Young professionals throng to first event

Organizational structure now under its belt, Young Professionals Network promoted its coming out party and drew 700 to a Thursday evening mixer at Reno nightclub 201 N. Sierra.

Michael Thomas, director of investor development at Economic Development Association of Western Nevada, spoke and introduced Executive Director Amy Anderson and the 150 founding members. Paid membership stands at about 250.

Young Professionals Network, says President Erin Kuo, will work in five areas: attract, interact, grow, give and lead.

To attract young professionals to discover and then relocate to the area, group reps may travel out of town with other development agencies to promote Reno.

A series of social and networking events will provide a venue to interact.

Opportunities to grow will come in the guise of courses on professional development and life lessons.

Members are encouraged to give via community service and volunteerism.

Young professionals will learn to lead via the Pebble Project, which may connect to Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce leadership programs.

The Reno Tahoe Young Professionals Network was created as result of EDAWN's Target2010 strategic economic planning study, which indicated that attracting and retaining young professionals is critical to the future growth of northern Nevada's economy.

Which fields need those fresh young faces?

"I'm not really sure which industries aren't crying for young professionals," says Kuo.

The next meeting starts at 4:30 p.m. on May 8 at the Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority board Room at Reno Town Mall. Activities will be posted at www.renotahoeypn.com.