PVCA Launching a New Initiative for the Under 35 Crowd

PITTSBURGH, June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association is launching a new initiative called The Emerging Leadership Board (ELB) for members 35 years of age and under.

The new program was developed by Kelly Szejko, PVCA President, and Joe Slezak, Marketing Director of KFMR, as a way to engage young professionals, encourage them to serve on boards and help them hone their skills as future directors. 

"Through the 3 Rivers Venture Fair and other programs, we've literally worked with hundreds of companies and we've seen, first-hand, the role of a board in guiding a company through all the stages of growth. We want to help prepare the next generation of directors so they can make significant contributions to the companies in which they will one day serve," said Szejko.

The PVCA is the leading voice of investors and venture capitalists in the region and already has a very active membership and slate of events.

"One of the ways that we've continued to grow through the decades is that we evolve as an organization and strive to bring fresh services and events that are needed and of value to our members and the region. The ELB fits perfectly into our mission," said Alex Paul, PVCA Chairman and President of Alpern Rosenthal.

The ELB will have the opportunity to present new ideas and under 35 initiatives to the PVCA board.  The PVCA is considering events that will be exclusive to the 35 & under crowd as well as new and exciting venues. 

"The ELB is a great opportunity to provide tomorrow's leaders with a voice today. Their thoughts and opinions will be presented to the board and will impact the direction of the organization," said Slezak.

About the PVCA
The Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association was founded in 1982 to serve as a catalyst for venture capital and entrepreneurship in western Pennsylvania through a wide range of educational, investment and networking programs and events.  The organization helps to facilitate the flow of capital into promising ventures through prominent events like the 3 Rivers Venture Fair.  Currently, there are over 200 members in the PVCA, representing every major venture capital firm in the region, as well as private investors, top-tier service providers and leaders in economic development. For more information, visit www.thepvca.org

SOURCE Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association