Special Feature | Article
The Greater Killeen Young Professionals are engaged in the community through the Rock the Foundation Casino Night (top photos) that raises scholarship money for Central Texas College (bottom right) and Texas A&M University-Central Texas and through park clean ups (bottom left) that make the community a better place to live and play.
Greater Killeen Young Professionals In our own community, the Greater Killeen Young Professionals (GKYP) offers area residents a myriad of opportunities to meet others and make a positive, lasting impact. The group is composed primarily of 20 to 40 somethings but welcomes anyone who is young at heart with a passion for community and individual development. President Ashley Whitworth explains, “The GKYP strives to make Killeen a place where young professionals want to live, work and play. I think the organization does a great job of bringing area young professionals together to highlight what a vibrant community we live in. As a leader in this organization, I take great pride in putting together programs that benefit our members and our community, such as our annual scholarship fundraiser Rock the Foundation Casino Night. We couldn’t hold this event without the support of our community, both businesses and individuals.” 10
Greater Killeen Business Quarterly
GKYP was formed in 2008 to give young professionals access to events and programs that would allow them to grow professionally and help grow the community. Currently, GKYP offers its members monthly and quarterly opportunities for networking, professional development, and community service. GKYP has made its presence known in the community through its premier annual event Rock the Foundation, a fundraiser that has helped raise more than $90,000 for scholarships since 2010. In 2016 alone, the group donated more than $16,000 to Central Texas College and Texas A&M UniversityCentral Texas. The organization has had a lasting impact on its members and the local community. Recently elected At-Large City Council Member Gregory Johnson states, “The Greater Killeen Young Professionals are key to mentoring, preparing, and equipping emerging leaders with the tools and resources they need to lead Killeen into its future. I have benefited both personally and
professionally from this organization through its many professional development and network building opportunities.” Young Professionals organizations like this are flourishing nationwide, and the communities that host them are better for it. Intentional community development that includes a strategy making their community appealing to young professionals and engaging them will go a long way in recruiting and retaining talent. For more information about the greater killeen young professionals, visit gkyp.org or contact info@gkyp.org.
JENNIFER HETZEL Director of Strategic Communications, Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce