Local under 40's connect and want a voice in the province's future.
November 26, 2014 – Meagan Gray, Kristina Lane, Adam Burr, James Krikorian and Jillian McCormick from Quinte Young Professionals joined dozens of under forties from all corners of the province today to announce the launch of Young Professionals Network of Ontario (YPNO). YPNO is a central hub to support young people to do business, network, advocate, have a voice at provincial and national tables, and build economic development opportunities.
Says Chair of Quinte Young Professionals Meagan Gray “There has been a significant lack of opportunities for young professionals from the Quinte Region and across the province to meet like-minded peers and have a voice on provincial issues. YPNO is a volunteer-based organization that will serve as an essential provincial network to connect, engage, inspire and advocate for professionals under 40 years. Quinte Young Professionals is delighted to join YPNO and represent Quinte’s young professionals at a provincial and national level.'
YPNO represents over 30 Young Professionals Networks with thousands of members dispersed across large cities like Toronto, as well as in small northern communities like Kenora. Members also come from all sectors and walks of life including private business, public entities, trades, not-for profit agencies, and Aboriginal organizations.
As part of the organization's launch, 6 core pillars were unveiled:
- Community Engagement
- Social
- Business & Economy
- Environment
- Personal & Professional Development
- Provincial Connectivity
An advocacy campaign called; Meet Us, Hear Us was also announced to Parliament at Queen's Park.
Says QYP Chair Meagan Gray 'Our advocacy goal is to inform politicians and decision-makers about the hot issues concerning young people today. The current provincial deficit, lack of incentives to attract and retain young people, infrastructure planning and jobs are just a few of the top concerns. There are also important local issues that we look forward to starting conversations with political or socio-economic influencers about. QYP’s involvement in YPNO is a unique opportunity to engage future leaders on key issues.'
“Quinte Young Professionals is a group that was initiated by the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce to meet the needs of young professionals and entrepreneurs in our community,” says Chamber Manager Suzanne Andrews. “We see the connecting of these groups at the provincial level to be a huge step in the right direction and are very pleased that this group representing Quinte West and the greater Quinte Region are involved at the beginning of this exciting new project.” Quinte Young Professionals is sponsored by the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce, Trenval CFDC and Futurpreneur Canada
To get involved visit www.ypnontario.com or www.quinteyoungprofessionals.ca
