As many things in this Valley change, TYP recently followed-suit. I met with our stakeholders Monday night sharing core ideas of how this group can grow and thrive. Two themes rose out of that and previous discussions:
1) more social and business networking functions
2) broaden TYP’s outreach to the community
Our tenants of “Connect, Develop, and Grow” ring truer than ever. My and the Chamber’s goal is to help TYPs connect with each other and access groups, places, and events we wouldn’t otherwise. TYP and the Chamber stand at a unique position in the Valley: a position of access, learning, and impact.
Access is an important and effective development tool. An overlaying theme of our events will focus on TYP’s access to people, places, and events. As we reach out in the business and service communities, our effect on dialogue, decisions, and the eventual future of this Valley will grow. This also gives TYPs the ability to learn and identify programs within the Chamber and community that are of interest. And finally it gives TYPs the ability to connect with each other to grow their businesses.
Program changes
The most significant addition is a more fluid, relevant events calendar. The group unanimously agreed that more social and professional networking events are vital to the success of the group and individual TYPs. The most popular events were our pre-launch and launch parties in November and January respectively. Our first official networking event will occur in June – stay tuned for the details.
More regular community service projects will be identified and carried out as well, rotating with networking and other program events. Our next community service event is May 30th in the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens’ Heritage Rose Garden. Working on this unique public space will give TYPs the ability to serve an often-overlooked space.
Our partnership with Family Supportive Housing will grow into a regular program, underscoring the importance of consistent service to those dedicated to improving their family-livelihood in the Valley.
A social network with a professional face
The second and more-tangible implementation is our new social network using the Ning platform. Facebook lacks the professional face desired to make business connections; LinkedIn lacks the ability to easily interact with a group and plan events. That’s why I worked to create a unique social-professional network using the Ning platform.
Ensuring value for our membership, this network is dedicated to connecting TYPs with each other and each others’ businesses. This site allows us to post photos, videos and events; to carry our own personal/professional blogs; and to have discussions on relevant topics related to TYP. I’m flexible on the content posted on the network, but cautious of who’s added. It’s important that our core group has access to itself, and isn’t pawned off to outside groups. We will control this to avoid unnecessary communications and interaction. Please visit todaysyoungprofessionals.ning.com to request addition to the group – hope to see you on there!
I look forward to an exciting year of access, connection, and impact.
-Jack
Filed under: General
