YP Annual Report 2022-2023

Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network 2022-2023

ANNUAL REPORT

Career minded.

COMMUNITY FOCUSED.

CREATE Proactively create environments and programs that allow for linkages between one another and within the community.

COMMUNITY

We believe in the BismarckMandan community, and we believe that it can be an attractive place for young professionals. With the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network, the community will have a solid partner and asset for the future development of Bismarck-Mandan.

CONNECT Actively pursue partnerships with businesses, non-profits, service, professional development, media, cultural and entertainment organizations to help deliver opportunities that are already taking place within the community.

Bismarck-Mandan YP Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network www.ypnetwork.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

Financial Report

2

Executive Team Message

3

2023 Events

5

Non-Profit Partner

6

Wisdom Team

7

Leadership Board

8

Crystal Reid Excellence Award

9

YPN Member Awards

10 Top 10 Workplaces Awards 12 Other Awards 13

Epic Impact

14

Member Focus Summary

15 Incoming Non-Profit 16 Thank You 19 New Leadership Board + New Positions 19 Did you know?

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Young Professionals Network is to enhance the culture for young professionals in the Bismarck-Mandan community through professional development, entrepreneurship, community service and social networking; to create new opportunities for members; and to connect members to organizations in the Bismarck-Mandan community.

FINANCIAL REPORT The Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network receives funds throughout the year in the form of sponsorships, partnerships, and memberships. Thanks to the generosity of our parners and sponsors we were able to host over 60 events this past year! Financial support helped cover the cost of event space, food and beverages, printed materials, and promotional products.

During the 2022-2023 year we had 41 partners companies. Partners are an integral part of YP as their financial support is the main part of our budget with $$$ in funds. In 2023, we added two brand new partnership levels. Partners can choose their level of sponsorship ranging anywhere from $250 to sponsor an event all the way up to $3,000 for a Diamond level partnership. With partnerships come perks, including free memberships. Our partners received utilized over 130 free memberships over the past year. This encourages employee involvement in the Young Professionals Network and helps the employees grow professionally.

Several of our larger events included financial support from local companies outside of our partners and we are very thankful for the additional sponsorships totaling $8,500 that made larger events possible: Epic Impact, Failing Successfully, Trivia for Charity, and Chill n Bowl. Please take a few minutes to review the event pages within this report to learn more about our amazing sponsors.

The YPN is a volunteer-based organization. We operate under the umbrella of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC which is a 501(c)6.

All the money that is received goes directly into the Young Professionals Network programs and events. Our executive and leadership board members serve on a volunteer basis. The board coordinates all the events and programs that are offered throughout the year. The combination of our outstanding partners and our dedicated membership creates the impactful organization that the YPN is today.

165 members this past year with almost 80% of them being from our partner companies 1

To our partners, members, and board members, we appreciate you! Thank you for your continued support of the Young Professionals Network.

A MESSAGE FROM THE INCOMING

Chairwoman & President Catherine JOnes & Mallory green This past year the Young Professionals Network has remained committed to providing our members with high-quality and unique events. The entire YPN board worked diligently throughout the year to ensure that the events were both creative and diverse in terms of topics and locations. We want to express our sincere appreciation for your valuable contributions!

During our previous strategic planning process, we recognized the need for specialized roles to focus on member recruitment, retention, and relationship building within the network. As a result, we introduced the positions of current member specialist and new member specialist. These roles have had a positive impact, leading to increased active membership and greater event attendance.

Another important outcome of the strategic planning process was the development of a user-friendly website that caters to the needs of our members and partners. We are thrilled to announce that this initiative has been successfully implemented, allowing us to post job opportunities for our partners.

In January 2023, we organized our 9th Annual Epic Impact Event, featuring an uplifting message from Shaun Derik. This event utilized a hybrid format with both in-person and online attendees, resulting in a fantastic turnout. In February, we were delighted to present Dakota Children's Advocacy Center with a donation of $2,275 from the proceeds of our Chill N' Bowl fundraising event. Throughout the year, we remained committed to supporting our Non-Profit Partner through volunteer efforts and fundraising activities. On May 3, 2023, we hosted the 18th Annual Cinco Awards & Celebration Event at the Heritage Center, where over 120 individuals came together to celebrate our accomplishments from the past year, as well as, vote for Vice President, announce member awards, and Top 10 Workplaces.

