Sidney Moore/Contributing Writer
sidburgundy@gmail.com

The F.U.E.L. FSA, which stands for Focused United Engaged Leaders of the Franklin-Southampton Area, will be in attendance at the Franklin Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce Expo on Nov. 21.

They will be there distributing literature about the group, as well as expanding their membership by drawing in new members. The group will have a gift basket drawing that is free. There will also be a raffle drawing that costs $1, and this will give participants the chance to win an iPad tablet device. This will be done as a fundraiser, so the group can further its community outreach endeavors throughout Franklin and Southampton County.

F.U.E.L. FSA began as a group determined to give young professionals the opportunity to network with others such as themselves. However, it developed into much more than that.

The F.U.E.L. FSA group provides different types of opportunities for professional development. They also give back to the local schools, many of which some of the members had previously attended, in the form of speaking engagements and teaching success skills for the Junior Achievers Program.

“We want to spread the word about our organization and its purpose and mission. We also hope to gain new members that will help us continue the effort to empower young people and encourage them to become young professionals,” said Crystal Butler, president of the F.U.E.L. FSA group. “It’s all about networking, and these are the perfect opportunities for us as businessmen and women to forge new friendships and partnerships.”

The group itself consists of young business-minded people from the ages of 21 to 40, who are on the path to becoming future leaders and pillars in the communities. The group works hand in hand with the local government, businesses and various community groups in an effort to improve the lives and networks of young professionals.

The group will be at the Expo from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday Nov. 21.