One of our greatest accomplishments of 2015 has been the creation of the new Abilene Young Professionals program. We have talked about this program before but I wanted to give you an update.

As you may recall, the group started in April with a kickoff event that had over 400 in attendance. The event was hampered by a threat of rain, but that didn't keep the crowd from coming and enjoying several of Abilene's best food trucks and live music. Since that time, the group has been active.

In the last two monthly networking events hosted by Abilene Regional Medical Center and Condley and Company, LLP  over 150 have attended each. I would encourage you (if you fit the demographic) to attend this week's event. It will be Thursday, at 5:30 p.m. at Hendrick Medical Plaza, 5302 Buffalo Gap. Hendrick Health System is sponsoring and it will be the first chance to see their new facility.

The group also partnered with the Hispanic Business Council and Leadership Abilene on the new Young Leaders Day in June. This Chamber event was targeted to high school graduating seniors to encourage them to consider careers in Abilene.

Membership in the group has been strong as well with over 320 paid members as of Friday. As a reminder, you don't have to be a Chamber member to be in Young Professionals so if you know someone that would like to participate, have them attend this week's social, contact Anna at the Chamber office or visit abileneyp.org 

for more information. 

The Chamber is proud to be part of this great effort. We must retain our young people if we are going to grow jobs in the future. The members and leaders of our new YP program will help guide the Chamber in the effort moving forward.

Thanks and have a great week. Jason