Indiana Gazette - Sunday, May 20, 2007

Don't tell these folks there's nothing to do around here.

A group of seven civic-minded professionals who say they're weary of the college scene but not ready for the bingo table have joined to form Young Professionals of Indiana County.

The idea is to bring people age 25-45 together to network and socialize with people of a similiar age, enjoy monthly activities and listen to local leaders speak at YPI events.

"People say there is nothing to do. We hate to hear that. It's our biggest pet peeve," said HEather Reed, a member of the Young Professionals executive committee.

Principally, the group wants to stem the migration of young people and to attract some of those who do leave back to the area by highlighting the benefits of the community. They want young people to realize that opportunities to work, live and play exist here, not just in larger regional cities like Pittsburgh.

"We need to create a better perception of what's going on here," said executive committee member Jonathan Longwill.

YPI, which operates under the direction of the chamber of commerce, has some of the same objectives as the chamber: to promote economic development and revitalization of downtown Indiana and to foster civic involvement.

Members of the group say they saw a need for the organization when they realized that just four of the people on the chamber's board of directors - leaders of some of the largest companies in the county - would fit in YPI'a age range. The group

"This group will be here in 20 years." Renosky said of those in YPI. "These are the people who will be running the companies."

But YPI intends to draw on the experience of chamber members for mentoring programs as well as to reach out to graduate students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

The public is invited to the group's mixer kickoff event, which will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday Upstairs at the Coney, where hors d'oeuvres will be served. The meet and greet is intended to provide those who may be interested a chance to learn more about the organization and the opportunity to sign on as a member.

You can also sign up as a member on the group Web site, www.ypindiana.net.

The cost of membership is $50 for an individual who works for a company that is a member of the chamber of commerce and $100 for indivicuals from companies that are not affiliated with the chamber.