Business Group Offers Ways for Professionals to Connect

By Jen Thomas
01:00PM / Thursday, October 18, 2007

PITTSFIELD - Whether it's learning tips for career development or networking with other professionals, the Berkshire Young Professionals group is intent on helping the businesspeople of the county find the skills it takes to succeed.

With a steering committee of approximately 16 people, BYP aims to "address the challenge of forming connections which young professionals value and to serve as the foundation on which young professionals build their careers, friendships and community," according to information on its Web site. With little fanfare, this small group of dedicated volunteers - composed of folks from all over the county and headed by Chairman Ryan Melle of Lee Bank - organizes etiquette dinners, parties, networking socials and "leadership roundtables."

The group's goal is to provide opportunities for younger professionals - people working in a range of occupations - to get together with their peers of all ages.

"BYP is about creating an environment for people who are living and working in the Berkshires to connect and network with others," said Danielle Trumbull, a member of the steering committee and head of the marketing subcommittee for BYP. Trumbull is marketing manager for Raceway Media, which is owned by iBerkshires' parent company, Boxcar Media.

Operating under the auspices of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, BYP offers programs across the county and at a variety of locations. For the month of October, the organization has Halloween costume party planned, complete with contests, music and hors d'oeuvres. Held at Pittsfield Brew Works, the bash starts at 8 p.m. and costs $10 per person.

On a more professional note, BYP is planning a Nov. 6 business etiquette dinner at the Country Club of Pittsfield. Aimed at providing hints and suggestions for handling a business dinner, the event begins at 5:30 and costs $35, which includes one meal and the program. Students are especially encouraged to attend for a reduced price of $25.

BYP welcomes Berkshire professionals of all ages. As an added bonus, the group does not charge membership dues and many events are free. Additionally, the steering committee is working to develop a membership card that would allow the cardholder to receive discounts at participating area stores.

"The membership card would enable those who are young and professional and who are just beginning to work to have local discounts," said Trumbull.

With such a small group working to keep BYP running smoothly, the organization is also actively seeking to recruit new members to the steering committee. With opportunities to serve on five subcommittees - networking/socials, membership, marketing, special events and the newsletter - getting involved is one way to help other young professionals in Berkshire County find their way.

Those interested in joining BYP as a member or as a part of the steering committee should contact Christina Barrett at the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce at cbarrett@berkshirechamber.com . For more information about upcoming events, call 499-4000, Ext. 10 or e-mail info@berkshirechamber.com .