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YP Reno County Announces Congressional Candidate Forum4.24.2010Meet Amy Conkling!3.29.2010Updated Babysitter List Available3.16.2010Access through MyYP It's Alicia Sanchez3.15.2010Another fabulous Real YP! |
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YP Reno County Announces Congressional Candidate Forum 4.24.2010 HUTCHINSON, Kansas (April 16, 2010) Young Professionals of Reno County, along with Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce and the Hutchinson News, will host a primary election forum for the Republican candidates running for the open Congressional seat in the 1st District. The event takes place on Tuesday, May 25, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Seven Republicans are vying for a place on the ballot for the 1st District Congressional seat currently held by Representative Jerry Moran. The forum will allow attendees to become familiar with the candidates before heading to the polls in August. Candidates will present brief position statements and answer specific questions submitted by members of the audience. The following Congressional hopefuls have been invited to participate, Sen. Jim Barnett, Sue Boldra, Sen.Tim Huelskamp, Marck Cobb, Tracey Mann, Monte Shadwick, and Rob Wasinger. Six of the candidates have already confirmed their attendance at the For more information, contact Jade Piros at jadep@hutchchamber.com or call the Chamber office at (620)662-3391 |
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Meet Amy Conkling! 3.29.2010 The Real YPs of
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Updated Babysitter List Available 3.16.2010 Three new babysitters have been added to the YP Reno County babysitters list. To access the list, YP members should login through their member account and click on the babysitters tab for access.
Know someone who would like to be on the list?? Have them submit the Babysitter Registration form.
Questions? Please email us. |
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It's Alicia Sanchez 3.15.2010 The Real YPs of
Name: Alicia Sanchez
Occupation:
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The Latest Real YP ... 3.7.2010 The Real YPs of
Name: Michele McCartney
Occupation:
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Young Professionals of Reno County to Host Kansas YP Summit 3.1.2010 Young Professionals of Reno County to Host Kansas YP Summit
HUTCHINSON, Kansas (March 1, 2010) In an effort to connect young professionals (YP’s) from across the State, the Young Professionals of Reno County are organizing a Summit to be held in Hutchinson on Thursday, April 15, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Grand Prairie Hotel and Convention Center, 1400 N. Lorraine. Featuring a luncheon address by Governor Mark Parkinson and breakout sessions on a variety of topics, the event will offer YP’s professional and personal development and networking opportunities. Breakout sessions include information about developing and sustaining a Young Professionals organization, civic engagement, financial planning, rural community development, volunteerism, starting a small business and more. In addition to Governor Parkinson, confirmed speakers include Cecily Drucker, CEO of Bottom Line Time and daughter of the late management guru Peter Drucker, and Marci Penner, Executive Director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. Representatives from the All young professionals throughout the State are encouraged to attend. The Kansas YP Summit is for anyone interested in discovering ways to get involved in their communities and make
Cost for registration is $50 per person through April 7 and $65 thereafter. Registration includes admission to the full day
You can also read the news storyby The Hutchinson News about the Kansas YP Summit. |
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Meet Bailey! 2.22.2010 The Real YPs of
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A Real YP of Reno County! 2.11.2010 The Real YPs of
Name: Katie SchmidtOccupation: Athletic Trainer for Pinnacle Sports Medicine and Orthopedics and Name of spouse (if you have one): Happily Single Pets?: None Name(s) of children: None Years living in What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I’m not sure on this one. I like to think I haven’t experienced perfect happiness yet and the best is still ahead of me.
What is your greatest fear? a world without my loved ones (or naps)
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I don't really deplore anything about myself. If I disliked anything about myself that much, I probably would change it.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonesty towards themselves and others.
Which living person do you most admire? So many choices.... My parents for their selflessness, my sisters for their high tolerance of me, and my friends for committing to being fabulous no matter what life throws at them.
What is your greatest extravagance? The perfect shade of MAC lipgloss paired with a fabulous pair of sunglasses (the bigger the better)
What is your current state of mind? Stress- this questionnaire stresses me out... serious or funny? What if I try to be funny and no one gets it and just thinks I’m the Real Strange YP of Reno County?
What is the quality you most like in a man? a sense of humor and the lack of a fauxhawk (If you can't commit to a hairstyle, you can't commit to me.)
What is the quality you most like in a woman? a fabulous pair of shoes
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Let's see if we can get them all together into one sentence. No, no, I really feel like your shenanigans have made you a bit of a hot mess. I also feel like I use the words ice, ibuprofen, and stretch more than the average person.
When and where were you happiest? Spring 2009, sitting outside Radina's Coffeehouse in
Who are your favorite writers? Two words.
Which talent would you most like to have? X-ray and MRI vision would make my life far easier and, let's be honest, a little more interesting.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Jem off Jem and the Rockers because she was blonde, a rockstar, and didn't put up with any shenanigans.
Who are your heroes in real life? My parents. They are definitely the best parents around.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Staying true to who I am and what I believe in
Where would you like to live? Right now, I’m pretty happy where I’m at. I love my job and get to live close to my whole family. Pretty ideal really!
What is your most treasured possession? My athletic training fanny pack. Who knew something so handy could be that trendy? Really, it is the probably the one possession that followed me all six years of school and is still used on a weekly basis (no matter how awkward and unfortunate looking it may be).
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Living your life to impress others
What do you most value in your friends? Their honesty. Also, I always know they have my best interest at heart. Plus, they provide quality entertainment.
What are your favorite names? I'm not sure what this means. I'm partial to Katie, but anything besides Trainer Girl works for me.
What is it that you most dislike? I hate it when any of my athletes get injured. The disappointment that follows an injury is almost more difficult than the physical injury.
What is your greatest regret? No regrets. Everything is a learning experience. Well, I did have a bit of a bowlcut at one point in my childhood and I feel like very little was learned from that experience so there’s a regret maybe.
How would you like to die? Old and sleepy
What is your motto? Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.
Source: Proust Questionnaire (thank you Vanity Fair!) |
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YP Kicks Off Its Third Year 1.31.2010 A young model of success
Three years in, and professionals group has built membership, goals.
