Student proposes NSB Young Business Leaders to link teens with local businesses

Marley Shawkamp, a senior at New Smyrna Beach High School and an intern at the Chamber of Commerce, told the Youth Council she is launching a program she called “NSB Young Business Leaders” to connect 16 to 24 year olds with local business owners, networking opportunities and hands-on experience. "So I'm starting something called the NSB Young Business Leaders," she said, calling the program "a program for 16 to 24 year olds to connect with local business owners, learn real world skills, and actually get an opportunity to build something."

Council members responded with encouragement and practical offers of help. One member suggested the council invite Shawkamp to exhibit at the council’s youth showcase; another offered to share contacts and help promote the program through school and community outreach. The council agreed to email the presenter a QR code and other application materials and to add her to the youth showcase thank-you list if she participates.

The exchange included details about Shawkamp’s background: she said she won a Volusia County entrepreneurship competition with a mental-health app and placed in the top 15 nationally in a competition that took her to New York City. She also said she has interned with the mayor and at the Chamber of Commerce and plans to pursue a business degree at Embry–Riddle.

The council did not take a formal vote on attachments or funding for Shawkamp’s program during the meeting but offered to host a showcase spot and to circulate application materials to expand recruitment. The next step agreed in the meeting was for council staff to email the presenter the QR/application details and for Shawkamp to follow up with contacts the council identified.