In 2023, the YPN will embark on a membership survey and engage in a two-year strategic planning session. Our objective is to leverage the insights gathered from these initiatives and generate ideas to further enhance the value we provide to our current and prospective members.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the continued growth of our membership and the revival of even more engaging events. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our members, business partners, and supporters for their invaluable contributions to our network. Your unwavering support means the world to us, and we truly appreciate your dedication to our organization. The Bismarck-Mandan YP Network could not do it without you all!

A MESSAGE FROM THE NEW

Vice President Gabby Abouassaly

As I transition from the role of Event Planning Specialist to Vice President, I am excited to see what the next year holds for the Young Professionals Network. Being newer to the Bismarck-Mandan community, the YPN has had an important role in not only my personal and professional development, but in helping me to find a community and build strong friendships. After a year of attending events and then a year of planning them, I have learned the value that this organization brings to the larger community. Our focuses on professional development, community service, and networking foster relationships amongst members and organizations across the community, creating connections that may not otherwise be made. As our organization continues to adapt and become more strategic, we can only strengthen and provide more value to our members, partner organizations, and Bismarck-Mandan. Over these next three years, I look forward to supporting my fellow board members as we continue to provide quality events, foster relationships, and grow the network.

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EV

PL ENT

ANNING TEAM

"There are so many events to pack into a small report, so the best way to find out more is to join us in the events to make new friends, connections and memories."

-Event Planning Team

2022-2023 Events

We have had a blast with so many different events throughout the year, many of which were similar to the ones we did previously— We were able to bring 12 people together in the rain to help prepare Papa’s Pumpkin Patch for the fall season.

Although it was raining like crazy, the team was able to get the petal car track together, unload pumpkins and have a good time going through the mud in the petal cars. Partnering with many entrepreneurs to hear their story and learn from them, the YP was able to grow and have fun at the same time. Two great stories we heard were Suzzy’s Island Twist and Art From The Heart. After hearing their stories, we participated in a game night at Suzzy’s and got to paint the BisMan bridge at Art from the heart. We also tried some new events including a Winter Blues series that encouraged us outside our comfort zone to learn Aqua Zumba and Middle Eastern Dance thanks to a partnership with the YMCA. We also took advantage of URL Radio’s downtown “haunted” walk where nearly 20 YP members got to hear the stories of bootlegging, public hangings, haunted buildings, the beginning of Bismarck, and learned that the Smith and Kearnes cocktail started here in Bismarck.

Failing!

SUCCESSFULLY Huckleberry House

BIZ & BREWS Various Businesses

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Failing Successfully is a global movement and event series that shares stories of professional blunders. The event is about personal mistakes, outcomes, and lessons learned. The stories of businesses that have failed, partnerships that went sour, products that have been recalled…we tell them all!

Failing Successfully has been of our largest events over the past few years, and continued to draw a large audience in 2023. This year the event was sponsored by Marathon Petroleum and hosted at Huckleberry House. Our three speakers, Brian Kroshus (North Dakota Tax Commissioner), Nicole Ralph (ND DOT, coowner of Bruno’s Pizza, and co-owner of ND Country Fest), and Jade Scherr (CEO of HexaHive) spoke to nearly 60 YP members, mentees, and guests about their path to success, professional development, and the trials and triumphs that got them to where they are.

We look forward to hosting this event again next year with other leaders in the community who can provide insight for our young professionals early in their careers.

Biz and Brews was an event series inspired by E-Among Us that connected YP members to local coffee shops, breweries, or bars to learn about businesses in the community while providing a networking opportunity over drinks. For our second year of this series, we visited Bismarck Brewing, Black Lions, Buffalo Commons, Brick Oven Bakery, and Coffee Break. The business owners did a great job of sharing what inspired them to start their businesses, the challenges they have faced, lessons they have learned, and the successes they have enjoyed.

With how big of a hit Biz and Brews continued to be, we are excited to continue hosting similar events for our members as we launch our newest series, Hidden Gems. Hidden Gems takes the YP to various businesses in Bismarck and Mandan that they may never have visited before.

