October 2016
CYP program for under-35 professionals expands to North Vancouver, Richmond and Tri-Cities
Four chambers of commerce from across the Lower Mainland are joining forces to provide networking and professional development opportunities for millennials beginning their careers.
Since 2007, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has offered a program called the Company of Young Professionals, with events and workshops catered specifically to those under the age of 35. The program will be expanded to include Members of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, and Tri- Cities Chamber of Commerce, as part of an exciting new regional partnership.
"When a young person is starting his or her career, that individual needs advice, inspiration, and connections with others in the business community. The CYP program fosters an environment where millennials can learn from seasoned business leaders while forging long-lasting relationships with other young professionals," said Iain Black, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. "We're thrilled to announce this new partnership, which will help create a strong, interconnected business community across our region."
"Collaboration is the key to greater success for all. That's why the North Vancouver Chamber is partnering with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and other regional chambers on the Company of Young Professionals program," said Louise Ranger, CEO of the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. "Together, we can support the next generation of business leaders for the future success of our region."
"The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been a leader engaging with millennial professionals as they advance in their careers. We're excited to be partnering with the Company of Young Professionals program in 2016-17, to expand this excellent networking and development initiative to young leaders in Richmond," said Rob Akimow, Chair of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce.
"In less than a decade, one in every two people in the world's workforce will be a millennial. This data underscores how important this demographic is to the future of our regional, provincial, and national economies — not to mention the future of business organizations and chambers of commerce," added Michael Hind, CEO of the Tri- Cities Chamber of Commerce.
"Programs such as the Company of Young Professionals are crucial to our collective success and will help us ensure the chamber movement remains relevant to Greater Vancouver's next generation of business leaders."