Young Professionals

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About the Program

The Greater Mankato Young Professionals program provides opportunities to make new connections and familiarize its members with the amenities available in Greater Mankato. The YPs are a vibrant group of 21 to 40-year-olds who love living and working in our community that have the opportunity to connect through engaging socials and professional development sessions!

What does the YP Program Include?

One social event per month
One professional development event per month
Access and exposure to mentoring opportunities and networks
Networking lunches
Opportunities to serve on committees.

Examples of Past Social Events:

Wow!Zone
Kayaking
Minnesota State University Mankato Indoor Climbing Wall
MoonDogs Baseball Game
Snowshoeing & Wine tasting
Progressive Dinner
Minnesota State University Maverick Hockey Game
and more!

Examples of Past Professional Development Events:

Customer Service
Values Assessment
Working with Difficult People
Asking for a Promotion
Running an Effective Meeting
Speed networking
Business Tours
and more!

How much does it cost to participate?

Annual participation in the program is $360 for Greater Mankato Growth members, Engaged level or higher, and includes all activities and events. Annual dues will help cover the cost of venues, food and program materials needed.

Does Your Employer Have Credits? Copper through Diamond level members may also receive credits towards the program fee.

Benefits of the Program

BENEFITS TO PARTICIPANTS

The program provides an opportunity to meet others and expand professional skills while focusing on learning, socializing and community engagement. Participants will have the chance to:

Develop relationships with more than 150 fellow young professionals
Expand business connections
Enhance their leadership skills
Increase engagement in the community
Have fun!

BENEFITS TO EMPLOYERS

Be a part of the 110 businesses supporting the Young Professionals in our community
Retain young leaders for your business and our community
Provide education experiences
Cost-effective development and retention strategy.

Thank you to our program sponsors

2023 Schedule

All events, programs, and sponsorship opportunities are subject to change.

January

Social:
Bowling at Wow!Zone (1/17)

Professional Development:
Stress Mangement w/ Dr. Bobendrier (1/24)

February

Social:
Buzztime Trivia (2/8)

Professional Development:
MCHS Event Center Tour (2/14)

March

Social:
Tour & Tasting at Schell’s Brewery (3/28)

Professional Development:
Women in Leadership Panel (3/22)

Spring Mentor Lunch:
Waitlist Registration (3/15)

March Book Club:
So Now What? (3/1)

April

Social:
Pickleball (4/25)

Professional Development:
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome w/ Dr. Karla Lassonde (4/6)

Spring Mentor Lunch:
Waitlist Registration (4/19)

May

Social:
Patio Party at Rounders (5/23)

Professional Development:
Homebuying (5/11)

Spring Mentor Lunch:
Waitlist Registration (5/17)

Summer Book Club:
Atomic Habits (5/3)

June

Social:
Lakeside Fun at Bray Park (6/21)

Professional Development:
Networking Lunch (6/14)

New Member Event
CityArt Scavenger Hunt + Social (6/8)

July

Social:
MoonDogs Game (7/26)

Professional Development:
Volunteer Opportunity Open House w/Dr. Cuong Huynh (7/18)

July Book Club:
Leaders Eat Last (7/12)

August

Social: Old Town Scavenger Hunt + Social at Alive After 5 (8/31)

Professional Development: Small Business Development Center Presentation (8/24) RESCHEDULED to 9/14

September

August’s Rescheduled Professional Development: Small Business Development Center Presentation (9/14)

Social: Make Your Own Creation at ARTifact (9/25)

Professional Development:
Truck Center Companies Tour (9/20)

Bonus Mentor Lunch
Chris Harstad, Ceceli Polzin, Bradley Schloesser (9/13, 10/11, 11/8)

September Book Club:
The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team

October

Social: MSU Hockey Game (10/13)

Professional Development: Sarah Harstad – Following the Leader (10/26)

Bonus Mentor Lunch
Chris Harstad, Ceceli Polzin, Bradley Schloesser (9/13, 10/11, 11/8)

November

Social: Arch + Cable Tour & Social

Professional Development: “Being a Conflict Competent Manager” (11/15)

Bonus Mentor Lunch
Chris Harstad, Ceceli Polzin, Bradley Schloesser (9/13, 10/11, 11/8)

Book Club:
TBD

December

Social:
Holiday Party

Professional Development:
Annual Meeting

“The Young Professionals program has been a great experience. The program has allowed me to make meaningful connections with other young professionals in the community at social events. Site tours, guest panels, mentorship lunches, and other professional development events have been great ways to learn about the opportunities Mankato offers. I would highly recommend getting involved with YPs!”

Andrew JelkenUS Bank

"YP’s has been a great way to feel connected to the Greater Mankato area. You are able to learn humble origin stories of local companies, how interconnected our area is, and the values of the community through tours, trainings and social events. Employers, the YP investment is perfect for keeping young talent in Greater Mankato."

Kaitlynn SteeleBrennan Companies

“In my eyes, the YP Mentor Lunch Program is one of the best programs offered to our members. It’s a unique opportunity to connect in an intimate setting with individuals in our community who have climbed their ladders in different ways. The knowledge I have learned through active and engaging discussions with leaders in our community has been extremely beneficial in my professional development and my personal growth. Another huge win is adding well connected people to my personal network who truly care about our community and the long term sustainability of it. Outside of the relationships I’ve built during my time as a YP, the Mentor Program is at the top of my list in terms of where I’ve received the most value.”

Nate OlsenBremer Bank

"I love being a YP member due to all the connections I’ve made both personally and professionally. Many of my best friends I met in YPs. Plus you get to explore the many fun things Mankato has to offer!"

Dr. Murphy GrotewoldCarlson-Tillisch Eye Cliic