Young Professionals of Wichita going strong at 10 years

Back in 2005, when the Young Professionals of Wichita organization was born, a tweet was still a sound made by a bird.

Along with the world around it, the networking and community service group has changed in the last decade, growing from a base of several hundred members to about 2,600 today, said Suzy Finn, the executive director of the organization.

To mark its anniversary – it officially started in June 2005 – YPW is celebrating with a week of events, starting with a breakfast Monday that will be attended by Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell. During his address, Longwell is expected to issue a proclamation honoring the organization, which is an affiliate of the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce.

“We wanted to try something new to mark our anniversary, so we decided to have a Young Professionals Week,” Finn said. “We’ll have at least one YP event every day next week.

“We’re wanting to showcase what Young Professionals of Wichita has to offer, which is great programming that connects people to the community, including making new friends and showcasing the great places to go and things to do in Wichita.”

On Monday night, YPW will host an “organization fair” at the Farm & Art Market Square in Old Town. The event will spotlight the different opportunities available to members for community engagement and networking purposes.

Finn said close to 80 percent of the organization’s members come from about 30 corporate investor companies.

“Our target demographic is people from age 21 up to 39,” Finn said. “We also have some events and programs specifically for college students on the younger end.

“And as long as an individual continues to find value in the programming and networks they’re building, we don’t kick anyone out on the upper end. About two-thirds of our members are in the 25-to-34 age range.”

Next week’s festivities will conclude with a 10th anniversary gala and YPW awards event Friday at the Wichita Scottish Rite Center. For more information, go to www.ypwichita.org.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 2:17 PM with the headline "Young Professionals of Wichita going strong at 10 years."