GRYP - Grand Rapids Young Professionals

Grand Rapids Young Professionals
February Newsletter

We've made it through the first month of the year with some fairly mild weather so far, but the Groundhog saw his shadow and you know what that means: Six more weeks of winter. Don't worry! We've got just the thing to get you through it! We've got a full calendar of great events this month and hope to see you there!

New Member Happy Hour  @ Rezervoir 
February 8, 2018

New to Grand Rapids Young Professionals and want to get involved? Come join us on Thursday, February 8 for a night of conversation by escaping the Michigan winter. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other new members in a more intimate setting than our larger events.

Come see what GRYP is all about, what are you waiting for?

For more information and to reserve your spot, click here.

Stewardship Workday @ Lamberton Lake
February 10, 2018

GRYP is teaming up with the Land Conservancy during their monthly event, focusing on ecological restoration activities! These can include invasive species removal, seed collecting, and native plant installation. Volunteers may also be involved with trail maintenance, general clean-up, or other tasks that help visitors better enjoy our magnificent natural areas.

For more information and to reserve your spot, click here.

Featured Member: Nick Govan

Nick Govan has been a GRYP member for about a year, and we think he's pretty great! Look out for him at some upcoming events and make sure to introduce yourself!

We asked Nick a few questions and here's what he had to say:

Tell us a little about yourself. 
I grew up in the Muskegon, MI area and came to Grand Rapids to attend Grand Valley State University where I graduated in 2016 with a BS in Urban and Sustainable Regional Planning. I chose that path because it allowed for me to pursue my passions of nature and serving local communities. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, being active, and hugging trees and planting them as a volunteer with organizations in the area like Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.

Why did you join GRYP? 
I joined GRYP because I wanted to broaden my social circle. I graduated college and did not have many friends left in the area, so decided it would be a good idea to get out and meet some new people!

What's your favorite event? 
My favorite event is the New Member happy hours for sure! It is nice to be in a smaller environment with other people who are newer to the organization. The New Member Committee is very friendly and go above and beyond to make you want to be part of the organization.

What area of work are you in? 
I am a GIS analyst at Western Land Services, Inc. The cliff notes version...I make maps.

What's your favorite thing to do in Grand Rapids?
I am always up for a new adventure! However, you can usually find me at the Crossfit gym, checking out a concert at a local venue, or at a local watering hole with my friends enjoying the GR nightlife.

Anything else you'd like to add? 
Joining GRYP was a great decision. I have met some really cool people at the events and have also grew professionally as well.
Know a member that you think would be a great fit to be our Featured Member? 
Send your suggestion to us at [email protected]!
Common Negotiation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
February 21, 2018

Negotiation expert and consultant, Penny Rosema has over 20 years of global in-the-trenches  experience. 

Prior to speaking professionally, Penny, an engineer by education, led a buying team at Amway with an  annual spend of $250 million. After earning her MBA from Notre Dame she worked with suppliers in Japan, Korea,  China, Thailand, Europe and the U.S. As a project manager for five manufacturing plants with sales revenue of $170 million, she served as the manufacturing liaison to ensure on-time equipment trials and delivery of finished goods. 

As an educator and leadership trainer, Penny worked with corporate teams in the US, Japan and Korea. She has been an adjunct professor of supply chain and negotiation at Grand Valley State University. Penny shows audiences how to get more of what they want, whether their deal is worth $100 or $100 million. With her interactive programs, people practice professional negotiation techniques and start using them immediately.

Click here for more information and to purchase your tickets! Pre-registration is required for this event and space is limited, so make sure to sign up soon!

February Unwind  @ Founders Brewing Co.
February 22, 2018

Unwinds are a way to network with other young professional in the Grand Rapids area through a casual environment. Come as you are, and bring some business cards. We hope to see you there!

For more information and to reserve your spot,  
Attention Non-Profits!

The Community Involvement committee is looking for non-profits for our April Get Involved event! This annual event focuses on providing GRYP members  with a wide range of opportunities to connect with their communities. 

Want to showcase your organization at this event? Contact Katie Perschbacher at [email protected] for more information.

Looking to get involved? 
Ask us about open GRYP Board or Committee positions!

We're always looking for members to get more involved in all that we do and right now we have plenty of open committee and board positions waiting to be filled!

Interested in planning networking events? There's a committee for that!  Do you want to plan community service events? We have a committee for that too! Fundraising more your thing? We can use you too! We've got all these opportunities and many other ways for you to get more involved!

If you've ever wondered how to do more with GRYP, now is your chance! Click here to email GRYP's Board Secretary to learn about all the committees and open positions.
Thank you to our GRYP Sponsors!

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