January 25 marked the kick-off to a highly anticipated year for Charleston Young Professionals (CYP). Nearly 150 young professionals from the region gathered at Farm Haus Butcher & Beer Garden for CYP Kick Off, generating energy and excitement that set the stage for a year of growth and community building.

A special thank you to Farm Haus Butcher & Beer Garden for providing an incredible setting for the gathering, offering a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for attendees. A picturesque evening, combined with the incredible outdoor setting, provided the ideal platform for fostering relationships among young professionals.

The evening primarily focused on giving attendees the opportunity to connect, with time dedicated to hearing from CYP sponsors, introducing the 2024 CYP Advisory Council and the ceremonial “passing of the torch” from the 2023 Chair to the new year’s Chair.

CYP Advisory Council member, Erika LeGendre, Director of Marketing and Communications for CYP sponsor College of Charleston School of Business, shared a few words about the excitement shared by many about the young professionals in our region and their involvement in CYP. Next up, the crowd was introduced to the 12 members of the CYP Advisory Council, who represent a variety of businesses and organizations in our business community. The Advisory Council plays a critical role in CYP, helping to guide and facilitate the events and programs that are put on throughout the year, along with engaging other young professionals and spreading the word about what CYP has to offer.

To wrap up the evening’s program, attendees heard from 2023 CYP Chair, Lauren Ellis, who shared her reflections on an incredible 2023 and her excitement for what is to come. Lastly, Lauren proudly introduced the 2024 CYP Chair, Pat Tang. Pat’s involvement in CYP for multiple years has allowed him to strategically craft his vision for the new year. Pat’s comments focused on the theme of building community and the importance of developing professional and personal relationships, as so many young professionals face similar challenges.

2024 will provide many opportunities for your professionals to engage with CYP. Events centered around connection and professional development opportunities will be at the forefront, while also providing opportunities to engage in volunteer work and take part in policy-related events at the Chamber. Be sure to check out the upcoming events, starting with The Cohesive Leader Workshop on March 7. In April, don’t miss the opportunity to learn about getting the most out of your Chamber membership at Chamber 360, followed by a networking opportunity at Chamber Connect, both held at the Francis Marion Hotel in downtown Charleston.

If you are looking for additional information on CYP, visit the Charleston Young Professionals page or contact the Chamber’s Leadership Programs Coordinator, Celeste O’Keefe.