Connect Your YPs to YPN

For 15 years, YPN (Young Professionals Network) South Bend, a program of the Chamber, has been developing, connecting and empowering young professionals (YPs), ages 21-39, in the South Bend Region.

Unfortunately, YPN’s 15th anniversary hit during the pandemic, diluting some of the energy of the 15-year celebration. But YPN pushes on! What was realized is that many YPs were displaced or found new career opportunities with different employers over the past nine months.

Any time you onboard new hires who are between the ages of 21 and 39, tell them about YPN South Bend. Many young people look to their peers to make solid connections and to learn more about the community. “YPN is an easy way to engage and connect young professionals to the community and other YPs, with absolutely no pressure,” said Jacque Stahl, vice president of marketing and communications at The South Bend Clinic and chair of the YPN Advisory Council. “Other than the age requirement, YPN is about as inclusive as can be. Not only is it a network to connect, but we offer professional development which, in turn, helps your employees grow. To get started, all you need to do is sign up at ypnsouthbend.com. Once you’ve signed up, you are on the YPN distribution list to receive communications,” said Stahl.

“We really try to encourage our regional employers to recommend their 21- to 39-year-olds to participate in YPN,” said Amanda Glassen, the Chamber’s YPN liaison. “There is no membership fee for YPs. Certain events may include a nominal fee, $10 to $15, while many activities are free."

YPN would typically present one to two events per month, from purely networking programming to educational and community informational events. “We had to regroup a bit earlier this year following the March lockdown, but we now have our footing and are preparing programming in 2021. Obviously, it will all be virtual in the first half of the year, and then we’ll evaluate like everyone else,” said Glassen.

In the past, YPN has hosted mayoral and candidate forums, museum and stadium tours, discussions with C-level leaders and entrepreneurs, as well as simply networking and fun events like navigating aerial obstacle courses, playing mini-golf, rafting down the East Race, and tubing down the hill at St. Pat’s Park.

“This summer, we were proud to still deliver a great YP Summit, a weeklong series of professional and personal development programs, along with a panel of YPs sharing their insights, and an after-party wrap-up outdoor event. We look forward to delivering another high-quality Summit in 2021,” said Stahl. YPN also looks to offer more resources for its audience and serve the region.