It's a little tough to pin down exactly when Young Professionals of Reno County was officially founded. While leaders initially planned to establish the organization in January 2008, the buzz about a group for young professionals necessitated a couple of "kick-off" events. "People kept asking about when we would have our first event," said Jessica Miller, founding member and current membership director. "We wanted to wait until January, but felt like we had to do something." First there was a pre-kickoff celebration in July 2007 and then the official kickoff and announcement of the group the following September. In January 2008, the group officially began charging for membership. Looking back, it seems the excitement about the group's founding three years ago was indicative of its future success. Today, YP Reno County boasts 223 members and it has become somewhat of a model for similar groups around the state. To that end, the nonprofit group plans to host a statewide YP Kansas Summit later this year. On Thursday, YP Reno County will play host to its annual meeting, at which it will update members on the group's progress as well as future plans. The past The idea of a group like YP Reno County was born of conversations among The idea grew beyond the leadership class when founding YP members Aubrey Abbott Patterson and Nathan Meyer began asking other young professionals in town what they thought of the idea. "Resoundingly people thought it was a great idea," said Patterson, who now serves on the YP Advisory Council. Through a series of what Patterson described as "marathon" meetings, a 15-member steering committee created the founding principals of YP Reno County. Their goals are to serve as a resource for young professionals in YP Reno County also wants to provide activities, services and programs that will benefit its members in a variety of ways, including individual, social, philanthropic and leadership development. With those goals in mind, the group over the past three years created Monthly Mingles, along with many other group activity opportunities - like volunteering or going caroling. It also has helped organize some intramural sports teams, among other things. To get members involved in the community, YP Reno County sends weekly e-mails that include upcoming events or opportunities around the community. "It's not our goal that our members just be connected to YP, we also want them to be connected with the community; to serve on boards or to volunteer with other organizations," Miller said. The growing attendance at Monthly Mingles - which has reached 150 people - is considered a significant accomplishment. Mingles are sponsored and hosted by local businesses. "Our question used to be - how will we get people to show up," said Mandy Swisher, 2010 Advisory Council chair. "Now we're talking about whether there will be enough space. That's a milestone to me." Another accomplishment YP leaders noted when looking back over the past three years is YP members' volunteerism. "This is an exciting piece because our members respond and respond in a big way to volunteer opportunities," Miller said, adding that YP members have volunteered for organizations like the Reno County Growth Coalition, of which she is the director, as well as Finally, YP Reno County was involved in bringing author and consultant Rebecca Ryan to Ryan's visit spurred community volunteer groups that have, through working with the Reno County Growth Coalition, organized activities like Bike to Work Day and a Halloween 5k as well as Explore Hutch, a monthly evening of entertainment for adults. The future While YP leaders are excited about the growth of their organization to date, a large membership isn't the goal. Sustainability is. "From the start, we've been cognizant that YP can't just be a new and exciting thing for awhile, it needs to be long-lasting," Patterson said. "Someday the people who founded it will move on, so we've done a lot of talking about structuring the organization so that succession can happen." Miller agreed. "We celebrate our membership numbers - it is exciting," she said. "But at every advisory council meeting, we talk about having a quality organization - not just high numbers. We have to continue to provide things our members want and to meet their needs." One of the ways they'll do that in 2010 is to put a greater focus on connecting members with other community groups. YP Reno County's "Voice" action team, which shares what YP members care about with those who will listen, will launch the "Get on Board" program. For that program, YP Reno County will work with the "We believe it will be an initiator for those members who want to get involved and don't know where to begin and also for the nonprofits that want some new blood, but don't know how to find it," Swisher said. The "Connection" team, which initiates and promotes efforts in Reno County that unite people, businesses and organizations, is organizing the first ever YP Kansas Summit in Hutchinson this spring. YP leaders are hopeful that young professionals from all over the state will converge upon the The "Pulse" team, which is responsible for planning, coordination and implementation of social events and activities, will focus on creating more family-friendly events, such as a summer barbecue. YP leaders are looking forward to the continued success of the organization, saying each milestone is exciting - and somewhat unexpected. "As an advisory council, I think we still look across the room at each other and say, 'Wow!'" Miller said. January 31, 2010 |
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Meet Mitchell Hargrave 1.21.2010 The Real YPs of
Occupation: Web Programmer (LogicMaze), Editor-in-Chief (What’s Up Hutch), Cook (Carl’s Bar).
Name of spouse (if you have one): Single. Ladies…?
Pets?: Fiona, my Catahoula Leopard Dog.
Name(s) of children: None
Years living in
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Connections Team Launches H-Factor Competition 1.13.2010 The Connections Team has decided to ring in 2010 with a receipt collection competition. In support of the Chamber's H-Factor program, we are launching a year-long initiative with incentives to shop locally. Any YP member can turn in their receipts from any Reno County business during the year and be eligible for monthly prizes. Here are the guidelines for the competition:
1. Receipts must be dated 1/1/2010-12/31/2010 and must include the members' name and the name of business. Receipts can be turned in any time during the year.
2. Receipts can be turned in 3 ways: 1) dropped in the drop-box at the Chamber office 2) dropped in the drop box at each Monthly Mingle 3) emailed to connection@yprenocounty.com
3. Each receipt turned in counts as one entry into the drawing.
4. Drawings will be held at each Monthly Mingle beginning in Febaury 2010 through January 2011.
5. Each month drawing box will be "emptied" after a winner is chosen.
6. Members have the opportunity to win multiple times.
7. Prize value each month is $50 and will be determined by the Connections Team.
We hope this will help keep hometown spending in the forefront of our minds as we spend our hard-earned money in 2010. Good luck and let us know if you have quesitons by emailing us at connection@yprenocounty.com |
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What's New in 2010 1.13.2010 Check out our list of new things we know are planned for 2010! |
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New Advisory Council Members Named 1.7.2010 The Advisory Council of the Young Professionals of Reno County is pleased to announce Shawn Wyatt, Heath Adams, Bailey Basinger-Stiggins and Brandi Schroeder have accepted positions on the council in 2010. Wyatt serves as the YP Reno County treasurer and Adams as the Tribe coordinator. Basinger-Stiggins is leading the Connections Team and Schroeder is leading the Pulse Team.
Outgoing members are Sarah Liebl, treasurer; Michael Lizalde, secretary; Jeff Shirley and Melissa Moodie, members-at-large. Continuing their service to the Council are Mandy Swisher, Chair; Nathan Meyer, development director; Beth Schmidt, secretary; Jessica Miller, membership representative; Evan Moodie, Voice chair; Aubrey Patterson, Shawna Allen, Craig Rothe, Jade Piros, Lance Patterson, and Cris Corey, members-at-large.
The YP Reno County organization was established in late 2007. Embarking on the beginning of the third full year, the organization has a membership of over 200 young people ages 21 - 40ish. |
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Babysitter List Now Available 12.4.2009 YP members can now access a list of available babysitters through their member account. Login and click on the babysitters tab for access. The list will be updated as new registrations are submitted.
Like to add a name to the list - fill out the Babysitter Registration. |
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Amy Farley 11.16.2009 The Real YPs of
Occupation: City Planner
Name of children: N/A
Pets: Independence, a white bunny with brown spots on her back, blue eyes, and a hatred for anything that walks on two legs
Years living in
The Questions What is your idea of perfect happiness? Having a house full of friends and feeding them a home-cooked meal.
What is your greatest fear? Never finding something I’m good at that I really love.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Procrastination.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Ignorance.
Which living person do you most admire? Madeline Albright. What is your greatest extravagance? Artwork and cheese - really, really good cheese.
What is your current state of mind? Frazzled - busy day at work.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Confidence.
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Compassion. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? "That's interesting."
When and where were you happiest? El Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid, Spain, June 2004, standing in front of Pablo Picasso's Guernica.
Who are your favorite writers? Jorge Luis Borges, Douglas Adams, Pablo Neruda, Laura Esquivel
Which talent would you most like to have? I would like to be handy - able to fix stuff, make my own furniture, sew my own clothes.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction? James Bond
Who are your heroes in real life? Mom, Dad, Michelle Obama, Santalena Caudillo
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Getting a full time job in my field within six months of college graduation and purchasing a house within 2 1/2 years of graduation.
Where would you like to live? Somewhere coastal.
What is your most treasured possession? A painting by Julio Cotto - "Mourning" - that has a personal inscription on the back: Always make time for your art.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Being home alone on a cold, rainy, windy night with no one to talk to.
What do you most value in your friends? A sense of adventure
What are your favorite names? I don't think about names often enough to have a favorite.
What is it that you most dislike? Rude people.
What is your greatest regret? That I can't find time to paint or write anymore.
What is your motto? One of the South Caroline mottos: Dum Spiro Spero - "While I breathe I hope."
Source: Proust Questionnaire (thank you Vanity Fair!) |
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The Real YPs of Reno County ... 10.28.2009 The Real YPs of
Occupation: Daymon Worldwide, Customer Service Associate
Name of children: Lily; age 3
Pets: A 10 year old Brittany named Dixi
Years living in
The Questions What is your idea of perfect happiness? Spending time outdoors with my daughter. What is your greatest fear? Not knowing what the future holds.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Sometimes I come off as being arrogant when I'm really just confident in myself.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Laziness.
