Young Professionals Gear Up for 2009, Highlights of 2008

The Young Professionals transition from a networking group to a leadership development program has drawn almost 400 up-and-coming leaders to join and has developed new programs based on the members’ ideas and demands. 

As the group plans for 2009, several of the initiatives that YP will focus on include volunteer projects (for members at the individual level as well as group projects), education on policy issues that affect our region, and more breakfast and After-hours events that are content driven. 
                                             
Under the leadership of the YP board and planning committees, the highlights of the 2008 year include: 

• YP/Leadership Dallas Alumni Mentoring program volunteered an afternoon at the Bridge, serving lunchtime meals to those in need. 
• YP hosted a fall CEO series which included key leaders such as: Bob Best, Atmos Energy; Jim Keyes, Blockbuster; Janet Kafka, Honorary Consul of Spain; Jan Pruitt, North Texas Food Bank, and many others.
• YP members took part in the Dallas ISD Bond Election by distributing yard signs and hosting Jack Lowe for a breakfast event.
• The YP Volunteer committee recruited members to participate in TX Tough, a bike race which raises money for Children's Medical Center of Dallas.  YP Members raised just over $3700.  Other volunteer projects the group took part in included Downtown Dallas Earthfest, career days at Pinkston High School, Texas Scholars, Friends of the Katy Trail 5K and a toy drive benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters & Community Partners of Dallas. 
• YP membership grew to just under 400

If you are interested in YP membership or know of a rising star in your company that you would like to sign-up, please contact Julie Tanner at 214.746.6741 or jtanner@dallaschamber.org.  Register for events and view programs online at www.dallaschamber.org/yp.