Be seen. Be heard.

making a difference
Young Professionals Network
BY JAKE BUCKLER
They’re young, dedicated and motivated
leaders who are making a difference in
The Woodlands. This group is known as the
Young Professionals Network, and they’re
always looking for a few more members.
Founded in 2006 as a networking group for professionals
between the ages of 21-39, the Woodlands Area Chamber of
Commerce Young Professionals Network is experiencing a rebirth
of sorts. Under the leadership of Co-Team Leaders Jay Tompkins
and Brittani Burress, the YPN has restructured its meeting
schedule to become more accessible to potential members, and
the organization is preparing to become more involved with the
community. This should be good news to everyone who lives and
works in The Woodlands.
Much has changed at YPN since Jay Tompkins CPA joined
in 2008. “The group meets in the evening on the first Thursday
of every month,” he said. “While these gatherings were always a
fun and interesting way to network, we noticed that attendance
was starting to decrease. After some discussion, we realized
that our members have families and other obligations during the
evening, so we needed to create new meeting times that would
better accommodate current and prospective members.” Tompkins
is a tax partner at Karlins Ramey & Tompkins LLC, and lives in
Montgomery with his wife, Jodi, and children Ethan (9), Alie (6) and
Will (3).
While keeping its Evening Mixers, YPN began hosting its Lunch
and Learn events, as well as Morning Coffee Seminars. “These
additions improved attendance and helped change the image of
the organization as being something more than just a networking
and socializing group,” said Brittani Burress. “The Lunch and Learn
events feature a variety of guest speakers whom our members find
motivating and educational, and we’ve seen an increase in interest
in the YPN.” Originally from Port Neches, Burress lives in The
Woodlands and is Marketing Director for Preva Health.
YPN members are eager to participate in community events in
The Woodlands. This is evidenced by the group’s organizing and
volunteer work it does to make the annual Woodlands CrawPHish
Festival an enjoyable event for so many. “Jack Stibbs, a lawyer in
Spring, has a daughter with Pulmonary Hypertension,” Tompkins
said. “This made us aware of the condition and we wanted to help.”
In conjunction with The Woodlands Area Chamber of
Commerce, YPN members host the one-day festival held in Town
Green Park, which features live music, children’s activities and
authentic Louisiana crawfish and BBQ. “This year, we attracted
more than 3,000 people from all over the country, and the event
raised more than $100,000 to help find a cure for Pulmonary
Jay Tompkins
Brittani Burress
Hypertension,” Tompkins added.
The success of The Woodlands CrawPHish Festival has
inspired Burress. “I would like to see the organization participate in
another event locally that benefits Pulmonary Hypertension,” she
explained. “This is something I plan to bring up at our next meeting.
We’re always looking for new members, as well, so anyone
interested in becoming part of this organization is encouraged to
contact us or come to a meeting.”
The Young Professionals Network is an exclusive network
of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. It was created
to provide young professionals with the opportunity to develop
socially and professionally. The group offers a variety of networking
opportunities to connect young professionals with peers,
professional development seminars and special events, and is
always open to new members.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
About the Young Professionals Network call
(281) 367-5777 or visit woodlandschamber.org
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