Chris Carvelli, an account executive for Enterprise Fleet Management, has been with Enterprise for more than 10 years since graduating from LaSalle University. Carvelli has been involved with the ABC Delaware Chapter for four years and has served as the chapter’s young professional committee co-chair for two years. With the committee co-chair Brian Martinenza of Services Unlimited, Inc., Carvelli and the committee have built a strategic plan for 2015 for the group whose goal is to add value to the young professionals and to chapter members in order to better themselves and ultimately their businesses.

1. Why did you decide to join the National YP group?
I joined the group to broaden my perspective of how other chapters are bringing value to their teams.  Part of the vision of our Delaware group is to provide value to our committee members but also bring value to the membership. I think in order to continue these visions, looking across the country for great ideas is the best way to accomplish this.

2. What has been the best part of participating? 
I have really enjoyed gaining a better understanding on how other Chapters run their respective groups. It is interesting to hear no matter where you are in the country, or what industry you are in, there are many common denominators that we all see in our own chapters. Members within the group are not shy. People are not afraid to tell you what they think….good or bad.  There is a impactful value in that.

3. What value and potential value do you see in the group? 
The value: A Great Sounding Board.  We are all trying to create and reinforce the value of joining the ABC. If owners do not find it beneficial to have their employees participate, then there is no group. If we truly bring education, leadership and networking to our own committee then in return we bring value back to the owners of member companies. They will see it as a money well spent and a positive Return On Investment. 
 
4. Why is it important to you to be involved in an association early on in your career? 
Networking and industry knowledge.

Networking: People like to do business with people they like, know, and trust. It takes time to build relationships. But once you do, your credibility amongst the association increases and business starts coming to you instead of you chasing the business. 
 
Industry Knowledge:  I work for Enterprise Fleet Management. I know plenty about fleets, what it should cost to operate one, and the dos-and-don’ts of managing a fleet and costs associated with it. That is my expertise. If I know more about what is going on in the industry, what challenges owners are facing and what keeps them up at night I can better sell the value and impact of partnering with me.  Joining these types of groups in ABC have given me the industry know-how I need to be knowledgeable about issues my clients are facing.
 
5. Why should other young professionals join the program and focus on professional/leadership development?
I truly believe it is an investment of your time in your career.  I have seen great dividends with my time in the association and my YPN committee specifically. I have a business network that spreads across many industries. The leadership classes I have taken help give me a broader perspective on what it takes to be an effective leader.  And selfishly, I have netted plenty of new business through my efforts and my networking. At the end of the year new/more business is a great indication of how effective your efforts have been.