THUNDER BAY — A new chapter is beginning for the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Shift: Thunder Bay's Young Professionals Network.
The network, which was developed by young professionals more than 10 years ago, fell by the wayside due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This month, Shift returns with opportunities for networking and collaboration among people between 19 and 40 years of age from a variety of professions and backgrounds.
Charla Robinson, president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, explained that as young professionals, they recognized a gap and saw a need for a venue to connect with other young professionals.
"They started a networking group and that grew to a very successful group that they incorporated with their own board of directors, all led by young professionals in the 19- to 40-year-old range," Robinson said.
"They focused on networking, professional development, skills development, those sorts of things."
The network hosts events focused on young professionals' development, aimed at expanding their opportunities to build the relationships that are important to their career success. There is no membership fee, but there are costs involved with organized events.
"But now they recognize that they need some regular support, so we're happy to be providing that," Robinson said. "The network will roll back into the chamber and become a program of the Chamber of Commerce as a way for us to support the development of a professional community for young professionals."
Robinson added that this is a good time to relaunch Shift.
"We know that we need young professionals to stay here because that's important for the growth and the vibrancy of our community," she said.
The Chronicle Journal / Local Journalism Initiative
