The Waco Young Professionals collaborates with the Greater Waco Chamber to support and attract a younger and more qualified workforce to the Waco area. Our organization does this by leveraging the region’s resources from colleges and universities to support our industries requiring advanced degrees. As part of the Chamber’s Plan of Action, major breakthrough initiatives were stated as the Chamber’s focus for 2010 and beyond. The Waco Young Professionals objectives are specifically defined as:

Leverage the resources of the region’s colleges and universities to support employers who require persons with college and advanced degrees and attract and retain a younger, more qualified and educated workforce.

Young Professionals are a key demographic for any city. A talented and creative workforce is now considered to be as important in economic development as sites, low taxes and low cost of living. One of the top three focus areas for the Chamber’s Next Level Strategic Plan 2011-2015 is being a Magnet for Talent. This plan identified measurable objectives to make Greater Waco more attractive for young professionals and young families who can live anywhere – the very demographic upon which a sustainable economy is dependent.

The Waco YPs are a diverse, vibrant group of young adults. We meet monthly to network, gain information for our lives and careers and learn ways to engage in Waco.

The 2011 Waco Young Professionals Program will include:
• Monthly Meetings – 5:30 p.m. Second Tuesdays
• Local Industry Tours
• Quarterly Professional Development Lunches
• Happy Hours
• 5 Socials (Bowling, Movie Night, Sporting events, etc…)
• Annual Christmas Party
• Quarterly service projects
• Leadership Opportunities (2012)

Each member of the Waco Young Professionals has the opportunity to lead and engage through committees in each of these areas.

Dues in the Waco YPs include full involvement in the Waco YP Program. Dues are:
$15 per year for Chamber members
$20 for non-Chamber members

We want to encourage you to ask your company to sponsor your membership in the Waco YPs (sample letter here), outlining the benefits of having employees in YPs. If you choose not to become a paying member, you will still have the opportunity to attend monthly meetings, happy hours and service projects. Please fill out our membership form here.