A Message from the YPOGP Chair

I hope by now you have had a change to enjoy one of the many professional development and social opportunities available to you as a member of YPO. Our current membership is approaching last year's record 200 members; however, we need your help to continue our steady growth. Please feel free to bring a friend to the next social outing - I am confident they will enjoy the experience and become a member.
Recently, we kicked off our annual leadership academy entitled LEAP (Leaders Emerging to Advance Peoria), which has been well attended. This 6-week program is designed to develop personal leadership skills and to empower young professionals to become active in our community. Topics range from managing personalities, generational differences, community involvement, work life balance, and the roles of local government. Additionally, we will have our next, Secret's of My Success in October.

October also has a couple excellent social opportunities; starting with our social on October 2nd at Hotel Pere Marquette. Later in October we will have a paintball outing with the Young Lawyers group. Some other items up for grabs this year include an etiquette dinner and a very special event sponsored by AmerenCILCO on February 19th featuring Rebecca Ryan (look for details soon).

After many requests to find ways to better connect to community based opportunities, we are excited to roll our Community Connection. Located on the YPO website (www.ypogp.org) you can see various opportunities available to participate in or even lead as well as the option to post opportunities you feel members would like to learn about.

My last note - if you have an interest in getting more involved with standing committees of YPO or would like to learn more, please feel free to contact Sarah Stabler at 495-5914 or sstabler@chamber.h-p.org or myself at 999-3243 or jonathan.williams@commercebank.com.

Best Regards,
Jon Williams, Chairman
Young Professionals Organization of Greater Peoria