With how big of a hit Biz and Brews continued to be, we are excited to continue hosting similar events for our members as we launch our newest series, Hidden Gems. Hidden Gems takes the YP to various businesses in Bismarck and Mandan that they may never have visited before.

Our Lunch and Learns have been packed this year, providing YP members with opportunities to learn about a variety of professional development topics. In July of 2022, Jeanne Masseth presented on “Sparking Membership”, providing approaches to connect with mentors and how organizations and careers can be strengthened by mentorship.

John Krueger presented “It’s Not Who You Are, It’s What You Do with Who You Are”, leading YP members through a personality assessment and explaining how the results can be used as we navigate our careers and relationships. We kicked off 2023 with “Crucial Conversations” with Stacie Iken, providing strategies on how to structure difficult conversations.

Then, with the end of the legislative session, Levi Andrist presented “Public Policy and a 2023 Legislative Update”, guiding us through the legislative process and discussing the priorities of the 2023 session.

"sparking membership" JEANNE MASSETH

The travelling book club has continued to have a small but mighty following, providing YP members the opportunity to read a variety of books on professional development and share their insights with each other.

Titles this year included: “It’s Not About the Coffee”, “I Love it Here”, “The Energy Bus”, “Rework”, “Start With Why”, and “Humor Seriously”, covering several different topics relevant to young professionals. A great opportunity for discussion and learning from the experiences of others, book club will resume again in the fall.

3rd Annual

Special thanks to

Our 3rd Annual Networking Scramble continued to be a successful and wellJACY loved event to wrap up the summer. With a series of conversation starters VOGLEWEDE attached to the holes on the mini golf course at the Super Slide Amusement With Jacy Jo Photography Park, this event provides attendees an opportunity to connect and learn more for providing photos from about each other. This year, in addition to mini golf, we enjoyed a few trips our July event. down the slide for some additional fun.

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2022 - 2023 Non-Profit Organization The Bismarck Mandan Young Professionals Network (YPN) and the Dakota Children's Advocacy Center (DCAC) partnered up in January 2022 when DCAC was selected to be the non-profit partner for YPN. Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center is a leading nonprofit organization committed to providing comprehensive, coordinated services to child victims of abuse. Together, we aimed to leverage our strengths and resources to support DCAC in making a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.

Under this partnership, YPN members actively participated in volunteering efforts, fundraising activities, and events organized by DCAC. The YPN assisted with the Heros on the Green golf tournament, hosted a trivia fundraiser and Chill n’ Bowl with the proceeds going to DCAC, built a little pantry stand for outside the DCAC building and assisted with their first ever Wing Fling. The amazing members of YP helped to raise over $5,000 for the organization so they can continue to provide free of charge services. This collaboration provided YPN members with opportunities to contribute to the community while gaining valuable experiences and insights.

DCAC, known for its expertise and dedication to providing a safe environment for children to disclose abuse, as well as offering specialized services and resources, was a wonderful partner for 2022-2023 year.

In 2022, YPN changed the calendar cycle for the non-profit partner and extended DCAC’s partnership for an additional 5 months in the transition. This change was made so the non-profit partnership runs from May to May and aligns with the timeframe used as YP's operational year.

g n i W g Flin

DCAC

Dakota Children Advocacy Center

Starting this year the non-profit partner will change each spring so that the partnership aligns with the Network’s operational calendar of May to May. 5

Learn more:

WISDOM TEAM

Patty Olson Capital Credit Union

Jason Sutheimer

Jame Todd

Kristine Melby

Tara Vesey

Job Service North Dakota

Bartlett & West

Cornerstone Bank

Montana-Dakota Utilities

Ellen Huber Community Matters

Marnie Piehl AARP

The Wisdom Team is comprised of seasoned professionals from our community who volunteer their time to meet with our leadership board on a quarterly basis to offer advice and suggestions to improve the network. The Wisdom Team has made suggestions that have helped us with strategic planning, editing and enacting bylaws, and introducing new practices with business partners. Thank you to our Wisdom Team members for their time and effort in supporting the network!