Which living person do you most admire? Rick Hendrick. What is your greatest extravagance? Shoes, clothes, and tools.
What is your current state of mind? Anxious.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Humor.
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Confidence. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? I must use damn a lot because Lily says it all the time.
When and where were you happiest? I'm happiest when I have something to do...I can't relax. I'm a workaholic.
Which talent would you most like to have? Being able to sing would be fun.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? My daughter Lily.
What is your most treasured possession? Lily.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? I'm most miserable when I have too much time on my hands and nothing to do.
Who are your favorite writers? Jack Welch, Tim Russert, Tom Brokaw, and Thomas Friedman
Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Jay Gatsby
Who are your heroes in real life? My grandparents and my sister Bonnie.
What is it that you most dislike? Not ever having enough time.
What is your greatest regret? Never regret ... failure is the best teaching tool.
Where would you like to live? Romania or maybe Denmark
What do you most value in your friends? Honesty ... even if it hurts
How would you like to die? In my sleep
What is your motto? If you want something, go for it. The worst you can be told is no. If you don't try, you will always wonder what could have been. This works in business and life.
Source: Proust Questionnaire (thank you Vanity Fair!)
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Sarah Liebl ... A Real YP 9.24.2009 The Real YPs of
Occupation: President, Harris Business Services, Inc.
Name of spouse: Chad.
Name(s) of children: Lauren and Claire
Years living in
The Questions What is your idea of perfect happiness? On vacation with my family; no phone, no computer, no schedule, no worries…..just enjoying each moment.
What is your greatest fear? Losing someone I love too soon. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Taking life too seriously.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonesty.
Which living person do you most admire? My parents. What is your current state of mind? Unsettled. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Frugality.
On what occasion do you lie? I guess only if I know the truth will hurt too badly.
What do you dislike most about your appearance? The extra lb's I'm carrying around. What is the quality you most like in a man? Kindness. What is the quality you most like in a woman? Genuineness. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Currently, I’m managing multiple new projects at work that have similar deadlines andI keep telling myself and others, “We’ll get there.” What or who is the greatest love of your life? My lovely husband, Chad. Which talent would you most like to have? That's easy - the ability to sing!
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Be more spontaneous. I guess I could change this, but that would be spontaneous.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Raising kind, well adjusted children, so far at least. If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be? Someone who makes a living at what she is most passionate about. What is your most treasured possession? All my photos ... they take me back.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Anxiety about things that are not worth it.
What is your favorite occupation? Mother What is your most marked characteristic? My naturally curly hair.
Who are your favorite writers? I don’t have any real favorites; I read what my mood and mind find for me. Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Atticus Finch
Which historical figure do you most identify with? I don’t know for sure; I suppose my life so far is far too normal by comparison to historical figures and I don’t mind that at all.
Who are your heroes in real life? My parents.
What is it that you most dislike? Arrogance.
What is your greatest regret? Regret is a wasted emotion.
How would you like to die? Quickly, but not soon. I have too much left to do and see.
What is your motto? Love the life you live and always be true to you.
Source: Proust Questionnaire (thank you Vanity Fair!) |
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Babysitters List In Progress 9.2.2009 Coming soon to myYP - a list of babysitters!!
To build the list, we're asking those who have a son or a daughter that has some experience babysitting to fill out the Babysitter Registration Form. This will allow them to be part of our Babysitter List.
The list will consist of tweens and teenagers who are available and willing to babysit. So, for those of you out there who don't know who to call when you want to have a night out without the kids, this will be the answer!
If you know of other babysitters who would like to be on the list, pleaes have them fill out the form too. There is a $10 fee for non-member listings. More information is found on the Babysitter Registration Form, however, if you have questions, please send us an email.
If you cannot submit the Babysitter Registration Form directly through the document, please fax to Jessica Miller's attention at 620-662-2168 or mail to the address on the form.
We hope to have the beginnings of a list by mid-September. We'll accept submissions year round. |
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Meet Ryan Diehl 8.28.2009 The Real YPs of
Occupation: Instructor of English
Name of spouse: Happy Bachelor here.
Name(s) of children: No children, but Callie is my dog's name.
Years living in
The Questions What is your idea of perfect happiness? The last time I experienced perfect happiness, I was cycling alone around Rottnest Island, stopping and swimming at random empty beaches, watching dolphins and whales in the ocean, and spotting quokkas. Whatever it was that created that emotion that day would have to be my idea of perfect happiness.
What is your greatest fear? Failure.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? At times, my overly critical nature. At other times, I love it. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Sloth. Which living person do you most admire? My mother for all that she has sacrificed for her family and for all the love that she gives to each of us. What is your current state of mind? Amused. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? External perfection.
On what occasion do you lie? I do when it is to avoid hurting another.
What do you dislike most about your appearance? I have come to accept it all. What is the quality you most like in a man? Honesty. What is the quality you most like in a woman? Honesty. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? My students call me out on them all the time. In one three-hour night class a couple semesters back, I used "throughout" 124 times. Since then, I have cut back on using that specific word thankfully although another has surely filled its place. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Life itself. Which talent would you most like to have? The capability to speak, read, and understand seven languages. I am not sure which languages, but seven seems like a great number. Plus, it would help me out if I were ever to be on The Amazing Race.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I have come to accept all of my flaws, so I would not change a thing.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I am alive and healthy.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be? Perhaps a lemur? Then again, "lemur" is Latin for ghost. Hmm.
What is your most treasured possession? Currently, I really like my Vita-Mix Blender, but my five best friends scattered throughout the world easily trump that powerful smoothie-blending/peanut butter-making- piece of machinery.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? The lack of hope.
What is your favorite occupation? At this moment in time, the Warper of Minds AKA Instructor of English and Cultural Studies
What is your most marked characteristic? For some unknown reason, people lately have incorrectly labeled me as "sweet." However, for those that truly know me, that would indeed not be one of my marked characteristics. Who are your favorite writers? Dante the Writer, Boccaccio, Chaucer, and Fitzgerald Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Dante the Pilgrim
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Christopher Marloewe
Who are your heroes in real life? Easily my mother.
What is it that you most dislike? Currently, I am highly annoyed with people who leave their shopping carts to roll freely in parking lots rather than push them to one of the provided collecting agencies. What is your greatest regret? Although my interview for the Rhodes Scholarship comes to mind, I am quite happy where I am right now, so no regrets are truly keeping my mind company.
How would you like to die? With a smile on my face.
What is your motto? Rather than look forward to things in the future, make the most of the present and live for today.
