New Year Better Us Returns to Kick Off 2024
Springfield - There are a lot of ways to celebrate the new year, but only one event empowers locals to start the professional year on a positive note.
New Year Better Us mixes opportunities for networking, inspiration from community speakers, learning about local vendors, entertainment from a DJ and comedian and discovering multiple ways to connect with a range of organizations. The January 6 event is organized by local business leaders Regina Hudson, Darrius Mylze Johnson and Ariaun Stewart who each take their professional strengths to bring the event to life.
“No matter where you stand in your business, whether you’re new, mid-sized or you’ve been in business for ten years, there’s something to gain from a room of entrepreneurs and like-minded people,” said Ariaun Stewart, owner of community human resources group C.HR. “It’s sales opportunities, it’s educational opportunities… I think that’s important to this community that we serve, being able to connect with potential clients and potential collaborators.”
The three founders personally recognize the importance of connecting with other businesses; they first met through networking and were inspired to build something that brings together a variety of businesses while also bringing together the Latino and Black communities.
“There were things that we wanted to see in the city of Springfield that we really weren’t seeing when it came to collaborations,” said Darius Mylze Johnson, who owns creative production company Visionary Acts. By bringing together businesses and entrepreneurs from the entire community, the trio is able to add opportunities like scholarships to further support youth.
“We noticed there was a power in it, every time we got this collective of people together,” Johnson said. “As we continue to grow - we’re on our fourth one - we’re more excited to do it every year.”
A Fresh Start for Youth
Community youth can benefit from the event by making networking connections, but also may benefit financially. This year, New Year Better Us is sponsoring three $1,000 scholarships that can be utilized for education or a new business opportunity.
Stewart said past students have gone into areas like athletic training, music, entertainment, and health care. “It’s always a great pool of students who apply,” she said.
Students have been involved since the event’s inception. The first year, two of these youth found an opportunity working with Johnson and eventually created their own LLC. Following these students along their career path inspires Hudson, Stewart and Johnson to continue boosting other young people in the community.
“A part of our mission is to help youth pursue their dreams. We all have had so many hurdles, one being Black entrepreneurs. Black young people are not always knowing which route to go. We want to make it easier for the younger generation,” said Hudson, owner of Hudson Financial Strategies.
That includes professional growth opportunities like a teen photoshoot party in the fall. These experiences teach them about future careers. “We just want to be mentors, and an organization that helps them reach their goals and know it’s attainable,” said Hudson.
One of their goals is to boost the nonprofit’s visibility and sponsor more events for professionals and youth during the year. It’s also a way to help those starting their careers and make a difference for the next generation.
A factor in improving the future for Springfield youth is improving relations between the Black and Latino community. Johnson said they hope to help overcome situations and circumstances in the past to head in a fresh direction. “We want to change that narrative and make a groundbreaking impact-move for this new generation,” he said.
A New Perspective for All
The evening not only benefits individuals looking to network. Businesses have opportunities to market themselves as a vendor or through many event sponsorship opportunities. Hudson said sponsorship packages are available at different levels, providing more than just a name on a banner. Sponsors can receive social media mentions, vendor table presence, tickets, and professionally-designed business flyers, among other perks.
“Our sponsorship packages really do stand out,” Hudson said.
All of those involved in New Year Better Us are part of the community, including the keynote speakers, caterer and comedian providing entertainment. Attendees will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes from local businesses.
New Year Better Us is also an energy boost and fresh start for the event organizers.
Stewart is exploring new business opportunities thanks to a Marketing and Cupcakes Magazine article in the fall. She posted the article to LinkedIn, where it was spotted by the Global VP of Human Resources for MGM Springfield who was seeking someone based in the Springfield community.
“(The article) stuck out to her,” she said. “Now I’m working with them and figuring out how we’re all going to collaborate moving forward.”
For Johnson, the event is a way to see growth in others who have attended and to witness that growth when he makes connections throughout the year.
“I’m looking to see the growth in everybody outside of the event,” said Johnson, “trying to connect with new businesses and connect with people I haven’t met before. I’m really big on networking. I always take meeting new people as an opportunity.”
Hudson hopes to continue her passion of educating those in the community about financial literacy, in particular buying a home or life insurance. “It’s a time to stand out and keep helping people,” she said. She also looks forward to bringing the guest speakers, award recipients, and business contacts together once again.
“Every year for NYBU is exciting and refreshing,” said Regina. “We put a lot of work into this event. It’s always something to look forward to, and to make an impact on attendees and scholarship awardees.”
New Year Better Us takes place on January 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Springfield Elks Lodge. There will be food, a photo booth, raffle prizes, entertainment, and guest speakers. Register for New Year Better Us or become a sponsor at https://linktr.ee/newyearbetterus
