How do you continue to make a good idea better? The Kankakee River Valley Chamber of Commerce (KRVCC) knows: the Young Professionals Network (YPN).

While strong business leadership has been the economic backbone of the Chamber for 100 years, keeping the organization and the community it serves viable has been an ongoing issue. In a changing economy where the general workforce is getting older and younger workers are flocking to metropolitan areas, it has become increasingly difficult for smaller cities like Kankakee, Illinois, a population of nearly 27,500, to attract and retain diverse, young talent.

Well, the KRVCC is fighting back with YPN, its newest membership division. This new arm of the Chamber provides individuals 21 through 39 years of age with networking, educational, and social opportunities.

Chamber President David A. Hinderliter explains, “YPN creates another avenue for people new to the community to network. It’s also another marketing tool for companies to use to recruit prospective employees.”

Hinderliter says YPN is developing as planned. “YPN has the benefit of all of the Chamber’s programs and we want to be certain that we’re providing the tools it needs.” For example, “we’re working on a separate YPN membership area on the Chamber Website.”

One of YPN’s founders, Roshanda Gray, says though she is no longer with the county, the social and professional benefits from both KRVCC and YPN linger.

“I was a member of the Chamber’s Membership, Benefits, and Services Committee and it was our group that recognized a social and professional gap in the community and we started thinking, researching, and planning about how to close that gap,’’ Gray says.

This young professional acknowledges the personal rewards of membership. “I’m very excited” about YPN, Gray beams. “I was born and raised in Texas, and a career move brought me to Illinois. YPN has offered me an opportunity to network with other dedicated, young professionals in the community.”

Sara Segur, KRVCC/YPN liaison, says YPN’s social events help foster such networking bonds. “The events so far have been a success, and on Oct. 7, there will be a tour of the historic Paramount Theatre downtown and a possible screening of a film,” she announces.

Segur says the only stipulations to getting involved with YPN are that you are 21 through 39 years old and have an e-mail address.

For further information, contact Segur at sara.segur@krvcc.org.

This article was originally published in Images of the Kankakee River Valley.