Community Engagement a Key Role in Retaining Talent

The key to retaining quality employees revolves around their own engagement with the company and community. With this in mind, the Dallas Regional Chamber created the Young Professionals program in 2005 as a way for member businesses to connect and involve the rising stars in their organization.

Since that time, the program has become the go-to organization for young professionals, 25-40, looking to learn about issues, interact with regional leaders and give back in a meaningful way. The program strives to nurture tomorrow’s leaders by introducing them to the driving forces behind the Dallas business community.

In four years, the program has transitioned from offering a monthly happy hour event to offering numerous events and initiatives. YP consists of an educational breakfast series, CEO luncheon series, quarterly service projects, YP/LDA mentoring program, after-hours events, Behind Closed Doors tour series and most recently, YP intramurals.

YP board member Nathen McEown states “I believe YP is the most well rounded organization in Dallas for a young professional. Just in the past few months YP programs have allowed me to have breakfast with Mayor Tom Leppert, lunch with Phil Romano, advocate at the Capital, compete in coed intramurals, canoe down the Trinity River, and volunteer at the Stewpot. As you can see the YP has something for everyone!"

Many areas across the country realize that attracting this well-educated, industrious demographic is critical to their future success. YP strives to showcase Dallas as a city for young professionals to live, work and play. Many young professionals are familiar with the concept of YP organizations and will look to these groups as their first introduction to a new area. YP member Leslie Peterson has been involved with the program for three years and is serving her first year on the board:

“I joined YP as a way to quickly acclimate myself in the business world of Dallas and meet other young professionals who are the top talent in their industry. I began to see the value of YP through the information I shared with my clients and the business connections I made at the events.

The benefits of being a member of YP are endless. YP grants members the opportunities to network with top leaders in a variety of industries, access to events around town, philanthropic work, and the ability to enhance leadership skills both professionally and personally. YP also presents a forum to learn about key issues facing Dallas, and be contributing members of the community.”

YP hosts 30-40 events per year and currently has 375 members. If you are interested in joining or know someone in your company that is, please contact Julie Tanner at 214-746-6741 or visit www.dallaschamber.org/yp.