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2022-2023

LEADERSHIP BOARD

Kenzie Meide

Catherine Jones

Mallory Green

Chair Person

President

Vice President

Meghan Karch

Grant Dockter

Nikhil Kalothia

Marketing Specialist

Partner Liaison Specialist

Current Member Specialist

Kathryn Spilman

Ashley Wooledge

Sarah Jangula

Gabby Abouassaly

New Member Specialist

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Tiffany Barth

Treasurer

Event Specialist

Event Specialist

Event Specialist

CRYSTAL REID EX D CE AR LLENCE A W

Crystal Reid served as a Social Team colead, newsletter publisher, member of the Service Team, and VP of the YPN before unexpectedly passing away in July of 2009. In the three years that she was involved in our organization, she touched the lives of many people and made a lasting impact on the YPN. This award recognizes an individual’s leadership in the YPN and the BismarckMandan community, someone who works tirelessly to get the job done, inspiring and motivating all those around them.

Kenzie Meide, this year's recipient, is someone who goes above and beyond.

Kenzie demonstrates exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to the Network. She has done a ton of work behind the scenes that was not recognized as she is graceful about the work. Several of YP’s most talked about events are due to her initiatives.

Kenzie consistently exhibits the values of YP and she is highly respected by her colleagues. She is truly committed to being an active and contributing part of YP. Congratulations, Kenzie!

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Member Awards

Each year, members are invited to nominate one another for several awards. These awards are designed to identify and reward members who uphold the mission of the network.

These awards are announced and distributed at our Cinco Annual Awards and Anniversary Celebration, which historically takes place on or around May 5, which is when the Bismarck Mandan Young Professionals Network was founded in 2005.

Great Plains Award JOSH FISHER

The GREAT PLAINS AWARD is awarded to a member who shows leadership and innovation in the network. This year's recipient is Josh Fisher. Josh is an active member of the Network that consistently attends YP events, often inviting friends and coworkers to attend with him. He makes people feel welcome at events and will remember them for the next time.

Sakakawea Award PAT JONES

The SAKAKAWEA AWARD recognizes members who give selflessly of their time and effort. This year's recipient is Pat Jones. Whenever Pat is at an event, and he sees the need for help he steps up to do so without being asked. He never complains and always maintains a positive attitude, inspiring those around them to do their best. He is a friendly face when you walk into a room and is always willing to have a conversation with any member.

Pioneer Award ALYSSA KROSHUS

The PIONEER AWARD is given to the member who demonstrates exceptional leadership by going above and beyond the call of duty. This year's recipient is Alyssa Kroshus.

Alyssa created a whole event series as a non-Board member and handled all of the logistic and marketing all on her own with very little to no assistance from the rest of the Board.

She has also donated regularly to silent auctions and volunteers her time to service events in the past, such as Roadside Cleanup. She has been a good resource for YP over the years and continues to give back.

Theodore Roosevelt Award LAURA NAADEN

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The THEODORE ROOSEVELT AWARD is presented to the member who has shown persistence and dedication within the YP network. This year's recipient is Laura Naaden.

Laura is willing to try all types of events and offers positive feedback after events. Often, she is out of her comfort zone, but is willing to challenge herself and put herself in new situations which is admirable. Despite being new, she reaches out to other new members she's met at YP and encourages/invites them to attend YP events with her. In fact, she also helps coordinate and attend group events with YP members outside of YP. It is members like her who these awards are meant to appreciate, encourage, and recognize.

2023 Bismarck-Mandan Top 10 Professional Places to Work Recognizing local businesses committed to recruiting and retaining talented young professionals The Bismarck-Mandan Top 10 Young Professional Workplaces Award recognizes local businesses committed to recruiting and retaining talented young professionals. Eligible businesses, those employing young professionals under the age of 40, are measured on criteria related to the active development and execution of strategies advancing employment of young professionals in the workplace and quality and type of benefits offered. Every year, a committee of members from the network vote on the best workplaces.

The Title Team is an integral partner enhancing their local community through partnerships and giving back. Employees are led by the principles of Innovation, Community Service, Relationships, Empowerment, Integrity & Respect, and Live Local, Think Global.

Moore Engineering provides their employees with the opportunity to work remotely and flex their time to allow employees to get work done as their schedule allows and spend time with family. They are an employee owned company that emphasizes workplace culture with employee gatherings and collaboration.

