40 Below Volunteer Upbeat About Cny; Salina Native, To Participate In First Summit, Hopes Negative Mind-Set Ends.
Pam Lundborg
Staff writer
June 1, 2007
The Post Standard/Herald-Journal
Katie Peckham will be one of hundreds of 40 Below Summit volunteers who will spread across Syracuse today to help with various community activities.
The organization, which is named for the age group it targets, works to bring people together to work to create a more vibrant region.
Peckham, 27, has never been to a 40 Below Summit before. The Salina native, who works as a community affairs manager for KeyBank downtown, wanted to get involved in the young, professional Syracuse scene. She graduated from Liverpool High School in 1997 and State University College at Geneseo in 2001.
Q. Why are you participating in 40 Below?
A. I have friends who have done it, but this is my first time. I think CNY has so much to offer. I don't think it's a brain-drain area and KeyBank encourages us to get involved in the community. I want to connect with others in 40 Below who have the same goals and want to see this area flourish and grow. There aren't many opportunities to connect with people under 40 who have similar goals.
Q. So what made you return to Central New York after college?
A. There were a lot of great opportunities in Rochester, but I have a really strong connection to Central New York and the Liverpool area.
Q. What do you like about this area?
A. I think being a small city works to our advantage because it gives you the opportunity to make amazing connections to people. Plus, my family and friends are here. There are natural resources and SU has finally stepped up to the plate (for economic development). Now is the perfect time for the potential to come to fruition.
I love CNY. I've had the opportunity to leave, but this is home and there is a great future here.
Q. What would you change about CNY?
A. The negative mind-set: that it's a brain drain and there are no opportunities. I think that trend has changed. Things are going in the right direction and I hope that cloud of negativity dissipates.
Pam Lundborg can be reached at plundborg@syracuse.com or 470-3033.
If you go ...
What: 40 Below Summit.
When: Noon to evening today.
Where: The Oncenter and across Syracuse
What: Participants plan to go into the community to see and participate in on-going projects and charity initiatives. Also, there's a party in Hanover Square beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $20; $15 for students.
Register: Go to 40belowsummit.com/. Online registration is preferred, but walk-ins will be accepted.
This item was published on 07/01/2007
