MOVERS & SHAKERS
LAUNCHING THE NEW YP EMPOWERING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TO THRIVE Article by Todd Waters, AHM BRANDS AND CHAIR OF EUGENE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS || Photo by Quip
Those who call the Eugene area home have
underway, were discussed at length in
much to be excited about in the coming
changemaker sessions and in panel
years. Major development projects are in the
settings. Local thought-leaders provided
works, and it doesn’t take much walking,
insights into the Phil and Penny Knight
biking or driving around Eugene to see the
Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact,
changes. It is apparent that the growth and
the Obie expansion project in downtown
change occurring now will significantly
Eugene, and the Riverfront Development
influence the legacy of our vibrant city.
project.
Eugene’s growth has given rise to an
Becoming informed about these issues
evolution and maturation inside the
and projects is the first step for many of
Eugene Young Professionals group – a
us. With awareness comes choice and an
member-based networking and professional
opportunity to reflect on what each of us
development group supported by the
as individuals envisions for the future of
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce.
Eugene.
This summer marked the kick-off of a new
To borrow from the opening keynote
and improved YP group that is focused on
speaker at the 2018 YP Summit, Liz
encouraging young professionals in our
Bohannon, there comes a time when
community to get involved, get connected
planning must give way to doing – where
and play a part in helping Eugene realize
another step must be taken and those
its full potential. Through revamped
who feel so compelled need to spring into
programming, thoughtful content and
action. Many YPs have already taken that
mindful networking events, Eugene YP is
next step. Some by signing up to become
empowering young professionals to thrive
members of the new Eugene Young
in both their professional and personal lives. These changes were first felt at the 2018 Young Professionals Summit in June. Now in its third-year, the YP Summit provides a full-days’
Professionals group and others by lending their voice to issues they are passionate about at Eugene City Council meetings, through public testimony.
worth of content and activities built for young professionals with the
Eugene YP offers opportunities for young professionals to initiate
ultimate goal of providing the jumping-off point for attendees to learn,
positive change in our community – as they grow personally and, in
grow personally and professionally, and discover new ways to invest in
their careers – which is sure to leave a legacy.
the future of our community. This year, over 500 young professionals came together to discuss what’s ahead for Eugene. Topics, such as finding solutions for a more welcoming downtown and the various visionary development projects
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To learn more about the Eugene Young Professionals group and how you can get involved, visit www.eugeneyp.com and follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all things YP.