Young Professionals of Woodstock (YPOW) is a part of the Main Street Woodstock organization. The group was created for the growing millennial professional population in Woodstock and the surrounding areas. Its mission is to provide a forum for developing professionally, building lasting relationships, becoming philanthropically active, and contributing to the economic development and high quality of life in our community now, and in years to come.
The group is for everyone ages 18-40 with an interest in learning new things, meeting new people and cultivating skills for career enhancement. The area’s most passionate, authentic and driven future leaders are striving to create opportunities for aspiring professionals to meet, connect, gain career skills and give back to our community.
Meet the Leadership of YPOW
• Hilary Wilke, the Leader
Hillary manages the organization toward its mission. She organizes and oversees regular leadership meetings.
• Amanda McMillan, the Arranger
Amanda coordinates events that offer a casual and fun networking environment where professional and personal connections can be hatched and grown.
• Philip Bellmoff, the Catalyst
Philip motivates and fosters creative growth in our community. He also coordinates the organization’s active social media.
• Jimmy Cushingham, the Early Bird
Jimmy organizes the weekly AM meeting. It’s Jimmy’s goal to create an inspiring networking environment that creates deeper professional connections.
• Dan Thrailkill, the Representative
Dan isn’t a member of YPOW leadership, but represents YPOW on the Main Street Woodstock Board. He acts as the primary communicator between YPOW leadership, the MSW Board and MSW staff like Mitzi Saxon, downtown program director.
Get Connected
YPOW meets for YPOW AM at Copper Coin Coffee on Chambers Street every Thursday morning from 7 to 8:30 a.m., for coffee and networking. It is relaxed open networking to learn about each other and members’ businesses.
YPOW Empower events take place semi-annually and are built to inspire, educate and empower members. Social events occur quarterly and are perfect for those who want to connect with other young professionals, but don’t want to get up so early. These evening events are held at various fun locations like Reformation Brewery and Stars and Strikes.
You can find YPOW on Facebook. There’s a group page on Meetup as well. Membership is $40 annually and allows YPOW members to participate in Main Street Woodstock events like the Downtown Buzz, Mastermind Series and the Main Event.
By Stacy Brown, marketing and tourism coordinator for the City of Woodstock.
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