After more than 25 years, the Capital Region young professionals group Forum 35 has rebranded as Forum 225, with a goal of better representing the Baton Rouge community.
The organization’s leadership talked to its members over the past year, says President Jessica Trepagnier, and conducted a survey to see what they would like to see from the organization. The response was to be more inclusive of the Baton Rouge community. Its former name, Forum 35, was a reference to members of the group being 35 years old or younger.
“This was a long time coming,” Trepagnier says. “It’s a nod to the city and the new direction of the organization, focusing more on leadership, service and how we can be a positive part of the community.”
One of the biggest changes in the organization, according to Trepagnier, has been to its Barton Leadership Program. While the program previously focused on prepping program members on how to join and serve on a board, the curriculum now focuses on leadership development, civic service and personal growth. There’s also a new mentorship component of the program, which pairs program members with a C-suite member of the community.
“It’s about bringing hands-on leadership programs directly to the young professional community,” Trepagnier says.
The group—which comprises 250 members—announced the rebranding at its annual meeting, held Tuesday night at Kalurah Street Grill. For the rebranding, which includes a new color scheme and tagline, the group worked with Baton Rouge-based digital marketing firm Gatorworks.
