Young career-minded individuals who welcome social and professional opportunities are organizing a new network in the Dickinson community.
The Dickinson Young Professionals Network recently met for an informational meeting of prospective members.
"It was to learn what YP (Young Professionals) is about. Right after the meeting, we had a chili and chocolate ice breaker and door prizes," said network President Amy Stoltz.
Prospective members need to have a job and be 21 or older.
"There's no upper limit. You have to be young at heart," she said. "As far as a career type, it doesn't matter. Everybody is involved."
ADVERTISEMENT
The concept of Young Professionals was introduced to Dickinson in September by Catherine Dalzell of Bismarck. She spoke about the statewide network and its opportunities for service, professional development, social events and welcoming people into the community.
The Dickinson network organized in October under the leadership of Rotary President Gaylon Baker.
"As far as Dickinson goes, we have a professional development team. That team will provide for seminars and events," she said. "We also have a social team. They will provide social activities like bowling."
The teams meet monthly with the executive committee.
"When necessary, we meet every two weeks. We're still forming the structure and getting the funding and sponsors," said Stoltz.
The network is seeking business sponsors because it is not charging membership dues. Besides covering travel expenses for speakers, sponsorships could help pay for room rentals or meeting refreshments.
"We hope to have sponsorships levels -- gold, silver and bronze," she said.
Sponsors would be recognized in brochures and on the network's new Web site at: www.Dickinsonyp.org .
ADVERTISEMENT
Stoltz hopes to hold general meetings once every month or two. In addition, various social events are being considered.
"One of the great points here, is we have to attract and retain young professionals who are moving to this area," she said. "Getting to know people is quite hard when you are brand new, especially if you have no family nearby."
Stoltz, a Dickinson native, currently works as an information systems technician at Steffes Corp.
"I'm very excited for the opportunity to improve my leadership skills. Being president of YP, I've done a lot of community things in the last two months. I've met with CEOs and leaders in the community. That's been a great opportunity," she said.
The executive board also hopes to create a service team.
"We need somebody to organize our volunteer activities. We have so many ideas and it would be nice for one team to control that for us," she said.
The next tentative gathering is a program titled "The Importance of Networking" with speaker Deb Nelson. Check the Web site for verification of time and location.
For more information, contact Stoltz at: astoltz@steffes.com
