As published in the February 1, 2008 Toledo Business Journal
Brian Epstein
Engaging People, Inspiring Change (EPIC)
EPIC and CitiFest
explored
in
interview
Toledo Business Journal recently interviewed Brian Epstein, outgoing chairman of Engaging People, Inspiring Change (EPIC) and past board chairman for CitiFest. He shared the following thoughts.
Toledo Business Journal: You are the outgoing chairman of an organization called Engaging People, Inspiring Change (EPIC). Can you discuss the background and purpose of EPIC?
Brian Epstein: EPIC Toledo started as an idea about two-and-a-half years ago with the goal of connecting northwest Ohio / southeast Michigan’s diverse citizens – especially those within their 20s and 40s – to each other and community organizations / initiatives in order to make a difference and formulate the region’s future. Connecting this concept within the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce was critical to the initial organizational planning and in creating an environment for community connectivity, staff support, and many other resources. We wanted to create an organization that would meet the needs of both young professionals and the corporate business community. EPIC’s formal mission is “to attract and retain diverse talent to our region and to develop future business and community leaders.”
Prior to the kickoff of EPIC Toledo on February 7, 2007, which had over 700 people from the region in attendance, a group of 100 young professionals got to work through eight different action teams and executive committees to formulate an organizational structure and activities, which would sustain EPIC for many years to come.
EPIC has succeeded in its mission already by connecting approximately 700 individual members and 37 corporate members to our mission and activities.
Our Community Involvement action team, chaired by Stephen Vasquez from the United Way, received many requests for volunteers. In our first year we were able to provide volunteers for Pollyball, the Jamie Farr Kroger Classic Silent Auction, and the Entrepreneurial Business Excellence (EBE) program. In addition, we currently have six EPIC members volunteering in classrooms for Junior Achievement.
There is a great need in the community for young professionals to participate as board members of local non-profit boards. Before we encouraged EPIC members to become board members, we felt it was important to provide them will the skills needed to be effective board members. We conducted a Board 101 training program through a grant from the United Way. An instructor from Ohio State University provided a three-hour session on the roles and responsibilities of a non-profit board member. EPIC Toledo will only recommend members who have been through this training to local non-profit agencies seeking board members.
Our Advocacy action team created the “Stop Trashing Toledo” commitment. EPIC members as well as community members can make the commitment by logging on to our website. Basically, this commitment says that you’ll be positive about the Toledo region and you’ll encourage others to do the same.
EPIC is off to an unbelievable start! Leadership is not sitting still, however. 2008 is going to be even more successful.
TBJ: Can you discuss major plans and programs for EPIC in 2008?
BE: The first event we are excited about is our Birthday Bash presented by Budweiser on February 8 at the Stranahan Great Hall from 7:30 PM to midnight. The entire community is welcome to join EPIC members in celebration of our first year. As well, we will be asking everyone in attendance to sign the EPIC “Stop Trashing Toledo” Commitment.
Our goal for membership will be to hit 1,000 individual members and 50 corporate members by the end of 2008. We plan to do this by providing even more member benefits, events, and programming during the year.
We will continue most of our programs from 2007, including:
- EPIC Launch – new member orientation sessions
- EPIC Unplugged – general membership meetings
- Speed Networking
And of course, 2008 will see the second annual EPIC Race. Plans are already under way for the EPIC Race and Fox Toledo has again committed to being the media sponsor for the race.
We will create a formal process for selecting organizations / events for EPIC to provide volunteers and support for community projects, organizations, and events.
Through our Advocacy action team, we will launch a “Get out the Vote” campaign for the presidential election.
EPIC Toledo will hold a “summit” event to provide members with an opportunity to learn more about community and economic issues and provide a forum to provide input and develop solutions.
Our economic development action team will organize EPIC Toledo’s promotion of the Supplier Recruitment program through the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP). We are also planning to develop a program to assist the RGP when site selectors or potential companies visit the area to showcase the talent that is available in the region.
We will expand the visibility and participation in the “Stop Trashing Toledo” commitment to create a more positive dialogue about the region and its many assets.
Member benefits will increase in 2008 to provide more cost saving opportunities for members. We will also be conducting an in depth survey of our members to help develop future programming and to be able to provide the community and potential sponsors with demographics of our membership.
How are we going to accomplish all of this? In addition to having a great volunteer leadership team, we also hired a full-time EPIC Toledo director in January.
TBJ: What role do you see EPIC playing in the economic vibrancy of our community?
BE: EPIC will play a crucial role in the economic vibrancy of our community. However, it will not be apparent immediately, nor will it always be quantifiable. Just by exposing the EPIC membership to the organizations and people involved in economic development efforts, EPIC is making a difference. EPIC members want to get involved and will make their voices heard, which will make a difference. The economic development team has gained the most interest from the membership. I personally see EPIC – through its membership and as part of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce – becoming a leader for our region in economic development.
The more people get involved with their community, the more positive they are and less likely they are to leave.
TBJ: You are the past board chairman for CitiFest. Is the organization still in existence or has it disbanded?
BE: CitiFest is still in existence at this time, however there is no staff. The volunteer CitiFest board is still working to find solutions to the current situations.
TBJ: What role did the Erie Street Market play in CitiFest’s financial problems? Can you discuss the financial impact of the Erie Street Market on CitiFest?
BE: There are many variables, which played a part in CitiFest’s financial problems. The Erie Street Market played a significant role.
The agreement between the City of Toledo and CitiFest clearly states that CitiFest was not to be responsible for or fund the operations of the Erie Street Market. In prior years, the City of Toledo pre-funded Erie Street Market operations either through grants or general funding. In 2007, no such funding occurred. In good faith, CitiFest operations (CitiFest events and line of credit) covered the operational losses of the Market in the approximate amount of $90,000 as stated in CitiFest financials.
TBJ: The City of Toledo conducted an audit to determine the costs incurred by CitiFest for operations of the Erie Street Market, which the City owns. Has the City reimbursed CitiFest for these funds?
BE: No, the City of Toledo has not reimbursed CitiFest.
TBJ: Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner has accused CitiFest of failing to make the City of Toledo aware of the financial condition of the Erie Street Market. Can you discuss this issue?
BE: The City of Toledo Administration, City Council, and Lucas County Commissioners all have representation on the CitiFest board for the purpose of clear communication for accomplishing any tasks that may arise in a board meeting. CitiFest meeting minutes reflect that the Market financial condition has been discussed all year and that the City Administration’s representative was present. You will have to discuss with Mayor Finkbeiner why he was not informed.