The Young Professionals organization of Sampson County has seen several changes in the last year, but the mission of bringing the community together remains the same.

According to steering committee member Amber Cava, the organization is working to help local citizens connect with other individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the county. In the last year, the organization has connected more than 100 local individuals.

“In the last year, the Young Professionals organization has worked to connect over 100 local citizens,” Cava said. “By doing so, we have been able to strengthen the community by allowing these young people to network, promote their businesses and organizations, and find peers that they may otherwise never have crossed paths with.”

One of the biggest changes — the organization no longer has a membership fee and is now geared toward those who are between the ages of 22 and 45. Cava said there are plans to get the Young Professionals out into the community volunteering at local high schools and community college and assist with resume building and interviewing skills.

The Young Professionals organization, Cava said, has helped the community at large through many projects, such as partnering with the Downtown Clinton Committee. One of the biggest benefits of participating in the Young Professionals organization is getting the opportunity to network with others in your same age group.

“We plan to continue to do networking and social activities, which is important to young professionals,” Cava said. “Some of our members may not cross paths in other ways, so we offer opportunities for them to meet and get to know each other.”

This year, Cava said the organization plans to volunteer through the Habitat for Humanity project scheduled for Sampson County as one of the ways to provide community service opportunities through membership.

The annual kick-off event for the upcoming year of Young Professionals is scheduled for Aug. 25 from 6-9 p.m. at Ribeyes. This event is open to current members and their families, but those interested in joining the organizations are invited to come out and meet other members.

Many other social events, including a mixer at the Ashford Inn, a Tacky Sweater Christmas party, and most recently a night out at a Durham Bulls game, have been held in the past as a way for members to get together for a time of fun and fellowship. Cava said the organization plans to not only continue with these ideas, but has new events on the calendar.

Members of the steering committee are Cava, Phillip Andrews of H.N.Carr, Kaitlin Adkins of the Chamber of Commerce, Benjamin Baker of Ribeyes, Chris Driver from Warrick, Bradshaw & Lockamy, Brittney Gainey of Sampson Regional Medical Center, Jay Little of B.J. Williamson and Kristin Stafford of the City of Clinton.

For those interested in becoming a member of the organization, visit the Young Professional’s Facebook page or attend the kickoff event.

By Kristy D. Carter

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Reach Kristy D. Carter at 910-592-8137, ext. 2588. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd. Like us on Facebook.