GRYP was happy to have Andy Johnston of the Chamber of Commerce to present Candidate School at our May Roundtable Luncheon. Over 30 young professionals attending the event, held Thursday May 14th at McFadden’s restaurant. GRYP has been encouraged by the mayor and other city officials to have our members get involved in local politics to share fresh and new ideas. Andy gave us insight, information and advice on what it takes to run for office and win, as well as what to expect and prepare for in an election race. It was a great event. Thank you again to Andy Johnston for volunteering your time and expertise, and to McFadden’s for hosting the lunch.

Flashback to the 80's Event

You Know You Grew Up In The 80's If...
1. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars... and "spokey-dokes" or playing cards on your spokes for that incredible sound effect.
2. You can sing the rap to the "Fresh Prince of Belair" ...and can do the "Carlton".
3. Two words: Hammer Pants.
4. You tight rolled your jeans.
5. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART. You just sang those words to yourself.
6. L.A. Gear... need I say more.
7. You wanted to be a Goonie.
8. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us... head-to-toe)
9. You took lunch boxes to school and traded Garbage Pail Kids in the schoolyard.
10. You remember Hypercolor t-shirts.
11. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
12. You had big hair and you knew how to use it.
13. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that.
14. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool... and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB".
15. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By the Bell", the ORIGINAL class.

Want to rock out to your favorite 80's music? Join other Grand Rapids Young Professionals for a most excellent Mega 80's concert on Friday, February 6 at the Intersection. Doors at 8pm, the concert starts at 10pm. Be one of the first 30 GRYP members to show up and get a wristband that allows you to hang in the GRYP VIP section for the night! This event is for anyone who loved living in the 80's and maybe still is. We pity the fool who does not attend this event!

Over 70 young professionals from the Grand Rapids Young Professionals, BLEND and the Center for Community Leadership turned out on November 19 for the Issues Facing Young Professionals Panel Discussion.

Eva Aguirre Cooper moderated a lively panel discussion featuring Mayor George Heartwell, Commissioner Eli Lumpkins, Mike Freed of Spectrum Health, City Planning Director Suzanne Schulz and Rich MacKeigan – SMG General Manager. Topics of discussion included downtown entertainment options, public transportation, employment opportunities, downtown housing and how diversity affects young professionals.

A great time was had by all. We look forward to bringing you additional panel discussions in the future.

See you at the December 11 Holiday Party at Rockwells.