Source: Proust Questionnaire (thank you Vanity Fair!) |
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The Real YPs of Reno County 8.7.2009 The Real YPs of
Occupation: Attorney Name of spouse: Jason West Name(s) of children: Katey, Hannah and Caroline Years living in The Questions What is your idea of perfect happiness? Kayaking with my husband and kids, who are all healthy and happy. What is your greatest fear? Losing a family member. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I worry too much. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonesty. Which living person do you most admire? My husband, but please don’t tell him, his ego doesn’t need to hear that. What is your current state of mind? Overloaded. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Good looks, they aren’t what matters and they fade. On what occasion do you lie? Never, I only avoid the truth! What do you dislike most about your appearance? Currently, my skin. What is the quality you most like in a man? Integrity. What is the quality you most like in a woman? The same. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Yeah. What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband, Jason and our family. Which talent would you most like to have? Singing, even my mother asks me to refrain. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I wouldn’t require as much sleep. What do you consider your greatest achievement? My family. If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be? A dolphin. What is your most treasured possession? Wedding ring and family pictures. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Losing hope or a family member or both. What is your favorite occupation? Kinesiology professor. What is your most marked characteristic? Not sure, but I hope it’s positive. Who are your favorite writers? Vine Deloria and Gregory Cunningham. Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Scooby-Doo. Which historical figure do you most identify with? Not sure, but they are probably considered a hero by the Native American culture. Who are your heroes in real life? My Mother and Grandparents. What is it that you most dislike? People who are predators. What is your greatest regret? Never having seen Michael Jackson or How would you like to die? A heart attack while kayaking at about age 80 or more. What is your motto? Love people for what they are, don’t hate them for what they’re not. (Author Unknown)
Source: Proust Questionnaire (thank you Vanity Fair!) |
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A Perspective on YP 7.31.2009 Community has my compliments this week Jessica Miller - Community columnist Sometimes it's tempting to sit down and write my column and sound off on all the things that bug me. However, freshly charged on Diet Coke and back from a walk with Henry, I'm feeling the need to compliment rather than denigrate (after all, I did that in my last column on housing). In honor of Henry's third birthday, which is today, it seems fitting to celebrate the reconstruction of the Hutchinson Dog Park. Led by the energy and dedication of Charles Buckaloo, president of the Cause for Paws organization, a great team of volunteers worked tirelessly to repair the damage incurred after a fierce thunderstorm, and last Saturday the park was officially reopened for full use. If you've yet to take your dog out for a fun afternoon in the park, try to do so this weekend. Next to the Animal Shelter on Severance Street, the large park is divided into areas for small and large dogs. Both you and your dog are sure to have a good time. Speaking of good times - last Friday night a group made up of 35 members of the Young Professionals (YP) organization dined downtown. Not everyone was acquainted prior to dinner; the common bond shared was membership in the organization. By the end of the evening, however, new friendships were forged, pictures were posted on Facebook to document the night, and we all went home glad to be involved in YP. The goal was always to be an organization that helped people get acclimated to the community more quickly from the day they moved here; to provide a chance to network with other young professionals; and to connect members to service opportunities within the county. After nearly two years of implementation, I think we're doing a good job of meeting these goals. Friday night's group was a mixture of married and single people; parents and non-parents; lifelong residents, new transplants, boomerangers; liberals and conservatives; farmers and bankers; athletes and brainiacs. Of course, these are all generalizations, but my point is - isn't it fabulous to know that in Hutchinson, Kansas, a place where people often complain and prospective new residents wonder if there's anyone they'll connect to here, there's a growing organization of diverse young people who value the community and are looking for ways to be more involved and give back? And, we're comfortable sharing the same space, exchanging ideas and trying new things. Today, there are more than 170 members. As a part of the YP Advisory Council, I recognize that there are many things we can do to grow and improve the organization. I fully expect we'll keep refining our work so we can continue to be a relevant, valuable resource for our members and the community. But in the meantime, I'm really proud of Aubrey Abbott Patterson and Nathan Meyer for getting the organization off the ground. I'm grateful to First National Bank, DCI, Plaza Astle Realty and The Hutchinson News for going out on a limb and financially supporting the idea of a YP organization. This coming Thursday is the YP Monthly Mingle. If you, an employee or a friend is interested in getting involved, and of the 21-40ish age range, the Mingle is a great chance to get acclimated with the organization. The yprenocounty.com Web site is a good resource for information and the site where people can join the organization. While we're on the topic of young people, it's appropriate to mention what an even younger demographic in Reno County is doing this weekend. The Youth Philanthropy Council through the Hutchinson Community Foundation (composed of freshman through senior high school students) is hosting an Art Festival in Carey Park on Sunday. Inspired by the memory of Trevor Curiel, former chair of the council, a group of council alumnae and present members have organized an afternoon of live music and art by young artists from 2 to 7 p.m. south of the gazebo in Carey Park. It is great to have these events happening in our community and to have them organized by high school and college students. I'm looking forward to checking out the art work and spending some time in gorgeous Carey Park ... and then at the Dog Park! |
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Members Attend Regional Summit 3.27.2009 YP Members Stacey Moedoer of Central Bank and Trust, Bailey Basinger of Communities that Care, Michele McCartney of Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, and Jessica Miller of the Reno County Growth Coalition attended the YP Regional Summit in Omaha, Nebraska at the beginning of March.
The group left Hutchinson on a Wednesday afternoon for the full day conference beginning the following morning. The five hour drive was filled with a lot of conversation and while we didn't leave Hutchinson knowing much about each other except that we all belonged to YP and were interested in learning some new things, we returned home as friends ... in real life and on facebook!
Malcolm Gladwell, acclaimed author, was the featured speaker and discussed how communities can affect change and help attract the next generation. Approximately 600 people from five states attended the full day conference and an additional 500 came to hear Mr. Gladwell speak. Breakout sessions included topics about entrepreneurialism, attracting the creative class, building inclusive communities, health and wellness workplace initiatives, marketing your own skills, and other topics relevant to YP members. The YP Regional Summit is hosted annually in |
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Hutch News YP Series - Day 4 2.11.2009 Those leading the charge to make Hutchinson more attractive to the next generation say the city isn't as far from being a "cool" community as some might think. Much of the required infrastructure is in place, growth advocates say, adding that what is most needed to turn Hutchinson into a destination for young professionals is a passion within the community to make it just that. "We do have a nice foundation, but we also have a lot of room for improvement," said Jessica Miller, director of the Reno County 20/20 Growth Coalition. "It's not that we have to build something new necessarily, or that it's going to take millions of dollars. It's the people and the passion that we need. "If we have that, Hutchinson will be as vibrant as each individual person wants it to be. The community as a whole will be responsible for where we are 20 years from now." This week, The News has joined a community discussion about the need to draw the next generation of workers, board members, patrons and philanthropists to Hutchinson. Today we'll look at what exactly makes a community "cool," and what is keeping Hutchinson from having that designation. 'Good bones' To be "cool," a community first must understand what is "cool." To find that answer, Next Generation Consulting interviewed thousands of young people and cross-indexed that anecdotal data with statistics about where the next generation lives. The firm's findings were assembled into seven "indexes" by which the Millennial Generation measures potential places to live: earning potential, learning, enrichment, cost of lifestyle, after-hours venues, vitality, social capital and around town. Growth advocates don't deny there is work to be done in each of the indexes, but say Hutchinson has "good bones" in place that will make the work easier. "We actually have a lot of the harder pieces in place," said Kate Van Canfort, a Young Professionals of Reno County team leader and community investment officer with the Hutchinson Community Foundation. "For example, other communities might have a farmer's market that is twice as big as ours, but are always looking for a place to have it. We have a great, reserved spot for our farmer's market but just need to grow it." Not only is much of the needed infrastructure in place, but young professionals have recently noticed that community leadership is more open to new ideas - especially in regard to making parks and trails a priority. Having those two components in place is encouraging to growth advocates. Still, the community needs to be more engaged, more willing to change its culture, and do a better job of marketing its assets before Hutchinson can reach its potential as a "cool" community, they say. Citizen engagement The community must use and support the amenities, events and initiatives Hutchinson already offers, thereby creating a greater demand for future investment