Guest column by Brittney Sherman: Millennials are banding together through SCYPN

Published in the May 24 – June 6, 2017 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Brittney Sherman

Here in South County we have a YPN. “What is a YPN?” you might ask. YPN stands for Young Professionals Network.

Most YPNs place an age limit on their attendees, generally within the threshold of 21 to 39. Some of these networks are directly operated through chambers of commerce, whereas others are run by volunteer committees of local young businessmen and women. The model for most YPNs are monthly mixers and events based around networking, business development, education and community involvement. However they are formed and managed, YPNs play an enormous role in getting millennials involved in their business and local communities. The South County Young Professionals Network (SCYPN) is an example of a YPN established in our backyard. SCYPN prides itself on waiving the traditional age limitations, and instead welcomes all those “young at heart.” SCYPN was started in 2015 by board members of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce. The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce has taken a very active role with the group’s inception and has been instrumental in getting SCYPN launched and recognized throughout the community. SCYPN has now grown large enough to service the South County area, to include Morgan Hill, Gilroy and Hollister.

The Morgan Hill and Gilroy chambers of commerce recognized a need to have more businesses and professionals come together under a culture that directly impacts young professionals and entrepreneurs. SCYPN has become a platform for millennials to socialize with, learn from, and develop connections with other like-minded individuals. Recently, SCYPN has established a relationship with the Small Business Development Center, which has provided guest speakers and free guidance to SCYPN affiliates. SCYPN can be used as an effective marketing tool for companies looking to hire young professionals from outside locations, or to provide greater value to existing young employees. Since October, the network’s monthly mixers have included a community fundraising focus, centered around donating raffle contributions to various local nonprofit organizations such as Rebekah Children’s Services and One Giving Tree.

The young business professionals who attend our events are surrounded by business people of all ages, within all facets of the community, and with similar interests and challenges. SCYPN hosts a mixer every month, and an educational event every quarter. Traditionally, our events occur the last Thursday of the month, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at alternating Gilroy and Morgan Hill locations. All chamber and non-chamber members are welcome to attend the mixers free of charge. Whether you are young in age or in business, knowledge and connections are always invaluable.

SCYPN is a recognizable organization within the South County community that has grown its membership and community outreach. With a strong internal committee comprised of local professionals, and led by 2017 Chair Majesta Patterson, this YPN will continue to lead the millennial movement. Whether you are young in age, in business or in heart, we invite you to be a part of SCYPN.

To learn more about SCYPN or to join our contact list, visit our website at www.scypn.org.

Brittney Sherman is the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce’s community membership and engagement director and a founding member of SCYPN. Reach her at (408) 779-9994.