Message from the Chair

Investing in the development of young professionals is an investment in the future of Sioux Falls.

My first professional position was teaching students at the high school level. My career path shifted to advertising, but I never lost my passion for helping others learn and grow. I love seeing people discover ways that they can make an impact and excel in their field.

It’s one of the reasons that I am an advocate of the Chamber’s Young Professionals Network. Through YPN, young adults can sharpen their skills, grow their networks, and gain leadership experience. It is exciting to see the large number of people taking advantage of all this program has to offer.

Investing in the development of young professionals is an investment in the future of Sioux Falls. YPN has helped foster a more informed population of young people who are demonstrating their willingness and ability to lead in our city, state and region. The next generation is stepping out, raising their hands, and claiming their seat at the table. We can be confident that our community will have active and engaged citizens in the decades to come.

Each April, the YPN throws itself a birthday party. This year, they’re celebrating 15 years of developing and connecting young professionals in Sioux Falls. Look around our community…YPN members from the early years of the program are now leading companies and guiding community projects. My own executive team at L&S includes professionals who benefitted from YPN earlier in their careers.

If you supervise young employees, invite them to explore YPN membership. Who knows? Receiving encouragement from their employer might be the extra nudge they need to take that next step in their professional growth.

Working in concert, with groups like the YPN, we can continue to make Greater Sioux Falls a great place to live, work and play.