Dryden Area Young Professionals Network Established
Posted by John Borst
on Apr 12, 2016
Sheila Wilson, herself a young professional, was our guest speaker to talk about the Dryden Area Young Professionals Network (DAYPN)
The need to pay attention to and attract more young people to consider a business career in the Dryden area was identified by the DDDC in a 2014.survey of Dryden and area businesses.
As a result, an organization was established with the goal of providing an opportunity for young Dryden area professionals to network during 201.
To maintain interest in such a group, activities were planned to promote social and professional networking, skills development, and civic engagement with something happening every month.The first meeting, a brain storming session, had 32 attendees sharing 72 ideas. The first social event, a wine and beer tasting was sold out. Other events saw young professionals help the Chamber of Commerce host an all candidates meeting during the election and with caroling at Princess Court. This past winter two financial related presentations were held.
During her talk Wilson explained the “what” and “Why” of the organization. To bring the point home, she described how once being out with her Dad on his motorcycle and stopped to buy “warm” lemonade. Lemonade became a symbol in her talk to help our future entrepreneurs stay here and make the community better a better place. So “Buy their lemonade!” became Sheila’s mantra.
After her speech Sheila answered 8 questions from the assembled Rotarians even suggesting at one point we were counselling vigilantism.
Wilson concluded her talk with 5 ways we could help young professionals to get established.
Specifically:
1. INVITE THEM
2. SPREAD WORD
3. CHALLENGE THEM
4. BE FRIEND AND MENTOR
5. SUPPORT LOCAL ENTREPENEURSHIP
You can follow the group on their FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/YPNdryden/
While Wilson professed not to be a public speaker, she presented a polished and at times humorous presentation with her quick witted comebacks. Enjoy the three parts of her talk.