Young Professionals Networking Group

New Hampshire has a problem. It’s getting old. No, not the state, but the population. Since 1990, it has lost 25 % of its 25 – 34 year old citizens. NH has the 4th oldest population of the United States. And it isn’t just in one area of the state. Towns and cities from Berlin (that’s BER-lin to those of you who are not from NH) in the north to Nashua in the south are watching their populations age.

The local public radio station, NHPR, advertising a week long discussion of the topic cited a study by the New England Council that "projects the number of Granite Staters aged 55 to 64 will increase by 40 percent in the next decade. The number aged 65 and over is expected to grow nearly as fast. At the same time, the number of New Hampshire residents under age 55 is expected to expand only two percent by 2015. That means New Hampshire could see big changes - in everything from our health care system and workforce to our transportation system and tax bills."

The problem is not strictly a NH problem. Connecticut is the oldest state in the country. Maine is second, and Vermont is fifth.

So, what can be done? Enter J. Christopher Williams, 31, who is originally from Texas. Chris came north for graduate school, and stayed. When he moved to Manchester, NH, he noticed there was a lack of social activities for people his age who were looking to meet and greet other young professionals. So, Chris decided to start a group in 2004 which, in Chris’ words, "would form a network that offers social and professional opportunities" to young professionals, loosely defined as between 22 and 40. Today, the group has 1200 members, proof that such a network was definitely needed.

Other groups quickly followed. Mount Washington Valley, Concord and Portsmouth all have Young Professional Networking Groups. Groups are forming all over the country, and there is even a loose nationwide association. A conference was held in Pennsylvania last year that allowed the individual groups to share with one another what they have done in their respective states.

But, back to NH Young Professionals. They were sending a message to the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED): We’re here to do something about the drain! DRED was happy to pass along the message, and it wasn’t long before companies throughout the state started asking for materials to include in their recruiting packages.

This month, Nashua will welcome the fifth Young Professionals Networking Group in New Hampshire.

When Chris became the President of the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce last year, he immediately realized that he had the opportunity to improve his original idea by making this next networking group a part of the Chamber. This joint venture makes it "a little unique," and gives the group a financial base with which to work as well as legal counsel to lean on if required. Gathering 16 young professionals, he began the planning process for the new group.

Who can join the group? "Anyone can belong, as long as they’re young at heart," was Chris’ immediate answer, "although we expect the majority will be between 22 and 40." The members will be working or looking for work (they are not full-time students), and all occupations will be represented. Existing groups follow a similar pattern: 50-50 ratio between male and female; 30% financial and legal; 15-20% high tech; 15-20% entrepreneurs; about 60% not married.

Once a month they will hold social events at venues provided by the hospitality industry; about every other month, they will have professional development opportunities at business and academic venues, with facilitators from local companies. Topics will include: starting your own business, beefing up your resume; how to find financing for your business, or how to buy your first home). There will be something for everyone. Details of these events will be posted on the Chamber website: www.nashuachamber.com.

There will be a yearly membership of approximately $100, and the events will be free for members.

So, if you’re in the neighborhood, and you’re young at heart, come as a guest. Chris and his committee will be happy to have you come as a guest.

If you have questions about the Nashua Young Professionals Networking Group, or you would like to start a similar group in your neighborhood, contact Chris at cwilliams@nashuachamber.com.

Contact Kathy at KathyE@TheNationalNetWorker.com and Louis at LouisE@TheNationalNetWorker.com or TNNW Blog.
 

Sign up for our newsleter;
Email a friend.

Go to: Site Map