WHAT IS ASHE COUNTY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS?

Who We Are Membership

THe Ashe County Young Professionals (ACYP) group is a program designed to create a meaningful network of dedicated, talented young professionals ranging in ages 21-45 in Ashe County.

Our Mission

THe Ashe County Young Professionals' mission is to create a platform for our members to build relationships both professionally and personally, to become philanthropically and socially active, and to contribute to the high quailty living in Ashe County.

THe cost to join ACYP is an annual fee of $30 for Ashe County Chamber members and $40 for non-Chamber members. Your membership includes invitations to all gatherings.

many outdoor activities, also heard of ACYP through the word of mouth grapevine.

“I saw a group that had a lot of potential but lacked some direction, and they were in need of someone to take a leadership role, so I volunteered,” Biggers described. “Being a professor, it is my job to see what students are capable of and then showing that to them and making them want to achieve

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Bailey Little

it. Getting through to us young people can be a daunting task, but I like a challenge so I accepted the role.”

Little joined ACYP in April 2022 when she attended her first meeting after hearing about the group from one of her friends who was a member.

“I was instantly intrigued and contacted the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce for more information and upcoming meeting dates,” Little shared. “As a young professional, it sparked my interest to hear of such a group in our community. Growing as a leader is something that I make an effort to work on in both my personal and professional endeavors. I believed that by joining this group as a member, I would grow as a leader and be able to give back to my community, which is also something I am passionate about. When I joined ACYP, I never imagined that I would end up being one of the leaders of the committee or that it would happen so quickly. However, I am happy to be in this position and have the opportunity to help build the foundation and complete the groundwork for its future.”

Jason Barker, who is the Communications Coordinator for ACYP, also joined last year.

“I am happy to be back this year with a new set of people, a new outlook on how we would like to approach keeping our members involved for the long haul, and new things that we hope to accomplish,” Barker said.

Little further explained that the redefined mission of ACYP, first and foremost, is to get out and socialize.

“We are still experiencing some lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Little said. “It was a long two years where people of all ages experienced loneliness and felt shut off from society. Some of us still fall victim to that rut, especially if we get into the routine of only going to work and coming home. We need an extra layer of socialization, in addition to our relationships with coworkers and families. ACYP can be that!”

Piselli added, “It’s important because loneliness and lack of purpose is something we all can experience. Post-college life can leave people floundering because no one is laying it out for you anymore, and it is your time to make life what you want it to be. You aren’t surrounded by people with similar interests and struggles anymore. A group like this can assist in that transition period and provide purpose and community.”

Members of ACYP meet regularly to discuss community and social issues, build relationships, and plan events to benefit needs in the county.

“I hope members gain friends first and foremost,” Biggers said. “Next, I want them to gain a feeling of fulfillment in helping people around Ashe.”

The group gets together around two to three times each month.

“We at the Chamber all agree that what ACYP is doing right now – building those connections, having those social events, getting back out together

We at the Chamber all agree that what ACYP is doing right now – building those connections, having those social events, getting back out together – is really key. The goal in mind is for them to be contributing back to Ashe too, whether it’s through volunteer opportunities or organizing events, but we understand that that base, that familiarity, and those friendships have to happen first.

- REBECCA GREER

– is really key,” Greer said. “The goal in mind is for them to be contributing back to Ashe too, whether it’s through volunteer opportunities or organizing events, but we understand that that base, that familiarity, and those friendships have to happen first.”

Barker shared that there is a reason why socializing is a big part of the group.

“Those who work together should also enjoy having a good time together,” Barker said. “A work/play balance is very important in life and can sometimes be hard to achieve. Having social outings as a group creates a reward program also, which helps to keep members involved and doing things together. Those who do not wish to participate in the community outreach events, will not get to enjoy our social outings. Social outings become a privilege – one earned through involvement and consistency.”

To help build those friendships, members of ACYP have participated in various activities together like escape rooms, game nights, and enjoying each other’s company at local restaurants.

“We do need to make sure that we are compliant with regulation since we are a subcommittee of the Ashe Chamber of Commerce,” Little said. “In the past, there was a big focus at ACYP meetings on everything we needed to be working on or doing. It is great to be community involved, but we do not wish for this committee to overwhelm people or add to the stress everyone is already experiencing as they navigate careers and personal lives. We do want to give back to the community, of course, but we plan to do this realistically and do not want it to be the sole focus of our meetings/social events. We will all work together as a group to plan projects to benefit the Ashe County community using all of our talents, connections and skill sets.”

And all members of ACYP come from a wide variety of backgrounds. For example, Little has lived in Ashe County for 16 years, as she moved to the area from her hometown of Key West, Florida, during the summer before 4th grade. She attended Appalachian State University, and now works as an Administrative Assistant at the district level for Ashe County Schools.

When asked what her favorite part about living in Ashe County is, Little answered, “The people and sense of community.”

“It brings a sense of comfort to know that when you go anywhere, there is a possibility you will see someone you know,” Little said. “It warms my heart when I see people helping each other, whether it be holding the door open for people or covering a portion of someone else’s grocery bill when they are short on money. Even if people do not know you personally, they will often still smile and wave or greet you in some fashion.”

Barker, who is an entrepreneur, moved to Ashe County six years ago after he fell in love with living in the mountains back when he attended Western Carolina University. He agreed with Little about the appeal to Ashe County.

“The laid back atmosphere, the small town feel, and the amazing people that I have gotten to know since I moved here are the best parts,” Barker said.

The overall sense of community in Ashe County is what inspired a lot of members to participate in ACYP.