in the areas that are attractive to the up-and-coming generation, growth advocates say. For example, in terms of vitality, Hutchinson offers hike/bike trails, a farmer's market, curb-side recycling and a year-round fresh fruits and vegetables store. But the community must foster the culture of health and fitness that already exists in Hutchinson before it will grow, Miller said. "We are fortunate that we have the parks and the trails and that those amenities are taken seriously by the city," Miller said. "At the same time, if there aren't feet on the street - if people aren't using these things, there won't be future investment." In terms of after hours, residents must be willing to spearhead new opportunities. Miller cited Third Thursdays, a monthly arts-and-culture event that resulted from a grass-roots effort. Miller said that effort needs to be duplicated by others. "People have to understand that if you want something, you'll find resources to help you - but you have to be the one who is out on that diving board and willing to take the plunge to make something happen," Miller said. "Anyone who has any bit of passion in them - this is the time and the opportunity to not just think about your ideas, but to really bring them to the community." Culture shift Growth advocates say for Hutchinson to become a "cool" community, there must, in some ways, be a culture shift. That need was most obviously pointed out in the culture of downtown. Growth advocates say it is difficult to make Hutchinson more "entrepreneur-friendly" when local businesses are not open during the hours that the working population can support them. They added that having a better "after hours" scene means having more to do on weekends, when downtown stores typically are closed or keep shortened hours. "There's the whole Sunday factor," Miller said. "If you go downtown on a Sunday, it's a sad sight. That's part of the culture of this community and the businesses downtown. If you want to have people come to your business, you have to be willing to open your doors. "Frankly, if you work 8 to 5 during the week and aren't out by 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, you can't really patronize downtown businesses." Also, citizens, especially those who grew up in Hutchinson, must get out of their "rut" by supporting new things the community has to offer, said Lance Patterson, YP team leader and director of operations for The Boys and Girls Club. He added that a survey of young professionals in Reno County showed that "lifers" or those who had always lived in the county had the lowest perception of quality of life in Reno County. Transplants - those who moved to the community from elsewhere - had the highest perception of quality of life. Finally, the community must accept some personal responsibility to ensure Hutchinson thrives, Miller said. "No matter what resources the city, county, chamber and YP make available, if the community as a whole is not committed to improving their doorstep, going to the NJCAA Tournament, taking their kids for a walk in Carey Park - if people aren't energized to do that and to know that they are a spoke in the wheel that can make a huge difference, then we will continue to see population decline, and it will become more difficult to own a business or run a company here," she said. Marketing The community also must do a better job of marketing its assets - both to its current citizens and also to potential residents. "We - Reno County - have never really looked at 'How are we going to sell our community, and how do we understand what we need to sell,' " Miller said. First, Hutchinson must keep its own population engaged, happy and using the resources available. "It's important to get those people who are here to realize all the great things that are here," Patterson said. "That way, when they are graduating from college, they'll come back to where they grew up because it's a great place." That might, for example, include educating current citizens on resources like the Quest Center or Hutchinson Community College's entrepreneurship program - which growth advocates believe are under-utilized. It also might mean educating the community on the variety of occupations and opportunities available in Hutchinson, Miller said. "So often we sort of apologize for Hutchinson," Miller said. "We say, 'Gosh, if our kids are going to have a chance, they had better live in a big city.' There are opportunities here, but we have to improve them and shift the culture into recognizing and being proud of the fact that you can come back here." The community also needs to sell itself to outsiders. "We've never done anything really devoted to selling Hutchinson as a place to live," Miller said. "We must sell people on why they should come here. We have to tell them about the dog park, the farmer's market, the school system, the churches. "We have to quit assuming people are just going to discover all these things on their own." Miller added that the community and business leaders must take more ownership in selling Hutchinson to potential employees. "We need to realize that you don't just bring someone here and interview them for a job and send them off, hoping they say yes," she said. "You have to present this picture of how strong we are in each of the seven areas. Yes, we are not as strong as we should be, but I don't know that we are even at a point where we're presenting the strengths that we do have." |
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A Real YP (another Amy!) 2.11.2009 The Real YPs of
Name: Katie Schmidt
Occupation: Athletic Trainer for Pinnacle Sports Medicine and Orthopedics and
Name of spouse (if you have one): Happily Single
Pets?: None
Name(s) of children: None
Years living in
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I’m not sure on this one. I like to think I haven’t experienced perfect happiness yet and the best is still ahead of me. What is your greatest fear? a world without my loved ones (or naps)
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I don't really deplore anything about myself. If I disliked anything about myself that much, I probably would change it.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonesty towards themselves and others.
Which living person do you most admire? So many choices.... My parents for their selflessness, my sisters for their high tolerance of me, and my friends for committing to being fabulous no matter what life throws at them.
What is your greatest extravagance? The perfect shade of MAC lipgloss paired with a fabulous pair of sunglasses (the bigger the better)
What is your current state of mind? Stress- this questionnaire stresses me out... serious or funny? What if I try to be funny and no one gets it and just thinks I’m the Real Strange YP of Reno County?
What is the quality you most like in a man? a sense of humor and the lack of a fauxhawk (If you can't commit to a hairstyle, you can't commit to me.)
What is the quality you most like in a woman? a fabulous pair of shoes
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Let's see if we can get them all together into one sentence. No, no, I really feel like your shenanigans have made you a bit of a hot mess. I also feel like I use the words ice, ibuprofen, and stretch more than the average person.
When and where were you happiest? Spring 2009, sitting outside Radina's Coffeehouse in
Who are your favorite writers? Two words.
Which talent would you most like to have? X-ray and MRI vision would make my life far easier and, let's be honest, a little more interesting.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Jem off Jem and the Rockers because she was blonde, a rockstar, and didn't put up with any shenanigans.
Who are your heroes in real life? My parents. They are definitely the best parents around.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Staying true to who I am and what I believe in
Where would you like to live? Right now, I’m pretty happy where I’m at. I love my job and get to live close to my whole family. Pretty ideal really!
What is your most treasured possession? My athletic training fanny pack. Who knew something so handy could be that trendy? Really, it is the probably the one possession that followed me all six years of school and is still used on a weekly basis (no matter how awkward and unfortunate looking it may be).
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Living your life to impress others
What do you most value in your friends? Their honesty. Also, I always know they have my best interest at heart. Plus, they provide quality entertainment.
What are your favorite names? I'm not sure what this means. I'm partial to Katie, but anything besides Trainer Girl works for me.
What is it that you most dislike? I hate it when any of my athletes get injured. The disappointment that follows an injury is almost more difficult than the physical injury.
What is your greatest regret? No regrets. Everything is a learning experience. Well, I did have a bit of a bowlcut at one point in my childhood and I feel like very little was learned from that experience so there’s a regret maybe.
How would you like to die? Old and sleepy
What is your motto? Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.
Source: Proust Questionnaire (thank you Vanity Fair!) |
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Hutch News YP Series - Day 3 2.10.2009 Young professionals seen as Midwest MVPsNational magazines like Forbes might list the best cities for young professionals as places like San Francisco, Boston and New York City. |
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Hutch News YP Series - Day 2 2.9.2009 Leaders: Young workers key to survivalBut experts urge facing regional challenges, tailoring efforts to attract demographic.Take a look around the Hutchinson community and you will see some very good things happening. |
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Hutch News YP Series - Day 1 2.8.2009 Establishing a 'cool' factorAuthor says cities must be attractive to young workers to fill gap left by baby boomers.
Twenty-five-year-old Chelsea Barker works in marketing for a local bank, is involved in nonprofit work and has a YouthFriend. |
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New Advisory Council Members for 2009 1.7.2009 Phew! We've made it through our first full year as an organization and there's been many accomplishments. With a new year, come new faces to the YP Advisory Council. We are please to welcome the following new YP leaders.
Jade Piros, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, has joined the team as the new Connections Committee Chair and Shawna Allen, Aflac, will serve as the new Pulse Committee Chair. Three new at-large members selected to serve are Jeff Shirley, Hutchinson Community College; Evan Moodie, Cargill; and Craig Rothe, Hutchinson Fire Department. Beth Schmidt, Maize High School, was previously serving in an at-large position and has been selected as the new Voice Committee Chair.
