Thank you to everyone who attended the February Unwind at San Chez. Over 130 young professionals participated in the evening’s networking activity – 1 Card Draw! This activity was an opportunity for members to diversify their contact-base by “searching out” the owner of the business card drawn from the bag, while meeting other members along the way. The evening proved to have more of a mingling atmosphere, that many members enjoyed. GRYP also collected $180 toward Kids Food Basket, along with a drawing for GR Griffins tickets from the list of contributors.

A special thanks to San Chez for opening up their beautiful 3rd floor loft and providing amazing service. It is the generosity of establishments such as San Chez that allows GRYP to offer free networking events for our members.

Don’t forget about the next Unwind, March 25th, at Ritz Koney Bar & Grille – celebrating March Madness!

Thank you to everyone who attended the New Members Informational Meeting on Tuesday, February 16th at the RockFire Grille on East Paris. Being our first event for this, we didn't know what to expect... 120 people was such a great turn-out! During the meeting, each Board Member talked about the different committees that exist, what GRYP has to offer, and how each person can get more involved. After the informational meeting, we were able to spend time networking with one another. GRYP will be having a few of these New Members Informational Meetings each year so please stay tuned for future dates if you missed this one!

GRYP was fortunate to once again have Grand Rapids City Mayor, George Heartwell, speak to members over lunch on Wednesday, February 3. Approximately 85 GRYP members gathered at Kent Country Club to hear Mayor Heartwell summarize his State of the City address, which was delivered to the public a few days prior. He shared many thoughts on the local community, national and local economy, the need for unity to ensure long-term sustainability and recognition, ideas on the consolidation of local government, and his vision for Grand Rapids’ future. He also encouraged GRYP members to get involved through volunteering, participating in local government, and sharing ideas and opinions with city leaders and officials. For more information on Mayor Heartwell’s State of the City address, visit http://www.grand-rapids.mi.us

GRYP would like to again extend a thank you to Mayor George Heartwell for volunteering his time and sharing his ideas for Grand Rapids and to Kent Country Club for hosting the event and providing the food.

Thank you to everyone for coming out to the January Unwind at 25 Kitchen + Bar. We had another great night of Networking with over 120 young professionals. The Speed Networking event isn’t just about “passing out the business cards” but the opportunity to build career minded relationships. This event was a big success with about 70 of the young professional participating in 4 different rounds. The membership committee received great feedback about the Unwind. There were also many great suggestions for the speed networking event.

A special thanks to 25 Kitchen + Bar for the great venue and service! They are giving GRYP 10% of the proceeds so we can continue to have free events, such as the Unwinds, for our members!

Hope to see everyone at the next Unwind February 25th!