01/16/12 The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Young Adult Professional (YAP) program named Brent Kinney as the inaugural YAP Ambassador of the Year at a meeting held on January 13. Kinney is with the family owned business of Kinney & Associates in Plymouth.
In accepting the award, Kinney said, “I’m really surprised. I hope we can take the momentum into the year.” Kinney was presented with golf and dining certificates for services at the Plymouth Country Club by the club’s representatives Pat Bayley, General Manager, and Greg Renz, Financial Manager.
According to Chamber Board President, Ryan Jessen, and YAP Committee Chair, Cori Holzwart, the goal of the organization is to make a significant difference in the professional development of the chamber’s members and to make a positive impact in the community. YAP is designed to provide opportunities for young adults between the ages of 21-40 to build connections and relationships. Those promoting the YAP program hope that the organization will help to attract and retain young professionals to the region.
Jessen shared some of the accomplishments of the Chamber during 2011 and plans for growth in the future at the meeting. Jessen said they hope to grow the Chamber membership by three new members each month. He said the membership is approximately 360.
Jessen expressed his appreciation for those in the community who are partnering with the Chamber. He said there is a core group of Board of Directors to act as an Executive Committee . He indicated that both Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter and Plymouth School Superintendent Dan Tyree have agreed to join the Board to help build targeted future partnerships.
According to Jessen, the income and expenses of the chamber were highly scrutinized and reorganized with the help of Chamber Board Treasurer Dan Weidner. Jessen said, “We can all be proud that the Chamber is now operating and thriving completely independent of any outside sources of income.” He added, “In fact, the Chamber’s operating account has grown more than five times its size since 2010.”
Jessen sited the updates of the membership directory, relocation packets, industrial guide, restaurant/lodging guide, newsletters and a host of other projects that are accounting for the revitalization of the Chamber. Jessen said he hopes the community will utilize the ongoing Community Calendar to share their events.
According to Jessen, the email blast they have launched is opened by some 500 people each day.
YAP meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at Opie’s Deli from 12:00-1:00 p.m. More information on the YAP program can be obtained from the Chamber office at 936-2323 , from Holzwart at 780-5396, or by email at ceh@marshallcountytourism.org.
Carol Anders Correspondent
