Superior Young Professionals put down roots over the last year and now they’re coming full circle. Wednesday, the group celebrates a year of connections at the same site they held their launch party, Nemadji Golf Course.
“I would like to say it’s been wildly successful,” said secretary Lynne Williams.
SYP had a goal of growing to 50 members in one year.
“Though membership is very loosely defined in our group since all events are free and there are no organizational dues required, we have connected with over 500 young professionals in our area through events and social media,” said Vice President Erin Makela.
The not-for-profit group was created to boost the local economy by retaining, recruiting and rooting young people in the community. Often, young professionals are so focused on job and family that they don’t reach out to others.
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“If we can connect and engage young professionals here, they will be more likely to spend their money here, send their kids to school here, participate in the arts and other community events here, and all of that creates a better standard of living for all people here,” Makela said.
The group knew they’d struck a common chord at last year’s kickoff.
“There were 60 to 70 people, better than expected,” said Treasurer Erik Abrahamson. Since then, attendance has ranged from 30 to 50 at monthly events.
“It’s a wonderful thing for our community,” said Dave Minor, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber of Superior/Douglas County. The group fills the same niche the Jaycees did in the 1930s through 1950s, he said.
The push was led by young professionals themselves, Minor said. They saw a need, and they filled it.
“I think it’s gone farther than anybody anticipated it would,” he said.
The initial idea was sparked through the Leadership Superior/Douglas County program. When the nine-month program ended and SYP still wasn’t up and running, the subgroup working on it kept meeting on their own.
“It took time to get off the ground,” Abrahamson said, but they were committed. “We agreed to put in the time to make it happen.”
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SYP offers a mix of social networking and professional development luncheons for young professionals who live, work and play in Superior. In the last year, members have learned about 401K planning and solved a murder mystery, lined up shots on the golf course and met new friends. Enthusiasm remains high.
“It’s good to see after a year people are excited there’s something for them,” Abrahamson said.
In addition to the response from young professionals, the business community has stepped up to support the group. Sponsors came forward offering funding and space for events, and a grant was secured through the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation’s Young Leaders Fund. The Development Association partners with SYP, acting as the group’s fiscal agent and providing office resources.
As the group swings into year two, they plan to continue to offer free events.
“We don’t really want to add a cost until we need to,” Abrahamson said. “We want to keep it free and get people engaged.”
For more information on SYP, check out the Superior Young Professionals Facebook Page or www.superioryoungprofessionals.com . Young professionals can start connecting 3-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Nemadji Golf Course. Compete for fun prizes on the par 3 course 3-5 p.m. No golf experience needed; clubs provided.
The night continues with a social from 5-7 p.m. in the clubhouse featuring a free taco bar.
