Fusion:Bangor turns attention to local issues

BANGOR – Fusion:Bangor has launched a campaign to prove it is more than just a social networking group for young area professionals. Fusion’s New Year’s resolution is to carry out its mission to bolster regional growth and development by taking an active part in the community.

“Our strategy has been to build a network for social and professional purposes, then engage the group in matters of substance. Now it’s time,” Tanya Pereira, the newly appointed Fusion chairwoman, said a prepared statement. Pereira, 30,is an economic development specialist for the city of Brewer and a resident of Holden.

Pereira and her 11-member executive committee have launched the “We’ve Got Issues” campaign, encouraging Fusion members to voice the changes they want to see in their local community and inspire each other to become involved in community projects.

“We’ve all got issues. Mine is economic development. For some, it’s downtown revitalization, education, public health or the needs of young families,” Pereira wrote.

Since it was founded in March 2005, Fusion has attracted more than 135 members of all ages. The group sends e-mails to more than 440 people, advertising its monthly “Socials of Substance,” biannual membership meetings and seasonal dinners and dances.

The organization was inspired by the original Fusion program initiated in Saint John, New Brunswick, to promote networking and activism among its local residents ages 19 to 40. Fusion tends to attract members in the same age range, but encourages anyone “moved by the spirit of the organization” to take part in activities that interest them, Pereira said.

Fusion also has garnered support from local businesses. The CW Network of Eastern and Central Maine, Bangor Savings Bank, Kiss 94.5 and The Bangor Daily News have collectively funded the “We’ve Got Issues” campaign.

Bangor Savings Bank, Fusion’s founding sponsor, announced in October that it would make a three-year commitment to backing the organization, beginning with a $10,000 sponsorship in its first year.

“We are actively supporting the efforts throughout the state that will strengthen Maine’s future leaders, and allow young people to remain and prosper right here at home,” said Yellow Light Breen, Bangor Savings Bank’s senior vice president and a member of the Fusion executive committee.

To promote the “We’ve Got Issues” campaign, Fusion plans to run a series of radio, television, print and Web advertisements. Ads will describe the community service work of an individual Fusion member and bring attention to that member’s cause.

“We want to enact change and support initiatives that enhance the vitality of the region, exemplify and promote a positive image of our region and help make the Bangor region more attractive, economically, culturally and aesthetically,” Pereira wrote.

For more information on Fusion and its events, visit www.fusionbangor.com.