Young Professionals of Fairfield network was recently started in Fairfield, Iowa. The Young Professionals of Fairfield (YP Fairfield) is a peer-networking group for 21 – 39 year old working professionals.
YP Fairfield provides opportunities for:
- social networking
- volunteer opportunities
- professional development
YP on the Jefferson County Trails, Photo by Kelsey Hayne Photography
Each month, the group will meet at a new venue on the third Thursday at 5:30pm.They’ll also meet on an informal basis once a month, as interest arises, for tea/coffee at one of the local cafes.
A couple of years ago YP Fairfield was a lively way for young working professionals to meet up and exchange ideas. However, as groups are wont to do, the group waxed and waned and eventually lost momentum. When I started working for the Fairfield Economic Development Association, sharing offices with the Chamber of Commerce, I became acutely aware of the lack of professional networking opportunities for my peer group. Darin Hayne, of ERA Fairfield Real Estate, and I were often the only people beginning our careers at Chamber events. In our own personal and professional circles, Darin and I meet people in our peer group, so we know they are in town, but outside of our own individual social circles we didn’t know where they were spending their time. So, we decided to resurrect YP Fairfield.
YP Fairfield logo, designed by Morgan Caves
The group has met twice this year. The first meeting was in May at iPhone Life Magazine. 20 young professionals showed up to hear from young business owners David Averbach (a Maharishi University of Management alumnus) and Raphael Burnes. Averbach and Burnes toured the group through iPhone Life, shared the story of how they came to run the company, and gave a glimpse into the future of the magazine.
11 people came to the second meeting at Fairfield’s new community orchard, planted as part of the Hometown Rewards Program, where the group learned from the Jefferson County Trails Council about the history of and future plans for the Fairfield Loop Trail.
Future meeting plans include:
- Exploring local food production at Radiance Dairy
- Financial Planning advice from Fairfield-based Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.
- Volunteering at Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter
- Assisting with Fairfield’s Come Home Initiative
May event at iPhone Life Magazine
YP Fairfield will help individuals build their business and social network, gain exposure to what’s going on in the Fairfield area, and exchange ideas to help build a sustainable quality of life in and around Fairfield.
Find the group on Facebook – Young Professionals of Fairfield.
*Along with local realtor, Darin Hayne of ERA Real Estate, I’m helping to coordinate YP Fairfield events. Let us know if you’d like to get involved or have any ideas to share!
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Anna Bruen is a MUM alumna who graduated with a degree in Sustainable Living. Anna is the resident blogger here at MUM. To learn more about Anna take a look at her introduction post. |
