GRYP hosted over 40 events during 2009.  These included speaker events, networking events, and volunteer opportunities.  Speaker events included topics such as how to develop an idea on starting your own business, a mini Candidate School on what it takes to run for a public office, and an inside look at ArtPrize.  Members also had the chance to hear from great community leaders such as Mark Murray of Meijer and Greg Sundstrom, our Grand Rapids City Manager.

Members also participated in events such as our Annual Golf Outing in June, Saint Mary's Up on the Roof Fundraiser, and the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life for our 3rd year in a row.

GRYP is proud to support many organizations in our community. Some of our volunteer projects last year benefited DeVos Children's Hospital, Senior Meals on Wheels, Second Harvest, Goodwill’s Workforce Development Program, Kids Food Basket and Camp O'Malley.

For the 6th year in a row, we helped organize the Mayor's Grand River Clean-Up where hundreds of volunteers show up for a few hours on a Saturday morning to clean up the banks of the Grand River.  We also hosted our first "Get Involved" event were we invite area Nonprofit Agencies into an Unwind to set up tables to talk to members about volunteer and leadership needs they have.  This was very well received and we will continue offering this going forward.

In 2010 we were excited to announce our Professional Development Breakfast Series.  This program will be free for members to attend and focus on various topics throughout the year.  This series has been very successful so far and we are excited to plan another successful series for 2011.

We are looking forward to another great year of events. Please visit our Events Page for the most recent listing of opportunities to network with fellow GRYP members.

History

At the time of the formation of GRYP, Grand Rapids did not offer a group that provided young professionals from a variety of professions the opportunity to network, grow and become more involved in the community - with no membership fees. Seven young professionals recognized this need and how it related to retaining talented young professionals and thereby established GRYP.

Vision

Grand Rapids Young Professionals is dedicated to providing young professionals between the ages of 21-40 with the opportunity to interact professionally and socially with each other. GRYP is committed to professional development and contributing to the communities of Greater Grand Rapids both through volunteer opportunities and leadership roles. We will promote an environment that helps attract and retain the next generation of business leaders.

Goals

GRYP is committed to providing a casual atmosphere for young professionals to gather and network. We want to encourage relationship building between professionals who might not otherwise meet in standard professional circles and not force those who choose not to network while attending an event.

GRYP is committed to providing its members with the opportunity to grow professionally and advance in their careers through interactive programs, roundtables and panel discussions with local business leaders and government officials.

GRYP recognizes the opportunity for young professionals to become more involved in the community in several ways and is dedicated to identifying and facilitating those opportunities. As young professionals and leaders of the next generation, the members of GRYP provide a crucial voice in the community.