Young professionals tout community efforts

As the deadline approaches for the 2015 40 under 40 nominees July 31, the Young Professionals Initiative looks to change its local stereotype of just being “a social group.”

“This is just not true. We think it is very important to have monthly networking socials to connect our young professionals to each other and local businesses, but that is just one aspect of this amazing group,” Emerie Gentry, chairwoman of YPI, said. “YPI takes great pride in giving back to the community and offering our members avenues to help them grow professionally.”

Gentry said being a YPI member has many opportunities to get involved with the community.

“One thing that is not well-known is that we are dedicated to giving back to our community through our Philanthropy of the Year. A local nonprofit organization is selected every year to receive a grant from YPI in the amount of $1,000, and our members volunteer with the selected organization throughout the year. The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana is our 2014 Philanthropy of the Year,” Gentry said.

Gentry said she first joined YPI with the intention of connecting with other professionals her age for business and other philanthropic purposes.

“YPI has done so much for me over the past four years,” Gentry said. “I have made great business connections, gained more knowledge about our community and economy, served with local nonprofits, gained leadership experience through committee involvement, met some all-around wonderful people and made long-lasting friendships.

“I love that this organization opens the door to so many different opportunities. I am extremely honored to be chairwoman this year and blessed to have such an amazing executive committee made up of the most dynamic and driven young professionals in the area.”

So far this year YPI has 525 registered members: Most of the members come from a diverse group of businesses in public and private sectors and range in age from 21 to 40.

“One of our goals as YPI is to recruit young professionals and promote retention. We encourage our young professionals to get more involved in the community, both professionally and philanthropically,” Gentry said. “These are the next leaders of this great community and we must keep them actively engaged for the greater good. It is important that our members know and embrace the idea that Shreveport- Bossier City is a great place to live, work and play. More young professionals means a stronger voice, a stronger community and better opportunities for the area.”

Gentry said already this year has brought a lot of success for the group.

“YPI just finished our CANstruction project for the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana’s Empty Bowls Fundraiser,” Gentry said. “Through our grant and fundraising efforts, we were able to build a structure out of 3,000 canned goods for the event. Afterward, the canned goods went back to the Food Bank’s pantry and will provide 3,600 meals to people in need in our community. It was a huge success.”

Gentry said this is one of the many ways YPI members assist in the community.

“Being a member of YPI allows you valuable exposure to the business community, a way to stay informed of pertinent information regarding activities and events in the area, discounted admission to our professional development luncheons, and the opportunity to excel in the community professionally and philanthropically,” Gentry said.

The YPI executive committee meets on a monthly basis, and the group holds various events throughout the year for all of our members, including a monthly networking social, a quarterly professional development luncheon, bi-annual community outreach projects, and our annual 40 Under 40 Gala to wrap up the end of the year.

Looking forward, the next scheduled event for YPI is a professional development lunch and learn scheduled for July 15 with guest speaker Sheriff Steve Prator. This event is sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn and Suites in Bossier City. Registration is now open.

The next social event will be July 17 at El Potrillo.

To join, members must be employed by a Shreveport or Bossier Chamber business member (this membership includes no annual membership fees for YPI). Non-chamber members can join by paying membership fee of $40.

Nominations for the Top 40 Under 40 are open until July. The gala is held annually to honor 40 outstanding young professionals under the age of 40 for excelling professionally, academically and philanthropically. The 40 Under 40 Annual Gala is scheduled for Dec. 5 at the Horseshoe Casino Riverdome. Nominations are available at www.shreveportchamber. org/nominate_40under40.php.