Contact:                                                                                                              
Kimberly Nastasi, CEO, MS. Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce        
Coast Young Professionals
228.604.0014
ceo@mscoastchamber.com

June 25, 2007

CYP Sets Organizational Objectives
Hundreds join, momentum strong.

MS Gulf Coast – Coast Young Professionals (CYP) outlined goals and put committees in place after accepting hundreds of applications, nearly 300, to membership.    

CYP Advisory Board met mid-June to determine which committee categories would best serve the leadership and professional development needs of its membership.  Committees accepted include; Service Learning; Leadership/Professional Development; Business Networking and Policy and Government.

“These are all areas of interest for our members,” said Kimberly Nastasi, chief executive officer, Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce.  “These specific categories will allow members to get a well-rounded professional growth experience and the opportunity to contribute to strategic community and business development on the Gulf Coast.”

Membership to CYP, led by an advisory board, is a diverse representation of young professionals on the Gulf Coast from a variety of industry and positions.  The common thread among all of the members is the desire to take the necessary steps to improve the quality of life on the Gulf Coast including, economic development, community support, environmental conservation and governmental affairs. 

 “There was an infectious dynamic in the room after the first official meeting,” said Jessica Crosby, CYP advisory board member.  “Members couldn’t wait to sign up after the committees were announced and get active on their committee assignments.”

Examples of objectives of the different committees include, offering informative break-out sessions and presentations on time management, business etiquette and workplace/family balance, hosting an athletic event played by business professionals to raise funds for an area non-profit organization and corporate shadowing and mentoring programs.

It’s not too late to join CYP and sign up for one of these pro-active committees.  Make a difference in your professional future while you serve the needs on the Gulf Coast.  Contact cyp@coastyoungprofessionals.com or call 228.604.0014 for an application or to sign up for a committee assignment. 

CYP, established May 2007 by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce for business leaders under 40, will develop young leaders on the Mississippi Gulf Coast who want to grow their voice while being exposed to a diverse array of ideas from their peers.  The contemporary and forward-thinking organization will not only offer a unique networking opportunity for young professionals from across the Gulf Coast, but also extensive training in leadership and professional development.  For more information email CYP@coastyoungprofessionals.com.

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