HDR Engineering provides opportunities for employees to work on projects throughout the nation and giving all employees equal opportunity in large scale decision- making. HDR attracts young professionals by providing options for tuition reimbursement and 3 weeks of annual leave to full and part time employees.

Sanford leads their employees to make an impact each day by touching the lives of patients through patient care or providing the tools & resources to support those that provide it. Many of the employees making an impact with Sanford Health are young professionals.

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2023 Bismarck-Mandan Top 10 Professional Places to Work Bravera encourages professional development to employees through their “Leader at Every Level” program which pairs employees looking to grow in their career with veteran staff who can guide them. Bravera’s culture is centered around giving back to their community and offers volunteering opportunities for all employees.

First Community Credit Union puts value in their team through referral bonuses, paid internships, and competitive benefits. The CEO creates a sense of community amongst employees by making a point to get to know everyone at every level of the company personally.

HexaHive focuses on professional development for their employees and gives their employees the freedom to give back through organized efforts including providing service to community businesses who may be struggling by offering tips and advice for free.

Workforce Safety & Insurance has a Servant Leadership team designated to promote goodwill amongst employees by advocating the principles of servant leadership in their community. WSI encourages Employees to participate in local networks and covers costs and membership fees.

Bartlett & West i is an employee-owned company that stives to make work convenient for Young Professionals through providing flexible work schedules, and a variety of personal leave options. Bartlett and West believes in supporting their community and gives employees a variety of opportunities to volunteer and give back.

Basin Electric goes above and beyond to support its employees in giving back to the community, prioritizes employee safety and recruits Young Professionals through paid internships and trade degree programs.

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BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR Board Member of the year award

is new this year and is selected by the Executive team.

This year's recipient is Gabby Aboussaly. Gabby has continued to step up in her role on the leadership board this past year. She is great at following through and putting together wellattended events. Her communication is always professional, and she is dedicated to posting on social media to remind and engage with members. She also provides support and feedback to fellow board members to help ensure is successful. Gabby is a friendly face to new and tenured YP members, helping everyone feel welcome as part of the Network.

Gabby Abouassaly

COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD

Every year we present awards to partners and community leaders who have shown exemplary efforts in promoting and supporting the mission and vision of the Network. Thank you to Marathon and Courtney for your dedication to the network.

Marathon Marathon is receiving the award for their continued support of the Young Professionals Network events, numerous sponsorships, and continually encouraging their employees to join the Young Professionals Network.

Courtney Hamilton Courtney Hamilton is receiving the award for her commitment to the network. She is someone who gives as much if not more than she receives from YP. 12

EPIC IMPACT The 9th Annual Epic Impact was held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, in the Bavendick Stateroom of BSC’s National Energy Center of Excellence.

For more than a decade the nationally acclaimed speaker & performing artist, Shaun Derik, has dedicated his life to helping people, young and old, reconnect with their passion and gifts.

Using the metaphor, life is a song, Shaun teaches listeners to pay attention to the music playing in their heads and to be mindful of negative influences and how we treat others. With a strong background in the performing arts, Shaun combines the importance of vision and an awareness of the world around us with an unbeatable plan of success. He tells the story of his own struggles while exercising his acting muscles, displaying years of conservatory dance training, and ending every conflict-filled story with a powerful message to never give up.

Thank you to our event sponsors and planning committee as this wouldn’t have been possible with your support.

Impact: Bartlett & West Advocate: Capital Electric Cooperative, Gate City Bank, BismarckMandan Chamber EDC, BNI Energy, Bravera Bank, and In Reach: Physical Therapy

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Visionary:

Member Focus Summary

Kathryn Spilman Nikhil Kalothia Kathryn Spilman (New Member Specialist) has seen a significant increase in membership growth. Members are coming from all over the country to establish roots in Bismarck-Mandan. This is exciting to have new cultures and fresh ideas to bring to the network. Whether over a cup of coffee or a quick lunch. Kathryn welcomes new members by introducing herself, giving them a warm welcome to the community, and asking them what hobbies interest them and what talents they may have to contribute to the network.

