#YPNWeekOn Kicks Off Across Ontario

THUNDER BAY – May 15th to May 21st is officially Young Professionals Week in Ontario (#YPWeekON). Over 40 young professional networks across the province are joining forces with their municipalities to get the week proclaimed in their hometowns. Lead by the Young Professionals Network of Ontario (YPNO) and SHIFT Thunder Bay’s Young Professionals Network, communities are being encouraged to participate in YPWeekON through various local initiatives such as social media campaigns and community events.

YPWeekON focuses on what it means to be a young professional in Ontario and educating cities and employers on the importance of retaining and supporting young professionals. The week also challenges the province and communities to understand and realize how integral young professionals are and the role that they play. “Young professionals are doing amazing things across Ontario. There are groups that are engaging community members to have a voice on a provincial issues and showcasing why they are proud to be a part of the under 40 demographic. YPNO is encouraging all young professionals to have a voice across the province this week and really make some noise;” says co-chair of Young Professionals Network, Michael Nitz. “The week is about recognizing young professionals successes but also bringing attention to key issues such as incentives to retain and attract this demographic in our communities and province, along with infrastructure, plans and jobs to better engage young professionals.”

Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, will be making a statement in regards to YPWeekON in the Legislature this afternoon. YPWeekON is the evolution of Young Professionals Week that was started in Thunder Bay in 2015 by SHIFT. The week is once again officially proclaimed by the City of Thunder Bay.

In Thunder Bay, the weeklong initiative will feature several opportunities for the community to get involved. An event that was launched on the eve of YPWeekON as a “secret event” will be held on Wednesday morning (May 18th). “Wicked Wednesday Wakeup”, that picks up on a global trend of conscious clubbing, is a way to get energized in the morning and ready for work, swapping alcohol for OJ and a healthy breakfast, but keeping the music, dancing and even yoga to start the day. The event will run from 7:30 am-8:30 am at NV Nightclub, is free and is a way to celebrate young professionals in the community. “It’s a fun way to start the day and even get some new contacts. It’s a new spin on networking with some downward dog and energetic dance moves. Everyone will leave the place smiling and we hope this will stay with the participants as they enter the workplace that day. SHIFT is absolutely thrilled to see that YP Week has taken on a provincial platform, and we hope to see this expand right across the country next year;” says SHIFT Vice-President, Amanda Bay.

Other #YPWeekON initiatives in Thunder Bay:

SHIFT will host its Annual General Meeting and Speed Networking event on Wednesday, May 18th, 2016 starting at 6:00 pm at the Valhalla Inn. The evening will feature a new networking card game, along with the introduction of newly elected board members and the very first SHIFT female president. For tickets please visit shiftnetwork.ca

Young Professionals are encouraged to get together and drop in and support the 24th Annual Great Billboard Rescue in Support of Untied Way: Thursday May 19th, BBQ Lunch at Lowery’s- 540 Central Avenue- 11:30 am- 2:00 pm.

#YPWeekON Patio Lunch held at Bight Restaurant- Friday, May 20th, NOON- 2:00 pm. Spots are limited. To reserve a seat please visit the #YPWeekON Facebook Event page.

People are also encouraged to visit the official #YPWeekON Facebook event page for details on how to get involved. The page will also feature videos throughout the week from various young professionals across Ontario.

YPNO is a volunteer-based organization that serves as an essential provincial network to connect, engage, inspire and advocate for professionals under 40 years. Toronto, Hamilton and Thunder Bay have the three largest young professionals network in Ontario.