Young and Hip
Article courtesy of the Holland Sentinel - February 23, 2004
Barry Rice had high hopes when he helped start Holland Young Professionals.
The first event — held at the Firehouse Bar and Grill in Holland Township — drew about 40 people.
What happened next surprised even Rice.
About 115 people came to the group’s next event held in January at New Holland Brewing.
“I thought it would increase gradually,” said Rice, 22, who works in business development at Worksighted, a Holland-based computer network and Web support company.
“It far exceeded my expectations,” he said. The group recruits new members through e-mail and word of mouth.
Holland Young Professionals was formed by Rice, Worksighted co-founder Mat Nguyen and Robyn Wennersten of Woodland Realty.
The trio wanted 21- to 35- year-olds to have a source to connect socially and professionally.
Once a month they meet for some fun, but they also meet to network for their careers.
Last month, they met with Dan Bourbon, director of the economic development group, Lakeshore Advantage. Bourbon said the group’s goals of keeping and drawing-in young professionals is “critical to our economic future in the area.”
Bourbon said he was impressed with the club’s growing ranks.
“It bodes well for the area,” he said.
Waiting his turn to bowl at the group’s latest mixer at the Holland Bowling Center last week, 22 year-old Adam Briggs said the club was a welcome sign when he moved into town last month to take a job as a product launch engineer with Transmatic.
“I had been to Holland about once,” Briggs said, who grew up in the Grand Rapids area.
Briggs found out about the group through Wennersten, his relocation agent. By meeting new people, Butch helped accelerate his comfort in moving to a new place.
That comfort level should help keep young people in the area, Rice said.
And just like Holland wants to retain them, so does the organization.
Instead of members ponying up for the events, businesses sponsors pay for the events.
“We are going to stay away from dues. We want to keep it open, Rice said.
People interested in Holland Young Professionals can contact Barry Rice at rice@worksighted.com.
