What’s the rush? It’s Redblacks Summer Rush with 400 networkers

Ottawa financial advisor Hanna Jackson felt a little nervous — overwhelmed, even — upon arriving to the Redblacks Summer Rush held at the Infinity Convention Centre on Tuesday. For someone who doesn’t regularly attend business networking events, she suddenly found herself at the largest one in Ottawa. “I’m eager to see what it’s like,” she said while attendees began to congregate in the spacious lobby. The diverse crowd of nearly 400 was getting ready to step into the grand hall, where they'd spend the next couple of hours connecting with others while also raising funds for OSEG Foundation’s Redblacks Back to School Initiative. The fundraising arm of OSEG (Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group) is working with community organizations and schools to distribute backpacks and school supplies to where they’re needed most as kids prepare to return to classrooms.

Summer Rush featured a series of 20-minute speed networking sessions that introduced attendees to new people — including Ottawa Redblacks players. The event partnered with dozens of community partners and corporate sponsors, all of whom were prominently recognized through signage. Josh Raganold, business development manager at Welch LLP, and Keaton Ambrose, director of business development for Chandos Construction, returned as co-chairs for the second year. They were joined by two new faces: TD Bank branch manager Talia Silvestri and Jonathan Gilman, owner of Ottawa Interlock Repair. They worked closely with Lisa Nicholson, senior manager of special events and sponsorship for OSEG Foundation.

TD Bank had the largest turnout, which boded well for anyone in need of financial help (or perhaps a branded pen). The evening was aimed at and organized by the next generation of business leaders. It was an Ottawa dentist who came up with the event concept. Southgate Dental’s Dr. Nalin Bhargava is one of the team dentists for the Ottawa Redblacks, and a charity gala organizing aficionado. He saw Summer Rush as a good way to expose the next wave of leaders to community and philanthropy. The room was lively with conversation and laughter as people swapped ideas and stories. “I’m so inspired by the next generation,” said Ginger Bertrand, president of GAB Group, co-founder at Neue Theory, and a volunteer networking table host. “I love seeing this room lit up, abuzz and happening.”

Few people in this city are better at networking than Bruce Raganold, director of business development at Welch LLP and dad to co-chair Josh Raganold. He described himself as a big fan of the event's concept, and the way it encourages more young people to network. While Raganold didn’t need the practice, he was more than happy to participate. “I always like meeting people. Always, always. And with Josh involved, it’s cool to see him do his magic.” Redblacks defensive lineman Kene Onyeka was actively participating at his networking table. “I just walked into this group of fine young ladies here, and we’re all just laughing and having a good time,”  said Onyeka, who also runs his own cleaning services company, K&O Solutions. “I love any opportunity to be social.” D’Anita Leblond recently moved back to her hometown after spending 12 years living and working in Montreal. For her, the night was about being in the loop. “I decided to come just so I could kind of immerse myself back in the community and meet some new people,” said Leblond, who works as a senior account and project manager in the online marketing and advertising industry. “I always want to connect, I want to know what other people are up to, I want to know what are people are doing, I want to know what’s happening out there.”

There were 11 Redblacks players in attendance, all of whom introduced themselves to the audience. Members of the Cheer Team also participated. The evening was emceed by CTV Morning Live Ottawa host Melissa Lamb. Her husband is Redblacks player Nigel Romick, who was home that night looking after their two young children. Later in the evening, OBJ.social checked back with Jackson, the financial advisor who was unsure of what to expect when she first arrived. She was in a great mood. “The night’s going awesome,” she said while heading over to her third of four speed networking sessions.  “It’s forced me to go out and talk to new people that I wouldn’t normally be talking to. I’m getting to meet people from a wide variety of jobs and backgrounds, so it’s been really great. Jackson also said: "I wouldn’t say I’m nervous anymore. At first, because I didn’t know anyone, I was a little overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start, but everyone was in the exact same boat, everyone is here to start a conversation with you, and that’s made me feel more comfortable.”