“ACYP is a great opportunity for young people to meet new like-minded individuals,” Barker described. “I also believe that with the outlets we have in the area for young people to do things, an outlet that allows them to brainstorm on ways they can help the community, and then take action to make those things happen is very important. This helps them work as a team, turn ideas into actionable accomplishments, and grow as people. Members get a chance to grow as people and feel like a part of something bigger than them, and the community gets to reap the rewards of this group, as our goals are to give back to the community in as many creative ways as we can come up with.”

As far as future events, there are many upcoming opportunities where members will be able to get involved in the community and contribute, such as by working with local food pantries and Generations Ashe.

“I would like to see a wide range of opportunities for serving the community,” Carlton shared. “Such as, but not limited to, river clean

ACYP is a great opportunity for young people to meet new like-minded individuals. I also believe that with the outlets we have in the area for young people to do things, an outlet that allows them to brainstorm on ways they can help the community, and then take action to make those things happen is very important.

- JASON BARKER

ACYP will soon be an everyday term around Ashe. When people see a sign, they will say, ‘I know them; my grandson helps them.’ ACYP is important because the youth are the future. That’s not just an expression, it is a fact. We have to help the youth find ways to help and connect with the local community, and this is the best avenue. ACYP aims to develop meaningful and purposeful relationships between the future leaders of Ashe County.

- JOSHUA BIGGERS

ups, food drives, and planting flowers at the hospital, parks, and other public places. There are also opportunities for coat drives, assisting in vocational programs, and tutoring/mentorship. Anything that can be done to help any segments of the community that are under-served – I think we need to show up for them. Whether it’s drug treatment, inmate services, promoting health screenings, providing educational programs for financial literacy, or advocating for nutrition and wellness, I think the possibilities are endless.”

In order to decide on what community service events to partake in, it’s a team effort – members discuss potential ideas and work together to reach out to various community leaders to plan out the best options.

“The purpose of ACYP is to work with local businesses and organizations to boost the economic development needed to propel the next generation into success,” Barker said. “It’s to work as a group to accomplish our goals, to learn how to work together for a greater good, and to shape the future of this place we call home. We are young, intelligent, and filled with drive. We plan to put our minds and bodies behind doing things that are helpful to the community while also growing ourselves. Members will gain skills in how to communicate, how to work as a team, and hopefully along the way, how to develop a sense of comradery.”

Carlton agreed and said, “I would like to see this group evolve into a successful well-oiled machine that serves the community and its members alike. ACYP is a diverse group of individuals eager to make a positive impact in their community and in their own lives.”

Greer shared that she looks forward to when she sees the group be recognized for who they are in the community and the impact that they are making.

“I want to hear people out in the community talking about ACYP and telling others about it because they need to be involved,” Greer said. “That’s what I want to see because I think then we’ll truly see the impact, and we’ll see more people involved and being part of the community.”

As far as the future of ACYP goes, Biggers shared that his vision is to see a path for younger generations.

“ACYP will soon be an everyday term around Ashe,” Biggers described. “When people see a sign, they will say, ‘I know them; my grandson helps them.’ ACYP is important because the youth are the future. That’s not just an expression, it is a fact. We have to help the youth find ways to help and connect with the local community, and this is the best avenue. ACYP aims to develop meaningful and purposeful relationships between the future leaders of Ashe County.”

Barker added, “My vision is to see this group create a way forward for those who will come behind us, to lay the groundwork for what this group will grow to become, and to use this group as a vehicle for creating our future negotiators and change makers.”

When speaking about his fellow group members, Barker said, “I can see many great talents in each member, and I look forward to seeing them use those talents to help push our message and to do great things in the community.”

With everyone having different experiences, Biggers explained that “each member of ACYP brings their own flare. Each member offers their own ideas, which allows ACYP to be multifunctional as well as multidimensional.”

However, ACYP couldn’t have formed without the involvement and dedication of leadership and members alike.

“I am appreciative of our leaders taking on the challenge of running this group in their already busy lives, and I am very appreciative of how positive and kind everyone has been so far,” Piselli shared. “It has already helped me to meet new people, make new friends, and have a new sense of purpose. I hope to continue to make new friends, be a friend to others, and spread some joy and love throughout this community by helping others and just enjoying life together.”

Little added, “I would like to say that I appreciate my fellow group members. I appreciate their trust and them believing in me. One of our group members has told me repeatedly that they are so happy that Joshua and I took over the group and that it is here in Ashe County. So far, as a group, we are enjoying getting to know each other and sharing ideas of what we can do to support local businesses and organizations. It is really special that people in their 20s and 30s are both present and future-minded and want to make a difference in the county they live in. I admire everyone’s passion for their professions as well. We have a diverse group of people with knowledge in various fields. I think that is a strength, and I am excited to see what we will accomplish by working together.”

For individuals who are interested in joining Ashe County Young Professionals, they are encouraged to contact Joshua Biggers at joshuaacyp@gmail.com or Bailey Little at baileyacyp@gmail.com to learn about the process. People can also learn more about ACYP by visiting the social media platforms @ashecoyoungprofessionals on Instagram and Ashe County Young Professionals on Facebook. There is an annual fee of $30 for Ashe County Chamber of Commerce members and $40 for non-Chamber members to join ACYP as well as an application form. Membership includes invitations to all gatherings and ACYP events. For more information, call the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce at 336-846-9550.

“This group cannot be successful or reach its goals without dedicated members who have a passion for serving Ashe,” Carlton said. “I would encourage anyone who is making a life in this community to take a moment and find a way to give back through service. If ACYP doesn’t feel like that right fit, find what is, but if you’re even mildly interested, come join us for a meeting and help shape our future.”

Little extended Carlton’s invitation and said, “We want to continue 2023 strong and begin the transformation of this group into what we as a collective would like it to be. We want to allow those who are interested and dedicated to the committee and its future success to be as involved as possible. Come to our next meet up, introduce yourself, share your ideas, and have fun!” t

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