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But the group hopes this new partnership will help Springfield Young Professionals expand its reach and offer more benefits to its members.
“When you join a group like this, you want to network with people your age,” Webster said. “But you also want to meet people who are above you who you can learn from and that’s something the chamber’s connections can offer.”
Webster, who is a recent Wittenberg alum, will act as the liaison between the chamber and the Young Professionals organization.
To introduce the new partnership, Springfield Young Professionals hosted an event Wednesday evening at downtown Springfield’s Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co.
Attendees at the informal meet-and-greet event were offered free glasses with a newly redesigned Springfield Young Professionals logo.
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Throughout the year, the group plans to host six meet-ups, Webster said, one every other month that will alternate between evening networking opportunities and lunch-and-learn events.
The group also has plans to extend its efforts to Wittenberg University and Clark State Community College, Webster said.
“If we work with younger people who are still in college, too, hopefully we can encourage more people to stay here in Springfield,” she said.
The push to re-brand the organization and develop a relationship with the chamber started last summer, Webster said. At the time, the group only had about 15 to 20 active members, she said, but now, with the resources of the chamber behind it, Webster said she and others in the organization hope to see a boost in its membership.
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“This is going to be an opportunity for people to make connections themselves professionally,” she said, “but it’s also going to be a way to build on positive momentum here in Springfield.”
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