One of The Chamber’s many programs, the Young Professionals Network, targets young professionals, offering training, development and networking opportunities for the future leaders of our community.

What benefits does a YPN membership provide?

• Numerous opportunities to meet, socialize, network, seek advice and share experiences with other ambitious and like-minded professionals.
• Access to a wide variety of training programs specifically designed to heighten knowledge and contribute to the success of young professionals.
• Increased awareness about arts and cultural opportunities available in the community.
• Guidance from area business champions.

Why We Exist
It is our belief that a community influenced by young professionals is a community that attracts and retains them. Core to the Young Professionals Network’s strategic agenda is the belief that the more informed, involved and networked young professionals are, the more influence they have on the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community.

What is a Young Professional?
We don’t define young professionals by an age. We define it as a mindset. We are a group of people who are interested in enhancing ourselves and the future of our community. We work hard, we like to socialize, we’re technologically savvy, and we make the change that we want to see in our lives, our businesses and our community.

What to Expect
Through the Young Professionals Network you will have the opportunity to meet people you would never otherwise have met, and learn about businesses you never would have known about and participate in events that never would have existed. You will have access to numerous business training programs and learn about the happenings in the community that will have an impact on your life.

Types of events

• Off the Clock: A monthly evening event over the happy hour for fun networking in a relaxed setting. Connect with your peers while checking out one of the great establishments in our region. Apps are usually provided!
• New Member Social: Geared to new and interested potential YPN members, this event helps you connect with the committee and other members, learn more about the program and all the ways that you can be involved. Always scheduled before an Off the Clock so you can continue making connections. Held once a quarter.
• Lattes with Leaders: Once a quarter, we bring in a local business and community leader to share their leadership story. Learn about where their career began and the things they did that propelled them to the successful positions they hold today. There is always a Q&A opportunity, so come prepared with questions!
• Morning Buzz: Network with other young professionals before you start your work day and get your morning caffeine boost with us at a local coffee shop.
• Networking to Business: Often a lunch event, you can find targeted training in a professional development setting here, where experts will present on skills and topics that YPs need to know.
• Tour and Talk: Go behind-the-scenes at various businesses around town for an exclusive and up-close look at the incredible organizations making up our community.
• Volunteer opportunities: Because giving back is a pillar of our group, we offer many ways to have a real impact on our community. Past opportunities have included bell ringing for the Salvation Army and stocking at the food banks
• Summer picnic: An annual relaxed evening at the park with fellow members to kick back in the sun and enjoy some games and socialization.
• Holiday party: Every year YPNers celebrate the holidays with a fun party, and the famous Naughty or Nice paddle game.
• And more: Special events are added often and can include opportunities like group outings to sporting events, yoga, wine-blending seminars or craft-making classes.

Want to get involved?
Make the most of your Young Professionals Network by joining a committee! We draw from the talents and expertise of our members to make YPN a place you need to belong. Committee involvement will sharpen your leadership skills, increase your network of personal and professional relationships and help us to shape the overall direction of the program! All members of the Young Professionals Network are invited to serve on any subcommittees that provide the overall direction of the program.

Announcing YP Week! June 24 to July 1
We’re so excited to debut the YPN’s first-ever YP Week! With about one event a day, each specifically selected to target one of YPN’s areas of focus, there is something for everyone. We hope to see you at one—or all—of them! Stay tuned to our Facebook page, website and the YPN email as we finalize our last events for the week! We are working hard to bring you the best opportunities in networking, professional development and community exploration!

Did you know?
The YPN is responsible for planning and running the Corporate Cup event every summer! It’s one of The Chamber’s biggest events of the year, attracting hundreds of local professionals who go head-to-head in friendly physical competition. Activities include everything from kickball to cycling to tug-of-war. Where else can you find this combination of team-building and networking?!

What others say about YPN
“During my time as a YPN member I have gained useful professional skills, grown my network of professionals who I can work with and call upon as experts, learned about the Fargo-Moorhead community and the opportunities available here, and have also met incredible people who have become long-term personal friends. I am so grateful my first boss encouraged me to challenge myself and join YPN because my career has been positively impacted and my personal life is richer because of my membership!” —Caitlin Stoecker, Arvig

“YPN has provided a platform to meet people in all industries and grow lasting relationships. With the wide variety of networking events, there is always opportunities to learn and have fun.” —Cecelia Jorud, Bell Bank

“The best part about YPN events is that they help me to develop lasting relationships. Each event is different from the last, and you are guaranteed to learn something each time you attend. Whether that is learning about someone in conversation or learning something about the space in which the event was held. I look forward to each YPN event to meet other young professionals in our region to collaborate with.” —Justin Gustofson, PRG

We’d love to come to you and talk about YPN! Let Alyssa share with your team the opportunities available to employees. Let us know if we can come to your workplace.

Questions or want to get involved?
Contact Alyssa Ralston, YPN Program Coordinator, at aralston@fmwfchamber.com or 218.233.1100.