Young Erie Professionals On The Move
YOUNG ERIE PROFESSIONALS OUTGROWS ERIE REGIONAL CHAMBER, FILING TO BECOME AN INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATION
Move Allows Organizations to Focus on Core Strengths and Better Serve Members in Erie Region
Erie, PA - Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership (ERCGP) is pleased to announce that Young Erie Professionals recently filed to become an independent 501(c)6. The group has operated as a program serving professionals under 40 since merging with the Erie Regional Chamber back in 2018. ERCGP and YEP have enjoyed a productive partnership over the past several years, collaborating on numerous events and initiatives to support the growth and development of young professionals in the Erie region. However, as both organizations continue to grow and evolve, they have each identified a need to focus on their unique strengths and areas of expertise.
In a joint statement, James Grunke, CEO of Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, and Ashlyn Kelly, president of Young Erie Professionals, expressed their mutual appreciation for the partnership and their excitement about the future:
"Young professionals are critical to Erie’s ongoing economic evolution and we were proud to support the program’s growth over the years,” said Grunke. “The YEP leadership team’s dedication to promoting and retaining young talent in our region and providing a peer network for young professionals is invaluable. We look forward to continuing to work with them in other capacities as they start this next chapter.”
"Young professionals are deeply passionate about our community and so we greatly appreciate the opportunity to align our program with the Erie Regional Chamber’s larger economic goals over the last few years,” stated Ashlyn Kelly, incoming president for Young Erie Professionals. “Becoming an independent organization will allow us to do more to connect and empower young professionals in Erie amidst its ongoing resurgence.”
Moving forward, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership and Young Erie Professionals will each continue to serve their members and work towards their respective missions. Both organizations are excited about the future and look forward to continued collaboration and partnership in the years to come.
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