When you're not in school any more, meeting new people outside of work, especially people your age, is pretty difficult. That's why I am happy to report that there is hope for us young adults out there – it comes in the form of the Concord Young Professionals Network, a program created by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce in 2006.
Here's how it works: Once a month, CYPN hosts a networking meeting somewhere in Concord. (Bonus: There's usually food involved). It's free to attend; you just pay for whatever you want to drink.
The event starts with an ice-breaker so you can get to know some people. At an event at the Barley House, for example, attendees were given either a beer bottle cap or a label and had to find the matching cap or label in the crowd. From there, activities could include a tour of the event venue or musicians, but mostly people are given the chance to chat with one another.
The next event will be held on July 22 at the Kimball-Jenkins Estate from 5:30-7:30 p.m. If you haven't been to the estate yet, this would be a great opportunity to check it out. The house is really neat, and you'll get to meet people. There's art to check out while you're mingling, and appetizers will be provided by Alan's of Boscawen. Not a bad way to spend an evening!
With the exception of this month, networking meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month. For more information on CPYN, including its enrichment series, visit concordypn.org.
At last month's networking meeting at Ocean Bank, we asked attendees to tell us why they became a part of CYPN. Here's a selection of responses:
Andy Robichaud, 33, Pembroke
I wanted to meet other professionals in my age group. I was also looking for networking opportunities with local businesses.
Brian Dombroski, 30, Pembroke
I became involved in CYPN in order to network with inpiduals who were my age or younger.
Sara Adams, 29, Concord
To network/do business development for my marketing agency and to stay involved in the community.
Mike Bussierre, 27, Concord
To get involved and make a difference in a positive manner in the community we live in. I have been a member for over two years with this organization, and I look forward to many more.
Anthony Hans, 34, Penacook
Looking for a local group of business professionals to network with.
Alexander Lee, 34, Concord
It is a great place for an involved community member to see the persity of business and nonprofits operating in our fair city.
Seth Tucker, 19, Henniker
To meet other professionals and expand my business network.
Jane Susman, 28, Concord
Jodi (Wolfe) dragged me into it. And I wanted to be involved in the community.
Amanda Schadlick, 20, Concord
My mother works for Ocean National Bank, so I decided it would be a good experience to join her in attendance to learn about other young professionals in my area.
Jason Fuller, 35, Concord
To meet great people, network and volunteer in the community. It builds recognition of my company, and I'm able to build social connections while growing personally and professionally.
Joshua Robinson, 28, Concord
To meet new people and learn how to get more involved in the community.
Drew Walke, 22, Hopkinton
Graduated from college and looking to make connections.
Chuck Sink, 45, Contoocook/Hopkinton
To make connections at the chamber of commerce and take advantage of great networking opportunities in the area.
Jessica Eshleman, 31, Londonderry
Because this is where tomorrow's leaders meet. The stronger we young professionals are connected, the stronger impact we will make in our respective pursuits, and the better Concord will be for it.
Nathan Dempsey, 27, Manchester
I became a member to get more actively involved with other professionals in the Concord area and the community.
Bill Burke, 32, Hooksett
To network, grow my business, and make friends.
Samantha Mahoney, 23, Derry
To network and make friends.
Melanie Gibeau, 25, Concord
Networking, meeting new people, opportunity to market new business.
Nina Chase, 25, Concord
Friendship and the opportunity to market my small business.
Jonathan Hanley, 25, East Kingston
I work for Bay Ring Communications, and I handle Concord for the company. We do not participate in traditional advertising and marketing campaigns, which makes sales much more difficult. CYPN is a great way to network and get leads.
Jodi Wolfe, 27, Concord
I wanted an opportunity to meet other young professionals. Since CYPN began nearly three years ago, I have met many wonderful friends, participated in many great events, and had the opportunity to take on a leadership role in the community.
Kerri Morrison, 23, Manchester/Amherst
I was referred by a couple of current members. I am looking to meet other young professionals and network in the area.
Jessica Fogg, 29, Concord
I work next to the Chamber of Commerce, and being friendly with their staff you can't help but know about CYPN. I went to my first event about a month after it started and have been coming to the fun and festive events ever since.
Chris Gintof, 25, Goffstown
I want to get involved in the community in which I work and get to know people. I want to learn about people's different backgrounds and share my background as well.
Angela Yahski, 32, Concord
Networking and friendship.
Alison Wanta, 31, Concord
Networking.
Lori Rowell, 34, Concord
To meet and network with other young professionals in and around the Concord area.
Jaclyn Juergens, 22, East Kingston
My boyfriend was involved through work and I thought it was a great way to meet people, especially since I am new to the state.
Angela King, 28, Concord
My colleagues encouraged me to attend the events when I was new to the area. When I realized that it was work-related and fun, I attended regularly. I've since volunteered for the organization planning events and helping with marketing. Concord is not the easiest city to meet new people in, so these monthly networking events are ideal for that and also for making business connections.
Brenda Perkins, 37, Concord
It's a great group of young and active community-minded people who are wonderful to network with.
Paula Hendrick, 36, Concord
Networking – meeting new people – something to do in Concord.
Kavita Jain, 30, Concord
I live in Concord but work in Manchester. I wanted to be more actively involved in the Concord community, and this organization has been perfect for that. I've made personal and business connections with so many young professionals in the area.
