HVYP Committees
We’re always looking for ways to give back. Hudson Valley Young Professionals participate in multiple volunteer projects throughout the year to make the Hudson Valley a better place to Live, Give, Work, Play and Stay.
Our annual events include:
- National Volunteer Week
- Make a Difference Day
- Holiday Toy Drive.
Additionally, we’ve volunteered at the Special Olympics New York State Winter Games as fans in the stands for the ice-skating competition, planted and pruned trees at Peach Hill Park in Poughkeepsie, cleaned up Poughkeepsie’s Main Street with Hudson River Housing, and helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity.
Membership retention and expansion and internal/external communications. As the promotional arm of HVYP, we run its social media, email, and web platforms, as well as media relations efforts. We host Advisory Council Meet-and-Greets and offer an ambassador program to new members, in addition to being the digital voice of HVYP.
It’s our job to show you the ropes.
Advisory Council Meet-and-Greet
We host two Advisory Council Meet & Greets throughout the year to provide prospective and new members with an inside look into our mission and goals, as well as a chance to rub elbows with seasoned young pros interested in your career and professional development. It’s in our best interest to see you succeed, and we want to help make it happen.
Ambassador Program
Our Advisory Council members know the challenges of networking, professional development, and, simply put, being the new one in town. That’s why our Advisory Council is assigned to mentor new members through their first few meet-ups. We’re the future workforce of the Hudson Valley, and we want you to grow alongside us. Rest assured, we’ll show you the ropes.
Social & Digital Media
Being the promotional arm of HVYP is a great responsibility, but if you’re into social media, content development, email marketing, and public relations, it’s a fun calling. We’re always looking for passionate, digital-savvy socialites to help spread the great word. Step up your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn game while helping us spread the good word.
Contact our Membership & Communications Committee Co-Chairs to learn more and get involved!
Co-Chair: Justin Semke, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Co-Chair: Felicia Kirschner, iHeartMedia of the Hudson Valley
The Special Events Committee is a group of members dedicated to coordinating the networking and fundraising efforts of HVYP. From our brand new HVYP Unwind social networking get-togethers at the hottest venues to annual fundraisers with plenty of excitement, this committee organizes everything from A to Z, including locations, sponsors, prizes, decor, and more!
HVYP Unwind- A Social Networking Event
HVYP hosts premier networking events for young pros in the region, and we do it in style. From new bars and restaurants to indoor rock-climbing and golf simulators, we’ll connect you with valuable people and places. Our newest series, HVYP Unwind features prime face-time with the region’s young leaders and a brief program featuring exclusive introductions for new members.
Annual Fundraisers
We organize the annual HVYP fundraisers, where all proceeds are donated to The Chamber Foundation’s Richard W. Mitchell Memorial Workforce Development Scholarship. Our flagship events – 'Clubs for College' mini-golf tournament and ‘Strikes for Scholars’ Bowling Tournament – raise more than $10,000 annually for scholarships, awarded every year at a Chamber Contact Breakfast. This committee organizes the venues, food selection, prizes and auctions, tournament structures, itineraries, among other event management duties.
We encourage everyone interested in event planning and making a positive impact to join this committee. Contact our Special Events Committee Co-Chairs to learn more and get involved!
Co-Chair: Ryan Curtin, The Brothers That Just Do Gutters
*The Special Events Committee meets on the second Wednesday of every month.
The Education and Professional Development Committee hosts four educational forums and professional development events per year.
Our mission is to provide young pros with opportunities to expand their knowledge base by offering seminars, training and networking events that enhance both personal and professional development skills.
Panel Discussions
Our annual ‘Business of ...’ Panel Discussions include experts in a particular industry and an interactive chat about supply chain development and gaps. Our first panel in 2015 featured numerous parties in the beer industry, from the brewer and the hops farmer to the accountant and restaurant. We helped identify a lack of hops farms and cooperages (barrel makers) in the Hudson Valley; several hops farms and cooperages have popped up since.
CEO Chat
During the events, a prominent President or CEO of a local organization tells young pros his or her personal and professional story, followed by a Q&A. We network and gain valuable tips, advice, and direction from each CEO’s individual message and story. Past featured speakers include Rob Dyson of The Dyson Foundation and Dyson Racing, Rev. Luader Smith of House of Hope and Dennis Murray of Marist College.
Other past events have included The Owner’s Game, Economic Development Roundtable with Dutchess County and City of Poughkeepsie Officials, the First-Time Homebuyers Seminar, Business Etiquette Dinner and Joining a Nonprofit Board Panel.
Contact our Education & Professional Development Committee Co-Chairs to learn more and get involved!
Co-Chair: Julie Franceschini, Hudson Valley Credit Union
Co-Chair: Taylor Craig, Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union
*The Education & Professional Development Committee meets on the second Monday of every month.
Join HVYP today!
Fill out an application, come to our events, meet new friends and learn new skills. Most of all, don’t forget to... Live. Give. Work. Play... Stay.