Young professionals to lunch with area CEOs

SPRINGFIELD Young professionals from the Pioneer Valley are interacting with area CEO's and company leaders in a series of lunch meetings. The second in the series will be hosted by Allan Blair, President/CEO of the Economic Development Council (EDC) of Western Massachusetts on Aug. 15. The CEO Lunch Series seeks to introduce, engage and involve Young Professionals Society (YPS) members in business development, leadership and community issues.

Business and career development are key components of the YPS of Greater Springfield's mission. To support the mission, the group has organized the CEO Luncheon Series, hosted by different CEO's every other month, giving YPS members an exceptional opportunity to meet with, learn from, and share ideas with some of the most successful CEO's in the Pioneer Valley. Wayne Kapinos, Insurance Center of New England shared, "The most rewarding aspect to being a member of the YPS is the opportunity to confer with local decision makers; these luncheons provide that opportunity."

The August lunch is at maximum attendance as there is a real interest in the economic state of the region amongst young professionals. YPS members are seeking opportunities to get involved and make an impact. Blair and the EDC of Western Massachusetts bring together the positive resources from Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties in order to foster solid economic growth in the region. With the newly offered flights from Westover Airport on Skybus, as well as flights from Bradley International Airport to Amsterdam, the region has many positive signs of growth, and YPS members are eager to be part of this excitement.

If you are an under-40 professional interested in learning leadership skills or honing those that you have, the CEO Lunch Series is an excellent place to start. To learn more about the future YPS events and to sign up visit our Web site at www.springfieldyps.com.