The national trend is for young professionals to migrate away from small, rural areas and towards large metropolitan areas.  As Quincy continues to grow with industry and retail, we must address this trend in order to become a competitive professional environment.   Studies have shown that if someone is actively engaged in a community, he or she is much more likely to stay rather than relocate for a job.

YP was started as a Steering Committee by GREDF (Great River Economic Development Foundation) in 2004 to discuss this trend and ways to make Quincy an attractive community to recruit, retain and engage young people.  A steering committee was formed and met on a regular basis, at first discussing what they would like to see in Quincy and than began to establish some goals and objectives and eventually transformed into a more structured group.  In 2006, GREDF and U of I Extension partnered to create a Community and Economic Development Coordinator Position to coordinate YP of the Quincy Area and The Tri-State Development Summit.  In 2006, YP formed a structured board and incorporated as a non-for-profit in the State of Illinois. 

The goals of the group are to engage young professionals and build a network for young professionals to seek social and career opportunities.  “Young” is loosely defined as 22-40 but there are no restrictions to membership.  Mission Statement: YP Quincy is a network of young adults, who develop, enhance and promote educational and career opportunities, entertainment and recreational activities, and active involvement in the community.

A board of directors and four committees lead the activities for the membership.  The committees were established around the mission statement: Social, Education, Public Relations and Community Betterment. 

The social committee has planned and adopted large annual events such as an independent film festival and a local version of The Amazing Race.  The social committee also plans quarterly social activities for members and hosts a monthly happy hour. 

The education committee works to educate YP members on activities and organizations in and around the Quincy Area.  The Education committee has publicized activities at John Wood Community College, Quincy University, the Quincy Art Center, The Historic Quincy Business District, Midsummer Arts Faire, Tri-State Development Summit and many others.  The education committee organized golf lessons for YP members.  A Community Panel was recently assembled of Mayor Spring, Chuck Bevelheimer, Cheryl Waterman and Jim Mentesti.  The panel talked to and with YP members about getting involved in the community.  A spring finance class for YP’s with the topics to include buying your first home and planning for retirement is currently being planned.

The community betterment committee also plans quarterly activities.  YP members have volunteered at a number of local events and organizations and have been asked to serve on boards of several area non-profits.  Volunteer requests and job opportunities for non-profits are posted on our web-site. 

A major initiative that YP has adopted is the Come Home to Quincy Campaign.  The campaign originally began as a need from Gardner Denver, a Quincy based manufacturing company to recruit young professionals for openings within their company. 

Quincy offers a Quality of Life that is unmatched in any urban area.  We are able to provide low cost of living, affordable housing, minimal commute times and low crime rate.  In addition, we have an incredible park system, two higher education facilities and great public and private school system.  Come Home to Quincy reminds urban professionals about this outstanding quality of life.

The Come Home to Quincy Campaign is a deliberate marketing effort to target professionals who live in urban areas, have had a vested interest in and emotional tie to the Quincy Area and would consider relocating back to Quincy given the right career opportunity. 

The goal of the Come Home to Quincy campaign is to maintain an updated and accurate database system of potential employees to serve as a tool for local recruiters.  This is done through the staff resources of Young Professionals of the Quincy Area. 

Why are so many communities starting Young Professionals Organizations (YPOs)? There are plenty of reasons. Here are two big ones:

1. YPOs connect your community’s young professionals to each other. When YPs move to new communities, they wonder, “Will I fit in?” “Who shares my interests?” “How will I meet people like me?” YPOs help answer those questions by connecting your YPs to each other.
2. YPOs connect young professionals to the community. When YPs feel engaged – that they have a voice and a stake in the community - they are 2-3 times more likely to stay.

YP Organizations aren’t your father’s Rotary and Kiwanis clubs. YPO’s are digital. They’re real-time. They’re agile.

YPs – like all people – want to make their communities better places to live, play and work. What’s different is that YPO’s use tools, technology and their networks in different ways. Sometimes, YPOs take on issues that other generations don’t see – or don’t understand.

YPOs are critical for cities that want to engage and retain young professionals. YPOs help cities become talent magnets.

Source:  www.ypcommons.org