I am officially a member on the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Young Professional Network committee. I've hit the big time, but don't be jealous you can join!
Besides being able to call myself a committee member and getting to feel important, it is nice to be a part of something that focuses on bringing other people my age together.
As a reporter in Grundy County I tend to run into a consistent problem, I'm not taken seriously by the professionals who are mostly old enough to be my parent. Grundy is growing, but is still a rural area made up mostly of people who have lived in the county their whole lives. Newbies, and especially the young ones, don't always fit in off the bat.
Luckliy, once they get to know me and see that I am accurate writer, it is usually no longer a problem. But that first introduction is always tough.
The first question out of most older professionals' mouths is "How old are you?" or "Are you allowed to have that beer?"
Come to find out, I am not the only person who runs into this. In fact there are enough of us to designate our own networking group. YPN is open to all business professionals in and around Grundy County in their 20s and 30s. We have already and will continue to hold social and networking events and luncheons. Some just for hand shaking and fun, and others will feature speakers to help us better ourselves as professionals.
We had our first networking event in April. Our second will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Turk's Collision, 508 Twin Rail Drive in Minooka. Admission is free; just make sure you bring business cards.
Beverages and snacks will be on hand so don't worry about grabbing dinner first.
The event is open to professionals of all kinds. The point is to meet other businessmen and women that could help you better your business or career.
Don't be shy, come join us and bring friends.
For more information call Sarah Peterson of the chamber office at (815) 942-0113 or e-mail her at sarah@grundychamber.com.
Mallory Medved is an assistant managing editor of weekly publications for
the Sun-Times News Group. She helps cover the Lincoln-Way area and towns
southwest of Joliet. Being naturally nosy has led her to a career in
journalism and fulfilled her dream of getting paid to read. Being a new
homeowner and a future bride, she's also perpetually broke, but enjoys
hearing about other people in the same situation. She lives in Plainfield
but is a native of New Lenox.
Christina Chapman is a Will County resident who desperately wants to live in Grundy County. But since she lost that battle with her boyfriend when they bought a house, she makes due covering Grundy County news for The Herald News in Joliet. When not covering municipal meetings, school events and finding the truth behind the latest coffee talk, she is trying to balance life as a young home owner who is fighting the stereotype that she is living in sin because she is not yet married. She hopes to share with you her perspective on life and the news in hopes that you’ll share yours.
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