YPN Newsletter, April 2012
Message from the President
Coming up to the end of our 2011-2012 year, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed, my first as President, and the first for the organization without our fearless founder, Andre Sullivan, leading the way.
As has been the case since we started, the YPN has had another very busy year. We have added new events while changing others. We have introduced sports teams and tournaments to help us get out and moving while getting a chance to meet and get to know one another. All this couldn't have been done without our Board of Directors who have all done an unbelievable job of shaping the organization into what you see today and I hope it reflects the needs and wants of our members.
Looking at our membership roster, I am pleased to see not only a large increase of members from previous year, but also an increase in the diversity of our membership. We started out with a vision of becoming a business networking group and have grown into something much more than that. The YPN has become a key stakeholder within our community and a membership that reflects not only the business community, but the community as a whole. Our presence and growth as an organization shows there was a void that needed to be filled within Nanaimo and it makes me proud to see what we have become in such a short time.
Our success so far has even inspired others to create similar organizations in communities throughout Vancouver Island. First up was Joe Renooy and Matthew Beckett who initiated the forming of the Young Professionals of Comox Valley. Their initial event was amazing with more than 75 young professionals from around the Comox Valley showing up. From there, the Young Professionals of Campbell River has sprouted up with Young Professionals of Cowichan not far behind and others sure to follow. It will be interesting to learn from one another as we collaborate to make our organizations and our communities the best that they can be.
The forming of other Young Professional groups on the island couldn't have come at a better time. With our Connect VI conference coming up on June 8th and 9th, this will be a great opportunity for members of all these groups to meet. It will also be a great opportunity for all young professionals from across Vancouver Island to come together to connect, engage with one another and unite as the next generation of business, political, and community leaders. Our generation's time to lead is approaching, so one of our desired outcomes of the conference is to spark an interest in ensuring our generation starts to "learn the ropes" and become involved in helping create a successful generational transition. I hope you will join us in making this a success!
This past year has been an amazing experience and I would like to thank you all for each of your contributions that have helped make the YPN what it is today.
Sincerely,
Leif Bogwald
2011/12 YPN President