02-17-2007“There’s nothing for young adults to do here!”
Or at least that was the perception voiced by concerned human resource professionals at a 2005 focus group conducted by the Warsaw-Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce.
In fact, those in attendance, representing a cross-section of human resources departments from orthopedics, healthcare, industry and other area businesses, agreed that, while they have the jobs to attract young professionals, the lack of a thriving young social network made it difficult to retain them.
Joy McCarthy-Sessing, president of the Warsaw-Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce, said, “Even though we enjoy a high quality of life in our area, sometimes younger professionals leave for the bigger cities with many choices of social activities. We are trying to reverse the ‘brain drain’ in Kosciusko County. We knew that, as a Chamber, we needed to take action and address this issue.”
And they did. Last fall, McCarthy-Sessing met with several younger members of the chamber’s ambassadors committee to brainstorm possible solutions, and the Young Adult Professionals idea was born.
According to Kimberly Shumaker, Kosciusko REMC communications specialist and YAP co-chair, the program was modeled after several similar, successful programs in cities like Fort Wayne and Muncie. “The YAP steering committee is made up of 20- and 30-somethings who know too well the struggle to get connected in the area,” she said. “We were confident that, after seeing the success of such programs in other cities, such an opportunity would take off here, too.”
The goal of YAP, which is sponsored by the Chamber and 2007 program sponsor Zimmer, is to provide a professional environment for those in their twenties and thirties – single and married – to network and connect with one another. Down the road, YAP also will provide professional development opportunities, and hopes to partner with local charitable organizations on service projects.
The committee sees the program as not only a benefit for young professionals, but for area companies and the community as a whole.
Eric Merley, an agent with Hall & Marose Insurance and member of the YAP steering committee, said, “Meeting people and establishing new contacts always is a challenge for young people. I believe that YAP is going to be a great way for local young professionals to interact, and at the same time, give local companies a new recruitment tool. What’s more, we can benefit the community by sharing our time and talents.”
The YAP launch is set for Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Mad Anthony’s Lake City Tap House. The launch is an opportunity to meet other young professionals in the area and learn more about YAP. There’s no cost to attend the event, which is sponsored by Kosciusko REMC and Mad Anthony’s, and will feature free appetizers, live music from the local band Consider and a cash bar.
Reservations are encouraged, but not required, and can be made by calling the chamber at 574-267-6311 or e-mailing YAP@wkchamber.com Information also is available at www.MySpace.com/YAPs1
Shumaker said, “We’re all very excited about this launch and we encourage anyone in their 20s and 30s to attend – and bring a friend or co-worker.”
Members of the YAP steering committee include co-chairs Shumaker and Clarissa DuBois, Sunrise Photography; Merley; Joe Clevenger, Source One Insurance; Emerson Poort, Beauchamp & McSpadden Insurance; Jennifer Rider, Mutual Federal Savings Bank; Tracie Smith Hodson, Kosciusko County Healthcare Foundation; Kenneth Vass, Mutual Federal Savings Bank; and Monica Wilson, North Webster United Methodist Church.