Boise Young Professionals Shares Future Goals

BOISE, ID – Boise Young Professionals (BYP) has been a hub of networking and career development in the Treasure Valley for over 15 years. Each year, BYP's incoming leadership team takes time to reflect on the organization's direction and set goals for enhancing member experiences.
   Katie Gaston is the Executive Chair of BYP and, since college, has been heavily involved in young professional organizations. "The recent spike in Treasure Valley's population growth means there are more young professionals we can reach out to and connect with," said Gaston. "We hope that people will recognize our great programming and get involved. For example, our mentorship program is excellent - unlike anything I've experienced with other groups."
   BYP's Executive Chair Elect, Adan Callsen's interest in BYP came from his desire to expand the definition of professional to include a broader range of career fields. "I felt that I wasn't quite seen as a professional, coming from a restaurant management background," said Callsen, who was formerly the Operations Director of Barbacoa Restaurant. "There is such diversity in professional careers, and programs such as BYP can help all of us develop new skills and confidence in our abilities."
   One development that BYP leadership is currently working on is creating a guide for members to explore the benefits of BYP in a way that makes sense to that member's career goals. "Having this member road map in place will help people feel more connected to the program and other professionals with similar interests," said Gaston. "Those are the relationships that will keep people coming back."
   Gaston and Callsen both hope to reach a new group of potential members during the year. "People have ideas about what being a young professional means or how that looks. I hope both current and potential BYP members can look past the suit and tie or pencil skirt and see that being a young professional is about owning your expertise and building a network," said Callsen.
   "I formed some of my best personal and professional relationships through groups where members volunteer and grow together," said Gaston. "I want BYP Members to feel that their membership and involvement in this program give them opportunities to make a difference."
   To learn more about the Boise Young Professional program, visit their website at www.boiseyp.com.

About Boise Young Professionals: In 2006, the Boise Metro Chamber launched, Boise Young Professionals (BYP) to develop and retain a talented workforce in the Boise Valley by connecting, empowering and engaging young professionals. BYP has grown to an organization of over 1,800 members that represent more than 300 different companies.
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About the Boise Metro Chamber: Established in 1883, the Boise Metro Chamber is the only five-star accredited Chamber in Idaho and strives to be the leading business advocacy organization in the Boise Valley. The Boise Metro Chamber is a private, nonprofit, membership-driven organization comprised of more than 1,700 business enterprises, civic organizations, education institutions, and individuals. Its mission is to provide leadership that will help create regional economic prosperity and success for its members.

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