Next YAP meet-up is tonight, Thursday, March 13, at 6pm! Join us at Coyote Creek Steakhouse & Saloon for our monthly social event and listen to a brief presentation from Big Brothers Big Sisters.
See you there!
What is YAP?
In 2012, the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce
conducted a business survey that consisted of a cross-section of our member
businesses throughout Sweetwater County to assess the needs, economic
stability, future plans, and struggles of companies that operate in this area.
A pattern quickly emerged. Businesses were having trouble finding and keeping
employees, especially employees from the younger generations. Armed with this
information, the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce gathered together a small
group of professionals from the younger generation that work in Sweetwater County
to create an opportunity for young professionals to come together once a month
for social, educational, and civic events.
YAP was born. The first
event took place in January of 2013, and every month thereafter. YAP membership
is $25 per person, per year for members of the Chamber, and $35 per person, per
year for non-members. YAP donated time to the Boys and Girls Club of Sweetwater
County, took a float trip in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, had
speakers come to events to inform the membership about the Affordable
Healthcare Act, and many other challenges that professionals faced in 2013, and
had a BBQ to kick off the summer events.
YAP membership is open to
any professional between the ages of 21 and 39. Demographics of Sweetwater
County show a population with an average age of 31 years. This is much younger
than the national average age. As the Baby Boomer generation is leaving the
workforce, and generations X, Y, and the Millennials enter into the workforce,
shifts have to take place throughout the community to ensure that the younger
workforce needs are being met so that employees will be retained, and
businesses can focus on improving operations, instead of recruiting, hiring,
and training workforce.
In its first year, YAP was
extremely successful, and 2014 will keep the momentum by keeping all of the
members involved in community, social, and educational activities.
Check out our plans for the rest of 2014!
Tentative Events:
March 13th, 2014-Big Brothers/Big Sisters-Malinda Baas
April 12th, 2014-Easter Bunny
Activity
May 8th, 2014-Recreational
Activities with Jenissa
June 19th, 2014-Family
BBQ
July– Break
August 16th-Blues and
Brews-URA
August 23rd, 2014-Raft
Trip
September 11th, 2014-Mortgages
with Cody Pierpoint
October 16, 2014-URA
Activities with Chad Banks
October 9th, 2014
Halloween Party
November 13th, 2014-Food
Drive
December 11th, 2014-Christmas
Party