Dear Members:

As a Chamber with 1,400 business members we have to provide a variety of programs to cater to professionals of all ages, positions and stations in their career. We are very proud of one particular group, the Young Professionals of the Naperville Chamber that fosters relationships and a sense of responsibility in the next generations of business and civic leaders. If your organization isn’t taking advantage of this benefit, you are missing a great opportunity to develop your employees.

Once a month, YPN hosts a Friday morning development series that provides an informal, but useful professional development opportunity. If I think back to where I was in my late twenties and mid-thirties, going to an optional development series on Friday morning wouldn’t have been on the top of my list - but that just shows the dedication and accountability amongst YPN’s membership.

As we inch closer to the final weeks of the election, this month YPN has stepped up and programmed an “Election Special” meeting for Friday, Oct. 19. Friday’s briefing won’t be a partisan affair. Instead, we are fortunate to have two community leaders offering their insights about being involved and engaged citizens and explaining how individuals can make a positive difference in the communities where they live. Joining us will be Doug Krieger, city manager of the City of Naperville, and Ray McGury, executive director of the Naperville Park District.

As the top administrative officers in Naperville, they will share their expertise and help young professionals make informed decisions when it’s time to vote. By allowing attendees to ask questions about the topics they are most concerned about, they can in turn gain understanding of the policies that effect businesses both on a local and national level.

Numerous surveys and polls have noted an enthusiasm gap in younger generations, and Friday’s professional development series will encourage YPN members to participate in the upcoming election and encourage them to take part in our democratic process.

Even if you think you aren’t interested in politics, you will walk away from this briefing better informed about the election and know more about how you can get involved in the civic process.

At the risk of alienating one Chamber group over another, I want to call special attention to YPN and encourage you to have your employees get involved in this wonderful organization. If you want your organization to be involved with the building and fostering of the next generation of community leaders, they need to be a part of YPN.

YPN Members are extremely enthusiastic, dedicated and successful business people in their own right. What is amazing is that these professionals care a great deal not only about how they can improve themselves, but demonstrate a commitment to improving the organization they work for and most importantly – contributing positively and being active citizens in the communities where they live.

Visit their website at www.napervilleypn.com, follow them on Twitter @YPNaperville or like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/YPNnaperville.