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WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A non-profit organization is inviting up and coming entrepreneurs to network and get engaged within the community.
Whatcom Young Professionals (WYP) is a networking outlet and entrepreneurial growth facilitator for young professionals in Whatcom County. It was established in 2006 and has been around for almost 20 years. The organization is always looking to expand engagement with local businesses, employees and individuals.
WYP targets young professionals from 21 to 40 years old. Being a program of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, the idea is that WYP is a bridge for those looking for a first step before getting involved in the chamber.
Jessica Welter-Kolbo, the current Advisory Council President of WYP, shared that the organization was her first networking group. She eventually became a member in 2016, regularly attending socials and coffee buzzes.
“I loved that I could make these genuine connections. I just felt different about WYP, it was something that felt more in tune to where I was at in my life,” Welter-Kolbo said. “I see [WYP] impact almost every person that comes through. They come thinking that it’s going to be this referral but what ends up happening is that people see it’s a genuine community that they feel they have a sense of belonging in. Ultimately they stick around for the connections.”
The group not only supports its members but other businesses within the Whatcom County community. Every year WYP holds a fundraiser and this last year its Advisory Council put together an event that earned over $10,541 for the Max Higbee center. The organization also puts on “Top 7 under 40” annually, showcasing seven young professionals in Whatcom County.
Guy Occhiogrosso, President and CEO of Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, describes the group as an incubator for leadership and professionalism and says providing that opportunity at such an early age sets the Whatcom community up for success. The organization stands by the idea that the individual rather than the business is the member.
Occhiogrosso was one of the youngest members when WYP first began, merely in his mid-20s. He shared that the relationships he started with other members have lasted 15 to 20 years. As president and CEO of the Chamber, he notes that the organization has such a strong foundation because it is a program of the chamber, a key part of why it has lasted so long.
“We want people to feel like this is a home base for them to continue to make those connections,” Welter-Kolbo said. “It’s a grounded place for people to come and explore, and not feel like they have to shy away from things that they don’t know about.”
Welter-Kolbo shared the story of one member who was getting back into building her career when she first joined the group. The member started attending WYP events and through her involvement in the organization her confidence, skill sets and ability to feel like she belonged grew. Welter-Kolbo said she saw this individual become a powerhouse of a woman because of her connections, and eventually that member left her previous job and found herself in a career that she felt supported and fulfilled in.
“To see that timeline for her and to witness that personally has been so cool and amazing,” Welter-Kolbo said. “I’ve actually seen how our community, our events and our organization really support people in their personal and professional growth, and really opens doors for them in their careers.”
On Nov. 7 the WYP is holding a pop-up event at Flatstick Pub from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Individuals interested in attending have to register and pay $5 to participate.
The group also has monthly socials and weekly “coffee buzzes” which are an opportunity to meet young professionals and have genuine though-provoking conversations. The first three times attending are free and after people can decide whether or not they want to become a member.
WYP strives to provide connection opportunity, education opportunity and professional development as it continues to grow and evolve. To get involved visit their website for weekly, monthly and annual events.