Nikhil Kalothia (Current Member Specialist) can often be found at most events to serve as a familiar and smiling face for members. He has been actively reaching out to members, inviting them to events, sharing information about the network, and interviewing them to get the inside scoop on what’s working and what can be improved. This has allowed YP to identify trends and improve the network to best serve our members.

Through these interviews, we have learned that members love the social aspect, variety of events, experiencing local businesses, and hearing entrepreneurs share their stories.

Members have continued to voice interest in networking events so our Annual Speed Networking event was revamped to meet their requests. There were two minute rounds with each attendee to learn more about each other. We have developed clearer language on events to distinguish between Member-Only vs Guests Allowed to offer exclusive benefits to members and partners, while still allowing members to invite colleagues and friends to testdrive an event and see what YP has to offer. Several other ideas from members have been implemented or will be soon.

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Welcome To Our Incoming Non-Profit Organization LEARN MORE (701) 557-3750

info@318project.org

2023-2024

318project.org

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our Partner t e s Me

Diamond

Our Diamond and Platinum partners are new to the YP network this year!

Platinum

Capital Credit Union, First Western Bank and Trust, NISC, Marathon When your business supports the Young Professionals Network, you won’t just help create the future of Bismarck-Mandan. You will demonstrate your commitment to fostering greatness to your community and your employees, promote sustainable growth throughout the local economy, and attract an innovative young workforce to your team.

Be the first Diamond partner and learn more about our partners by visiting our website. https://ypnetwork.org/partners/

GOLD

SILVER

Bartlett & West, Bismarck Cornerstone Bank, Mandan Chamber EDC, Gate Moore Engineering Inc., City Bank, Townsquare MDU Resources, First Media Bismarck, Bismarck Community Credit Union, State College, Basin Electric KLJ, Starion Bank, Power Cooperative, Midway University of Mary Lanes

BRONZE Applied Engineering, HDR, US Bank

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THANK YOU

to our 2022-2023 PLATINUM partners Like our Facebook page for updates on the network, events, photos and more!

BISMARCK-MANDAN YP

THANK YOU

to our 2022-2023 GOLD partners

THANK YOU

to our 2022-2023 SILVER partners

THANK YOU

to our 2022-2023 BRONZE partners Front and back cover images and other photography throughout this report with this icon are courtesy of Leslie Livengood Photography

THANK YOU to our members for another great year!

Tell us what you thought about YP this year!

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Thank you again to our partners...

The Bismarck-Mandan Young Professional’s Network is successful due to our community partnerships. The YP Partner Program had a very successful year creating 23 community partnerships, ranging from Platinum partners to Bronze partners, from monetary partners to in-kind donations. We aim to create mutually beneficial partnerships that can be sustained for years to come. Our partner perks include advertising at events, on our website, and in the annual report, free memberships for employees, job postings on our website job board, and an opportunity to host a company sponsored event.

We have seen an increase in partner participation as well. Partners are encouraging young professionals to get involved in the community and attend events such as lunch and learns or after hour socials. The increased participation is great for our network and our community as whole. We look forward to growing our partnership program and creating partnerships that benefit the network, the partner, and the community.

MEET THE 2023-2024 LEADERSHIP BOARD

Welcome New board Members Back Row: Kathryn, Julia, Nikhil, Grant, Ashley, Cat Front Row: Alyssa, Stephanie, Mallory, Justice, Gabby

Did you know?

Did you know YP has a biweekly newsletter?

We do! To sign up go to our website and scroll to the bottom of the page and there is a form to fill out to get added. In our newsletter, we share information about upcoming events, ways to get involved in the community, and other great information to be a part of the network.

Did you know YP has a job board?

It is on our website and our partners have the option to post their open positions! If you are looking for your next career move, we encourage you to check it out!

Did you know your YP membership is active for an entire year?

In the past year we have been working on updating our website and one of the changes was updating the expiration dates for memberships before it was on a calendar year where memberships would expire on 12/31.

Now it is set up so that your membership is active for a year from the date of activation!

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Bismarck-Mandan

1640 Burnt Boat Road Bismarck, ND 58503 ypnetwork.org info@ypnetwork.org Bismarck-Mandan YP Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network