Young professionals network to grow future workforce

Economic studies such as Target 2010 point to the backwash of younger workers that follow the tidal wave of baby boomers and wonder: where will we find future workers?

Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada attempts an answer with the Reno-Tahoe Young Professionals Network.

"The number of young professionals in northern Nevada is decreasing compared to the rest of the country," says Erin Kuo, president. "Reaching out to this particular age group is essential to growing our economic base and strengthening our professional workforce. It will fill existing companies' need for knowledge-based jobs in the future."

The group's plans rely on viral marketing through existing members already 100 strong. Efforts got underway months ago, says Kuo, when Michael Thomas, director of investor development at EDAWN and the project catalyst, hired Stacey Crowley as consultant to do a feasibility study.

Crowley met with lots of groups of young professionals and spread the virus, says Kuo, who now gets five calls a day from prospective members.

"I'm surprised at how diverse and dynamic that group is," she says, "and impressed with the level of passion and energy."

She expects the network to boast a few hundred members within four months. To handle the growth, job one is finding an executive director.

Annual membership dues are $50, with various levels of corporate membership available. Business members, says Kuo, can help companies position themselves and connect with the young professional community.

The group will meet at 6 p.m. April 5 at 210 North, a downtown Reno club on Sierra Street. Suggested age range is 21 to 39. Information is online at www.renotahoeypn .com or call 240-6761.