Young Professionals of Chattanooga had to change their game in a big way in 2020, but the professional development and networking group actually added members during the pandemic, says Austin Corcoran, talent attraction and retention manager for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.
“As part of our pivot, I’ve been connecting with [the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga] and Chattanooga State [Community College] and those young professionals, reaching into higher education to create that bridge,” he says. Young Professionals of Chattanooga has more than 500 members, and fills a unique role that helps people find their place in the professional landscape as they transition out of college, he adds.
Young Professionals of Chattanooga
* Online: chattanoogachamber.com/chamber/program/young-professionals-of-chattanooga* Leadership: The group is overseen by the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and managed by a 20-member volunteer board.* Costs: It’s free to join, though there are fees for specific programs and events.
A young professional is generally considered 21 to 40 years old, but the group also welcomes members who are “young at heart,” Corcoran says.
“At many of our events, I have seen a bigger influx of different age ranges, and I love that,” he says. “This gives us the opportunity to connect our younger members with those who may be more established in their careers.”