Let’s talk about what FELO is and why they were celebrating. After having an opportunity to meet FELO’s Chair, Lucas Seelig, we learned some more.

FELO (pronounced “fellow”) is the Fairfield Emerging Leaders Organization-a subgroup of The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. For 7 years this group has been providing unique networking events, educational, as well as philanthropic opportunities for like-minded professionals to engage and connect. 

FELO’s Chair, Lucas, had mentioned “My favorite part about this group is the culture. We welcome all ages of people and represented types of companies- from recent college grads to folks into retirement who love to be part of this group’s momentum and energy. After being a member for a couple years I was asked to join the Board, which is a volunteer group of 10 right now. From there, I was fortunate enough to be asked to lead this great organization and to try and keep things moving in a positive direction.”

All of the events are open to non-members but for those that are members all events are discounted throughout the year and they take advantage of no-cost attendance to all events considered as part of professional development. Speaking of professional development, as part of this FELO hosts a CEO Speaker Series-interviewing local CEO’s and providing a glimpse into their path and what they have learned. Another part of this professional development is their Speed Networking. Like any other organization, FELO had to innovate once COVID hit and they introduced a virtual speed networking event-hosted the third Thursday of every month during the lunch hour. Throughout COVID the group membership has swelled, due in part to this easy to join event where those joining have an opportunity to gain many new connections and build on current connections each month.

So how does this group utilize the funds that are raised for the events that do not carry a cost?

Over the past 7 years FELO has awarded $19,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors majoring in business! “It feels great to be able to have such a fun group with great events and still be able to find a way to give back,” mentions Lucas.

So what’s ahead for FELO?

“Our last two CEO Speaker Series were virtual and we are pumped to have our next one in-person like we used to prior to COVID. We will be showcasing a Fairfield resident, Josh Cohen, CEO of The Junkluggers, says Lucas.” After researching Josh- he had built the operation from a one-man operation and built it into a national franchise. FELO has hosted many impactful CEO’s…Datto’s founder, the Co-Founders of The 203, and Co-Owners of The New York Comedy Clubs and Fairfield Comedy Club, to name a few. Make sure you register for a spot-the event will be held at the newly renovated Sacred Heart Community theater in downtown Fairfield on 3/31.

Want to learn about becoming a general member, board member, or grab a spot to the next CEO Speaker Series or Virtual Speed networking? Make sure to head to: fairfieldctchamber.com/felo

About FELO’s Chair: Lucas Seelig works with a local Managed Services & Cyber Security Firm- TBNG/Vancord. He lives with his wife and son in Trumbull after relocating from Fairfield, and is originally from Saratoga Springs, NY.