Staff writer
A new organization to engage young professionals in the community will hold a kickoff event Thursday at Bluejay Lanes.
Young professionals ages 18-39 and their families are welcome for a free meal at 5:30 p.m., followed by bowling at 7:30 p.m.
Hillsboro Young Professionals is a new organization formed by Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce to help young professionals in Hillsboro.
“The Chamber and I think city and developmental leadership, in general, understands that having younger generations plugged into the community is important for the city’s future,” Chamber president David Vogel said. “HYP will give those individuals the opportunity to connect with others in similar stages of life and feel a sense of ownership and belonging in Hillsboro.”
Along with Vogel, Chamber board members Courtney Boehm of Cottonwood Law Group and Rob Scott of Scott Catering have been working on developing the group.
The idea came when board members attended an event for small communities called The Big Rural Brainstorm in February.
“One of the themes that kept reoccurring during many of the discussions was the importance of getting younger people involved,” Vogel said.
Community representatives were asked to come up with an action step that they could implement.
“We decided that starting an organization for young professionals was both important and something that the Chamber could support,” Vogel said.
A free membership for the remainder of the year will be offered to those interested in joining. Annual membership fees of $40 for professionals and $15 for college students will begin in 2017.
“We will be strongly encouraging employers to cover their employees’ dues,” Vogel said.
Future events “will consist of monthly ‘Lunch and Learns,’ and a handful of social events and service projects throughout the year,” Vogel said.