Thank you to our outgoing council members for their time, efforts and talents. We look forward to an even better 2009. Please let us know if you ever have any questions or comments by emailing info@yprenocounty.com.
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Young Professionals Survey Results Are In 10.8.2008 Survey results are in!! YP Reno County initiated a survey earlier this year and the data has been calculated. We have some encouraging and thought provoking data to share with all of you.
If you weren't able to attend the Lunch N Learns at which the data was unveiled, here's what you missed. Thanks to the Voice Committee for all of the time they put into compiling all of the 525 responses. Link to the survey summary and read up on what Young Professionals have to say about Reno County.
We hope you'll find interest in one or two things you see and you'll be moved to become even more engaged in YP Reno County by joining an Action Team. This is where all the "work" is done and we'd love to have you. Read more about Voice, Connection and Pulse by visiting the "Action Teams" page.
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Backstage Pass Launched to Assist in Workforce Recruitment 9.4.2008 The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce (Chamber), Young Professionals of Reno County (YP) and the Reno County 2020 Growth Coalition (Growth Coalition) announce today the kickoff of a workforce recruitment assistance program titled, Reno County Backstage Pass. “We created this partnership to assist local companies with their workforce recruitment efforts,” said Dana Regehr, Economic Development Director, the Chamber. “This program is specifically designed to match a local professional with a recruit, to educate them about the community and help answer questions about the quality of life in The A business with a potential hire, may fill out an online request form, which initiates the process to pair a volunteer with your recruit. The request forms are available on the yprenocounty.com site, and can also be accessed via the hutchchamber.com and wecouldliveanywhere.com sites. The form asks a variety of questions about the recruit, which provides YP the opportunity to accurately pair the volunteer with the recruit. Once a form is submitted, a match will be made, and the company will be contacted to schedule the details of the meeting. Special arrangements can be made if the company would like the volunteer to take the recruit on a community tour or meet with a recruit’s spouse. Each volunteer has participated in a Reno County Backstage Pass Training Event, which provided them with the knowledge, tools and information to properly answer any questions the recruit might have about the community. “We felt it was very important for our volunteers to be adequately trained,” said Holly Schmidt, Director of Communications/Special Events, the Chamber. “The training provided them with information about housing, quality of life, cost of living, healthcare, childcare, education taxes, and additional information about services available in our community.” The “We appreciate the opportunity to provide this service to local businesses in their recruitment efforts,” said Jeff Gust, YP of Reno County. “We have already had the opportunity to assist local companies and look forward to working with many more.” For more information about this program please log on to hutchchamber.com, yprenocounty.com, and wecouldliveanywhere.com. |
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Young Professionals Make Improvements at Boys and Girls Club 8.28.2008 Young Professionals of Reno County worked up a sweat at the Boys and Girls Club in Hutchinson, on Saturday, August 23, 2008. Ten YP Reno County members volunteered on the organization’s team for the United Way Community Work Day. The project included weeding, mulching, and trimming around the building and on the basketball courts. “We accomplished a lot in four hours,” said Beth Schmidt, YP Reno County member. “It was definitely hard work, but worth it. I look forward to YP doing this again next year.” YP Reno County members who volunteered their time on Saturday morning were Beth Schmidt, Leo Wetli, Ed Maschler, Geanne Salmons, Jade Piros, Brooke Maxfield, Mandy Swisher, Bailey Basinger, Heather Rothe, and Craig Rothe.
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YP Reno County Generously Gives to Food 4 Kids Program 8.27.2008 The Food 4 Kids program got a bit of a boost from YP Reno County. The August Monthly Mingle netted approximately five shopping carts full of food for the program, plus an additional $94 in donations. Members brought their food to the mingle, hosted by Hutchinson Hospital, and the items were then taken to the Food Bank of Reno County, which sees that the donations get to the Kansas Food Bank who handles the distribution of food to school kids. "We were thrilled with the donations Young Professionals made to the program," said Christy West, a YP Reno County member who helped get the Food 4 Kids Program started in Reno County. "Reno County has been incredibly supportive of the program and we're grateful we can provide food for children who would otherwise be without." Of course, there were a few members who left their food in their car and some who just forgot. These members were encouraged to drop off their donations at the food bank or to make a monetary donation to the Food 4 Kids Program. Suggested items for donation include peanut butter and a sleeve of crackers; beans and franks (pop top can); beef jerky; cereal; fruit cups; raisins; pudding cups; juice boxes; milk (aseptic boxes that don't require refrigeration); granola bars. If you have questions about Food 4 Kids, contact Christy. |
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Young Professionals Across Kansas to Gather at Kansas State Fair 8.8.2008 Click here to purchase tickets.
HUTCHINSON, KAN. –The Young Professional (YP) movement in Kansas is advancing to new levels. For the first time, Young Professionals of Reno County is hosting YP Kansas Day during the Kansas State Fair.
“Because Hutchinson is centrally located and is home of the Kansas State Fair we think we have an excellent venue and opportunity to invite all YP’s from across the state to get together,” said Mandy Swisher, YP Kansas Day Chair. YP Kansas Day will be held on the final Saturday of the Fair, September 13 from 9:00a.m.-4:00p.m. on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. With full sponsorship from the Kansas Department of Commerce, the day is organized for YP’s and their families to come together to learn something new, share ideas, and of course have fun at the Fair. “Anyone who considers themselves a ‘young professional’ is invited—whether or not they are a member of an official organization or not,” Swisher said. Invitations have been sent to all Young Professional groups in the state as well as to all Kansas Chamber of Commerce organizations. Young Professionals will be hosted by the YP Reno County organization, with all YP specific activities and events taking placed under a reserved tent on the fairgrounds. The day is planned with a variety of activities that YP’s and families can partake in as they choose, including guest speakers, food, scavenger hunt, and kids activities. Swisher said the goal for the day is that YP’s and their family could be at the tent for an hour, half the day, the entire day or anything in between. “Our feature speaker will be Caleb Asher, Senior Director of Marketing Services at the Kansas Department of Commerce,” Swisher said. “We’re excited he has agreed to visit with young professionals about the Come Home to Kansas initiative and how the YP movement fits with the goals of our state.” Tickets must be purchased online by September 1st for admittance to the YP tent. |
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YP Reno County Made the Wichita Eagle!! 6.4.2008 Reno County groups work to attract young professionalsBY ANDI ATWATER of The Wichita EagleYoung Professionals of Reno County and the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to explore internship opportunities available in Reno County. Young Professionals member Mandy Swisher said the goal is to assist with efforts to bring young people to Reno County to live and work. The groups said it is important for businesses to use interns as a strategy for attracting new employees, who often come back to work full-time following an internship. As part of the initiative, the organizations have developed a survey for Reno businesses. The survey is available online at yprenocounty.com or hutchchamber.com. The organizations said results from the survey will help them determine their next move in providing businesses assistance on internship opportunities or enhancing existing internship programs.
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Internship Opportunities Survey 6.3.2008 Internship opportunities in Reno County are the focus of a Young Professionals of Reno County (YP Reno County) and Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber) partnership. The two organizations have teamed up to gather information from businesses in Reno County about internship opportunities offered in Reno County.
“Our goal is to assist efforts that bring young people to Reno County to live and work,” said Mandy Swisher, YP Reno County member. “In many situations, an intern will return to the business for a full-time position after completing their education. With this in mind, we believe it’s very important that businesses use interns as a key strategy in attracting new employees.”
