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Message from the Executive Director ... Alexandria Area Young Professionals
from Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce - A look back at 2022, a look ahead to 2023
by Echo Press
The Alexandria Area Young Professionals (AAYP) was established to “enrich the lives of area young professionals in their 20s and 30s through networking, education and community involvement.”
The group hosts luncheons the first Thursday of every month as well as “Connect Group” gatherings the third Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. and the fourth Thursday from 7 to 8 a.m. at local businesses.
The Connect Groups offer more opportunities for members to connect with other young professionals in a social atmosphere and offer an alternative for those whose schedule doesn’t allow for attendance at noon luncheons.
Other social, networking, and community service opportunities are also held throughout the year.
While AAYP falls under the umbrella of the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, a person does not have to be an employee of a Chamber member business to join this organization.
The 2022 AAYP Leadership Team included: Lauren Johnson, President/ Chamber Liaison (Alexandria Chamber of Commerce); Kayla Fearing, Past President (Hilltop Lumber); Breanna Goracke, Vice President (Douglas County); Philip Zimpel, Treasurer (Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union); Rebecca Lillemon, Marketing Coordinator (Alomere Health); Taylor Conn, Events Coordinator (eXp Realty); Kreg Anderson, Secretary (Alexandria Aviation); Courtney Childers, Member at Large (McCarten Design).
At the December luncheon, members of the Alexandria Area Young Professionals brought in toy donations for Toys for Kids – MCL Runestone Detachment 1409. Members in attendance include (back): Robert Pachan (Primerica), Bennett Schuneman (Glenwood State Bank), Logan Long (Individual Member), Kristi Anderson (Love In the Name of Christ), Ryan Twedt (GCI), Robin Hoeper (Bell Bank), Kari Ziesemer (McCarten Design), Kali Johnson (Viking Bank), Katie DeGier (Alexandria Chamber), Jason Crannell (ITW Heartland), John Reitter (Gardonville), Lindsey Newtal (Gardonville). Middle: Brandon Plotz (Edward Jones), Kreg Anderson (Alexandria Aviation), Taylor Conn (eXp Realty), Renae Matthies (Douglas Machine), Breanna Goracke (Douglas County), Bobbi Prouty (Viking Bank), Kendra Bauck (VFW 936 Alexandria), John Zipoy (Brenton), Eliza Gould (Wells Fargo). Front: Matt Jossart (Bell Bank), Jess Ptacek (Alexandria Chamber), Kelsi Leeseberg (Safe Families for Children), Courtney Childers (McCarten Design), Lauren Johnson (Alexandria Chamber), Kayla Fearing (Hilltop Lumber).
