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Ben Jacobson, the University of Northern Iowa’s men’s basketball coach, kicked off Networking on the Green, an event for young professionals held in conjunction with the Principal Charity Classic golf tournament.

Adam Steen of 25 Connections LLC organized the June 4 event at Glen Oaks Country Club. Now in its second year, Networking on the Green is intended to provide young professionals seeking to improve themselves and their careers with “unparalleled access” to seemingly “untouchable” executives who have years of experience and insights to share.

Following Jacobson’s keynote address, which focused on the importance of developing a “championship mentality,” Steen’s staff coordinated a series of eight-minute speed-networking sessions, which gave about 70 participants a chance to interact with 14 Greater Des Moines business leaders.

The field included Jim Brannen of FBL Financial Group Inc., Mary Coffin of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Troy Dannen of the University of Northern Iowa, Joel Duncan of Merit Resources Inc., Tom Mahoney of the ITAGroup Inc., Mike McCoy of Wells Fargo Financial Inc., Tim Minard of Principal Financial Group Inc., Suku Radia of Bankers Trust Co., Stan Reynolds of Reynolds & Reynolds Inc., Paul Schickler of Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., David Stark of Blank Children’s Hospital, John Stenberg of Pigott Inc., Wendy Waugaman of American Equity Investment Life Insurance Co. and Rich Willis of Willis Auto Campus.

Steen, who defines himself as a “networking nerd,” said networking happens “when an opportunity meets a resource that causes a transaction.”

J. Barry Griswell of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Scott Johnson of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and Jim Noyce of Drake University, all of whom participated in last year’s event, also made cameo appearances.