1/28/2003CHAMBER SPONSORS NEW PROGRAM FOR YOUNG WORKERS
A new program relying on monthly social events and educational programs to improve the quality of life for young Cortland County employees is now being formed. Sponsored by the Cortland County Chamber of Commerce, the Young Professionals Network will help meet the social and professional needs of area employees age 35 and under. “We really feel like this can be of great value to the younger members of the local workforce,” said Johanna Ames, one of the program’s coordinators. “It meets a need. “ Todd Waltman, who is working with Ames to pull the program together, said employers will benefit from the program, as well. “Recruiting and retaining good young employees is critical to our community’s prospects for growth,” he said. “A program like this, one that enhances quality of life, can help.”
The YPN’s first event, a social gathering at the 1890 House, is scheduled for 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13. Anyone interested in attending should contact the Chamber of Commerce at 756-2814. “I want to credit Johanna and Todd for coordinating this,” said Chamber executive director Garry VanGorder. “People in this demographic were among the most likely to leave Central New York in the 1990s, and even though that out-migration has leveled off, we need to do whatever we can to retain such a critical component of our workforce.”