It is all about being casual as plans move ahead to work with the future leaders of the area.
The rebirth of the Young Elizabethton Professionals (YEP) group got underway during an hour long discussion with a handful of members before the start of the Elizabethton Twins’ contest on Thursday at Joe O’Brien Field.
After receiving the greenlight months ago and falling to the wayside, the group began a resurgence with members talking with one another. Thursday’s discussion was spearheaded by Thomas Davis, with Edward Jones, as a way to put the wheels back in motion of establishing connections with members serious with the group.
“We were really excited when this began because it gave us kind of a unique opportunity as young professionals to bring resources to the community in a very boiled down fashion that may not be available otherwise,” Davis recently to the Elizabethton Star.
Informality and basic conversations in a relaxed atmosphere continues to be the game plan moving forward.
Elizabethton Planning and Development Director Jon Hartman, who helped create the group, mentioned the relaxed atmosphere helps items move smoother when working with other directors in the area, adding he likes the current structure in place for the group.
YEP doesn’t operate like a standard board, with various elected officials. Members Thursday agreed to make things more laid back, and appoint members who would be interested into a leadership/executive-type of committee to think of ideas and plans moving forward, a “brain trust” of sorts, as United Way Community Involvement Director Josh McKinney said during the meeting, to address issues like transportation, utility payment for citizens, or other ideas.
The relaxed atmosphere of just discussing items proved to be an assist for the local United Way, with McKinney pointing out that he mentioned an audit was upcoming during the previous YEP meeting. At said meeting, he got in touch with an individual that actually helped the United Way save $7,000.
“That’s what we want to be,” Davis said. “Have these types of discussion, bring an issue to the table, then hash it out. They can either do it or bring it back to their employer and help that way.”
Discussions also were carried out on the idea of electing “YEP mentors” to assist. With the group currently comprised of multiple individuals near the 40 years and younger category, the group will look at bringing in the assistance of seasoned business owners, organization leaders or other types of individuals to help mold the process moving forward.
YEP is looking at continuing the monthly meeting, tentatively set for the fourth Thursday of each month. The next scheduled meeting is pegged for Thursday, Aug. 25, at Jiggy Ray’s in downtown Elizabethton at 6 p.m.
For more information, visit the Young Elizabethton Professionals Facebook page online.