth Advisory Council have had great things to say about their experiences so far, including: • “I am looking forward to exploring all the career pathways Rainbow offers.” • “I get to meet with other students from different schools.” • “ It’s given me an opportunity to get to know new people, and it’s pushed me outside my usual comfort zone.” • “ It allows me to work with other youth in my area to make fun events for my fellow peers.” • “I’m excited to learn more about leadership from this program.” We thank Alaina Pantle, Emili Postma, Ethan Ramirez, Zach Dove, Emmillie Losey, Camden Bachman, Julia Lehew, Madison Stirton, Montana Hutchison, Sophie Schumacher, and Kate Beyer for serving on the council. Meet the Rainbow Youth Advisory Council Get Ready to Celebrate Small Business Week Since 1963, the Small Business Administration (SBA) takes the opportunity each year to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Small Business Week is held annually during the first week of May. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. During National Small Business Week, the SBA recognizes the 32.5 million small businesses that drive our nation’s economy and showcase the resources and services the SBA provides to entrepreneurs at every stage—whether they’re just starting up, expanding, or getting through a tough time. If you own a small business, take a moment during Small BusinessWeek to remind your customers and supporters why you started your business by sharing your story on social media using the hashtags #SmallBusinessWeek or #MySmallBizWhy. You may also want to join forces with other small businesses in your area that reach a similar audience by promoting each other’s businesses and offering a small discount coupon.
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