More than 75 young professionals from around the Bismarck-Mandan area packed the Harvest Brazilian Grill in Mandan on September 26 for the annual All Hands Fall Kickoff Event. They filled themselves with conversation, food and information about the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professional’s Network. This was the largest turnout ever since the event started in 2006. The restaurant even shut its doors to the public for the occasion. The total attendance was 79.

The event kicked off the Network’s 2014 event calendar as potential, new and current members heard from the group’s leaders about the impact the network has on young professionals, businesses and the community. Basin Electric Power Cooperative sponsored the event and provided the appetizers and wine that continued throughout the evening.

“With our aging and retiring staff, we are in need of young professionals like you,” said Mary Miller, Manager of Communications for Basin Electric.

Recruit and Activate

The kickoff also marked the beginning of the organization’s annual Recruit and Activate campaign, which incentivizes network members to recruit new members and get them active through April 2014. Current members will have their name put into a drawing for each event they attend and each person they recruit. The top prize is a $500 trip to Deadwood, S.D.

Great Plains YP Summit Donation

Network leadership also accepted a $10,740 contribution from the 2013 Great Plains Young Professionals Summit Steering Committee after the group’s successful event in May that drew hundreds of young professionals from around North Dakota.

“This is a great honor and the funds will be a great resource for us to advance the Network’s vision,” said President Joe Fink.

GPYP Summit Chairman Jerry Haas presents $10K check.

CDHS

The Central Dakota Humane Society was also on hand. The Bismarck-Mandan Young Professional’s Network has teamed up with CDHS as part of it’s 2013-2014 goal to focus volunteer efforts on a specific non-profit organization. Mandy Schaaf, CDHS Volunteer Coordinator, spoke about how young professionals can help their cause.

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The All Hands Event began in 2006 and kicks off the Network’s fall season into the new year. It has steadily grown over seven years to become one of the group’s largest annual events.