A survey developed by YP Reno County in conjunction with the Chamber is available online at yprenocounty.com or hutchchamber.com. All Reno County businesses are encouraged to take the Internship Survey. After evaluating survey responses, the organizations next step is to determine the best course for providing businesses assistance with offering information on internship opportunities or enhancing existing internship programs.
As far as history reveals, no information of this sort has ever been collected.
The initiative fits both organizations’ goals of facilitating and fostering efforts to recruit and retain young professionals in Reno County.
For more information about the internship survey, contact Mandy Swisher at connection@yprenocounty.com or Holly Schmidt at hollys@hutchchamber.com. |
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Volunteer 4.24.2008 Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and start volunteering in Reno County? May 14 is the next Lunch N Learn and will be on the topic of volunteerism. The luncheon will be held at the Quest Center (9th & Main) at 12:00 p.m.
Staff from The Volunteer Center will be on hand to talk about volunteer opportunities, trends in volunteer service, and answer your questions. Volunteers are a crucial part of the fabric of our community and there are so many ways we can lend a hand. Also, Richard Shank will speak on volunteerism from the viewpoint of an employer.
Everyone is invited and we encourage you to attend. To RSVP or for more information click here. |
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Membership Continues to Grow 4.21.2008 YP Reno County recently surpassed the 100-member mark! The group is active and steadily growing. If you haven't officially joined YP Reno County yet we hope you consider becoming a part of this group. If you're already a member and want to get more involved, the VOICE and CONNECTIONS action teams are always looking for passionate volunteers to join their efforts.
Traditionally, we have a "Monthly Mingle" every 2nd Thursday of the month as well as bi-monthly "Lunch N Learns". Check out the Calendar for upcoming events and meetings. There are a lot of other possible ideas and events in the works including YP Reno County Survey results presentations, a political debate, a YP day at the Kansas State Fair, a YP "Formal", tailgating and more volunteer opportunities. Stay tuned to yprenocounty.com for more details and happenings. |
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YP Reno County Website Adds New Feature. 4.15.2008 The newest section of the YP Reno County website is alive and kickin! Recently, members have had the new opportunity to experience a password protected section of their website. This "My YP" section features extra pages of the website available only to members, including YPod and YPAAA.
YPod stands for Young Professionals Open Discussion and is where members can post anything they want....pretty much anyway! The section titles include "For Sale, For Entertainment, Volunteer Opportunities, Refer a Book" and more. Do you know of a volunteer opportunity in Reno County that you think our members would be interested in? Want to try and sell those tickets that you can't use this weekend? If you are a paying member, take advantage of YPod. It's also a great way to keep up with what's going on in our community.
YPAAA is the Young Professionals Athletic and Activities Association. If you've always wanted to play Rec Sand Volleyball but haven't had anyone to play with, here's your chance to find other YPers who have experienced the same thing! And it's not just athetics...how about the Knitting Club or the Book Club. Do you have other ideas? Let us know about them at pulse@yprenocounty.com.
Members also have the opportunity to post blogs and review their YP account in "My YP".
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YP Reno County Survey Complete 4.1.2008 The results to the YP Reno County Survey are in! There were 525 Reno County residents who took the survey and the VOICE action team is currently delving into all the results and comments. Once the information is compiled and ready to present, our members will be the first to know.
Other plans include focus groups in all Reno County school districts, to get even more specific information, as well as presentations to organizations and groups in Hutchinson. We're eager to share the results, but bear with us as our volunteer VOICE action team members get everything prepared.
If you are interested in learning more about the VOICE action team or would like to learn more about becoming a VOICE action team member email voice@yprenocounty.com.
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YP Members Encouraged to Take Survey 1.23.2008 A recent press release ....
Young Professionals of Reno County, an organization created to connect young people ages 21-40ish to their peer group and Reno County community, announce efforts are underway to survey the population about their goals and vision for Reno County.
The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and is being administered by Next Generation Consulting, an independent third party market research firm who specializes in helping communities and companies engage the next generation.
“To date, over 200 people have signed up through our website expressing an interest in our organization and their desire to be more involved,” said Lance Patterson, chair of the Voice committee and survey initiative. “Next Generation Consulting provided us with the opportunity to gauge in a scientific fashion the true scope of ideas, goals, and perceived strengths and weaknesses that exist about our community. We plan to use this tool to shape the direction of our organization, as well as sharing the outcomes with others in the community.”
"The data compiled from this survey is very important to us and we encourage people of any age to complete the survey," said Nathan Meyer, co-chair of YP. "Though collecting data from those 21-40ish is crucial to what we're trying to accomplish, we also want to weigh the differences and similarities across generations."
The public has one month to complete the survey online before it will be removed from the website. When the information is compiled, the YP organization plans to share and disseminate the information with interested parties throughout the county.
Young Professionals of Reno County was established in July 2007 and has since held social and professional development opportunities for interested persons who have signed up on the website.
Annual memberships to YP are available for $30 a year. Anyone age 21-40ish who lives or works in Reno County may join the organization. |
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YP Mingle Scheduled for January 10 12.14.2007 Come by after work and kick off the new year with your fellow young professionals. The January Mingle will be held at The Town Club, located at 200 E Sherman, Thursday, January 10th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.. Ineeda Cleaners is sponsoring the event. Join us for complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks, plus a raffle. See you there!
For questions or more information, email pulse@yprenocounty.com |
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Lunch and Burn 12.10.2007 On January 16th from Noon to 1 p.m. we'll have our Lunch and "Burn" - Join us for a healthy AND tasty meal. A fitness and nutrition overview, and most importatly, to kickoff YPAA - Young Professionals Activities Association.
Okay - not sure if YPAA is the official moniker, but either way, we're ready to start those sports leagues and hobby clubs. Learn more at this event. If you have a suggestion for an activity or would like to start a team or club, send an email here.
The Lunch and Burn will be at Prairie Star Health Center Auditorium, located in the south end of the Trade Center at 1600 N. Lorraine. RSVP here!
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YP Christmas Mingle! 11.16.2007 Come by after work and celebrate the holiday season with your fellow young professionals. The Christmas Mingle will be held at The Town Club, located at 200 E Sherman, Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m..
Ineeda Cleaners is sponsoring the event. Join us for complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks, plus a raffle.
See you there!
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Lunch and Learn on November 14 10.31.2007 Join us for our first Lunch and Learn at Dillon Nature Center from Noon to 1 p.m. Mary Clark from Dillon Nature Center and Don Rogers from Stuztman Refuse will present information about relevant "green" topics - changes you can make at home, recycling, and more. We'll even have some green products on hand for you to take home!
Cost to attend is $7 and lunch is included. Please RSVP here. Any RSVPs received after 5 p.m. on Tuesday will not be guaranteed a lunch.
For more informatin or questions, email connection@yprenocounty.com.
