Started as a joint effort by Board Members of the Morgan Hill and Gilroy Chambers of Commerce, the South County Young Professionals Network (SCYPN) serves as a platform for professionals to come together and develop connections within the existing business community.
Although most members tend to be young people the group encourages everyone to join. "No matter if you are young in age, young in business or young at heart, you are encouraged and welcomed to be a part of SCYPN," said SCYPN Chair Christina Archer Scofield.
In September the group announced they would be expanding to Hollister, fulfilling their long-term goal of building connections between young entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals across county lines.
"Since its conception, SCYPN always planned on including Hollister in its event rotation but didn't have the connections. About a year ago, a few young ladies from Hollister started going to the mixers, which were only in Gilroy and Morgan Hill at the time, and approached the SCYPN committee members about the fact that Hollister didn't offer anything like this," said Scofield.
"There are tons of young professionals in Hollister, especially given its affordability compared to living further north. Many of our members commute from San Jose into south Santa Clara and San Benito counties. The board agreed, saw the need for it, and started discussing putting a plan together," she added.
SCYPN held their first event at Fisher's Restaurant and Catering in late September where too much of their surprise they were able to grow their members.
Scofield said, "I have known Mike Fisher for many years, not to mention he is a fellow young professional, so his downtown Hollister location was the perfect place to launch in Hollister. We signed up over 20 new members which was amazing!"
Every month SCYPN hosts a mixer, with each of the three cities in rotation, and an educational event every quarter. "Historically, our events occur on weekday nights from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and have 20-50 attendees," said Scofield.
Membership is $20 a year and includes complimentary entrance to monthly mixers and discounts on non-mixer outings. New members also get a one-minute introduction, an addition to the online member directory, a free raffle ticket at their first event, and a free glass of wine or beer.
Non-members are also invited to attend the groups mixers. Each mixer is $5.
While the next Hollister mixer isn't until January those interested in learning more about SCYPN are encouraged to attend the second annual SCYPN Oktoberfest on Oct. 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The free event will be hosted by The Running Shop and Hops located on 17500 Depot Street Ste 100 in Morgan Hill.
