Submitted by: Whatcom Young Professionals
We hope you’ve been paying attention to Whatcom Young Professionals (WYPs) this year, because it was a monumental year for the group.
Not only did WYPs celebrate their 10 year anniversary, but in conjunction with the Bellingham Business Journal and the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber, they also threw their first Top 7 Under 40 event to celebrate young professionals who are doing big things in our community. That is on top of throwing monthly networking socials, supporting two weekly coffee meetups, quarterly educational events and quarterly philanthropic events. It’s safe to say that this group is on the move.
With a mission to connect and develop young like-minded individuals, WYPs, a program of the Bellingham Whatcom Chamber of Commerce, focuses on providing a social venue for young professionals, while also providing education and community involvement opportunities.
“When I relocated back to Whatcom County I needed to reestablish myself both personally and professionally,” said Meg VanZanten, Semiahmoo Resort. “WYPS offered the perfect venue for this as I was able to meet and network with individuals who have similar goals and motivations. Through networking I have gained relationships that have positive guidance on all aspects of my life.”
Looking into 2017, WYPs plans to expand their popular Morning Buzz coffee meetups. The group, which currently meets every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at The Woods Barkley Village and every Wednesday at 8 a.m. at The Woods Coffee Railroad, will be adding two more buzz’s to the mix.
Starting January 3, you can also find the group Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. at The Woods Barkley Village and Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at The Woods Railroad. Adding two earlier times will allow young professionals more flexibility and more opportunities to get involved with WYPs programs.
2017 will also bring an expansion of philanthropic opportunities to the group with more community involvement and more impact on community issues.
WYPs membership stands at just $50 a year per person. Young professionals and those who employ young professionals are encouraged to get involved with the group.
“What I value most about WYPs is its energy and vision for bringing the younger business generation into the circles and discussions with the broader business community,” said Troy Wills, Vice President and Market Area Manager for Whatcom County at First Federal Bank. “These connections allow for wonderful partnerships to be established and ensure we build a strong business bench as the business community ebbs and flows.”
If you would like to learn more about Whatcom Young Professionals, you can visit their website, www.bellinghamwyps.com