Special thanks to Smith's Market for donating canvas shopping bags and to Sunflower Electric for donating energy saving light bulbs! |
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YP November Monthly Mingle! 10.30.2007 Young Professionals of Reno County hosts its November Monthly Mingle at The Red Lion, located on the West side of the Plaza Towers. Stop by, meet some new people, relax after a day of work. Free appetizers and drink specials begin around 5 p.m., but you're free to join us anytime. For more information, email pulse@yprenocounty.com. |
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Halloween Spooktacular 10.20.2007 Get excited for YP's Halloween Spooktacular featuring live music from the band Rain. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. You can purchase tickets by calling 474.6288 or 960.6149. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes, so come "Dressed to Thrill!" The party will be held at the Domestic Arts Building on the Fairgrounds. Doors open at 8 p.m. For more information, email pulse@yprenocounty.com Download pdf Flyer here |
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YP Monthly Mingle 10.4.2007 Young Professionals of Reno County hosts its first Monthly Mingle at Danny Boy's Smokehouse, located at 3rd and Main. Stop by, meet some new people, relax after a day of work. We're planning to be there around 5 p.m., but you're free to join us anytime. For more information, email pulse@yprenocounty.com |
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Young Professionals To Host Kickoff Event 8.31.2007 Young Professionals to Host Official Kickoff Event HUTCHINSON, KAN. — After nearly one year of planning, Young Professionals of Reno County is prepared to open the organization for membership and begin their efforts to connect young people in the community. The group will host a casual social at the Plaza Towers ballroom on Thursday, September 6, from 6 – 9 p.m.. Established for those 21 to 40ish, the group invites and welcomes anyone interested in meeting new people and getting more involved in the community. "It’s a great feeling to finally take our vision for the organization and share it with over 100 people who have expressed an interest in Young Professionals through our website," said Cris Corey, Young Professionals Pulse chairman and organizer of the Kickoff event. "We anticipate a great crowd, but more importantly, we’re looking at the many ways this organization can positively impact the community. It’s our hope that Young Professionals, as an organization and through each member, will help spur the kinds of change and growth that our community will need to remain a viable and attractive place to call home." Interested people can register at yprenocounty.com and all members must be 21 or older. Registering ensures members receive email updates about events and meetings. "We are also using an online survey tool to compile the overall demographics of our membership," said Aubrey Abbott Patterson, co-chair of the organization. "Both to keep costs down and because electronic communication is used by almost all in our demographic, we rely on the website and email for group communication." To date, First National Bank, The Hutchinson News, Data Center Inc., and The Chamber of Commerce have committed as founding sponsors of Young Professionals. Anyone with questions about the organization can visit yprenocounty.com or contact Nathan Meyer at 620.694.2294 or Aubrey Abbott Patterson at 620.663.5293. # # # |
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YP News Release 7.25.2007 HUTCHINSON, KAN. -- Young Professionals of Reno County hosted a "pre-kickoff" event at the Hutchinson Art Center on Tuesday, July 24, 2007. The gathering brought together over fifty Reno County residents in the 21-40ish age demographic. “We’ve worked as an advisory council of twelve for the past few months to establish this organization, and as word spread about the development of Young Professionals, we collected around fifty names of interested people through our website,” said Nathan Meyer, co-chair of the organization. “Our official kickoff is planned for early September, but we didn’t want to let that much time lapse before connecting with those who had already expressed an interest, hence the pre-kickoff.” Tuesday’s event featured a diverse crowd full of energy and enthusiasm about the group’s future. “I had someone tell me that he met more people at our event than he’d met in his three years in Reno County,” said Aubrey Abbott Patterson, co-chair. “That’s what motivates us – connecting people to the community and helping everyone establish ties in the place that they call home.” Anyone interested in joining Young Professionals of Reno County should visit the website at www.yprenocounty.com. The next and official kickoff event - will be held in early September. Details will be announced soon on the website and to the media. Anyone with questions can email info@yprenocounty.com. |
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YP Launches Website 7.24.2007 Young Professionals of Reno County, in conjunction with LogicMaze WebDesigns, announces the launch of their new website today. Designed to be an evolving communications tool, the website and accompanying features will help realize the vision of this group - to build connections that benefit young professionals, businesses, and all of Reno County. |
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Pre-Kickoff Party for YP of Reno County 7.24.2007 Come and enjoy the art, drinks and appetizers while hearing a plan for getting YP's in Reno County connected to each other. We'll take time to hear your ideas and opinions too (because we know you've got them). No fees, just simply show up. We look forward to seeing you there! Tuesday - July 24, 2007 |
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Youth Movement 6.9.2007 Web site catering to young professionals a good idea Aubrey Patterson and Nathan Meyer want to make connections with young professionals in their age group. Toward that end, Patterson, executive director of the Hutchinson Community Foundation, and Meyer, an assistant vice president at First National Bank, turned to the Internet, a medium preferred by the younger crowd. The pair and a handful of other 20- to 30-somethings in Reno County created a Web site, www.yprenocounty.com, to help identify and encourage connections among young professionals. In the fall, the group will form the Reno County Young Professionals Organization. "I had expressed some ideas about needing to connect young people in this town because I don't think it's an easy thing to do," Paterson noted. Making connections might not be easy, but U.S. Census data shows there are plenty of young people to connect with in Hutchinson. Though Hutchinson often is viewed as a retirement community, Census numbers indicate just the opposite. Hutchinson is home to more than 10,500 residents in the 21 to 39 age group. That's just a tad fewer than the approximately 11,200 residents in the 40 to 64 age group. Those numbers contrast with the nearly 6,900 Hutch residents who are 65 and older. Patterson hopes establishment of a young professionals group will encourage and then strengthen ties among young members of the community. It also could have an added effect of keeping the younger generation in Reno County instead of losing them to the lure of larger metropolitan areas. Patterson and Meyer are on the leading edge of forming such a group. Wichita, Manhattan and Hays already have similar organizations. Salina, like Hutchinson, is in the beginning stages. "This is a new concept," Meyer said. "Wichita's was only started two years ago." Though the Reno County group believes making the social and business connections is important, Meyer said, it also wants a voice in the community. That could mean more involvement by the younger generation on government boards - including city, county and school - and with various social service agencies. Active community involvement at any age is requisite for progressive communities, but a city's vitality and viability are further strengthened when younger residents actively participate. Patterson and Meyer's efforts to identify and encourage connections among young professionals in Reno County are laudable. "We're not professional project managers; we're just a couple of people with a good idea," Meyer noted. Good, indeed. Copyright 2007, The Hutchinson Publishing Co. |
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City Youth Movement Taking Off 6.3.2007 Young professionals in need of peer group now have one available, taking a page from several Kansas cities When Aubrey Abbott Patterson moved to Reno County from Indianapolis, she was eager to meet more young professionals. She did what most people in their 20s and 30s do and got online. But she couldn't find anything about young people. So after attending a Leadership Reno County course in 2005, Patterson and Nathan Meyer, assistant vice president of business development at First National Bank, decided to create an organization where young professionals in Reno County can interact. "I had expressed some ideas about needing to connect young people in this town because I don't think it's an easy thing to do," said Patterson, president and executive director of the Hutchinson Community Foundation. Soon, meeting young professionals might be a little easier. Patterson and Meyer plan to launch the Reno County Young Professionals Organization next fall. Wichita, Manhattan and Hays already have similar organizations, and Salina is in the process of creating one. Wichita's organization has about 1,500 members. "This is a new concept," Meyer said. "Wichita's was only started two years ago. I think this is a perfect fit for Hutchinson." Meyer said organizers have three goals. They want to have a social side, where members can meet other people; they want to voice their opinions and ideas about making Reno County a better place; and they want to help businesses grow. "We have committees that are built around each of those that are developing ideas and starting to work on projects," he said. The advisory board for the organization was created in late January or early February, and it has 12 members. Those in the advisory board are volunteers, and they sometimes meet as early as 7:30 a.m. "It's a volunteer effort, so it's a lot of people giving time," Patterson said. The organization already has a Web site, www.rcypo.com. Right now, the Web site is a way to get names of people interested in the group. Even without much promotion, more than 30 people have signed up. "It's really just an information-gathering source for us right now," Patterson said. In a few months, the Web site should become more interactive. "It'll be something that would draw young people to the site, and then they'd get involved in the organization," she said. As for now, Patterson and Meyer are working to turn their idea into a reality for young professionals in Reno County. "We're not professional project managers, we're just a couple of people with a good idea," Meyer said. Copyright 2007, The Hutchinson Publishing Co. |
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