Kiln Coffee Bar
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
7:00 - 8:30 AM
326 Main Street, Grand Junction​
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Your morning beverage is on us this month!
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No registration needed - just stop in any time on your way to work!
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BestSlope NEXT Gen Awards
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
5:00 - 7:30 PM​
Colorado Mesa University
University Center
1455 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction
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Will Hays, MSSW
Hilltop Community Resources
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
12:00 - 1:00 PM
1331 Hermosa Avenue, Grand Junction​
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Free lunch for members. $10 entry free for non-members charged at the door.
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RSVP required. Click HERE to register.​​​
Board of Directors Applications
Deadline: Friday, October 25, 2024​
We are recruiting additional members to join our volunteer Board of Directors. The board is responsible for planning, promoting, and coordinating all events throughout the year and providing opportunities for members to connect with one another.​
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Western Slope
YP Summit
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM​
Colorado Mesa University
University Center
1455 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction
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Grand Valley BizMix
Members Only
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
5:30 - 7:00 PM​
Timberline Bank
649 Market Street, Grand Junction
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​$10 entry fee charged at the door.
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YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Andrea Lopez
External Affairs Manager
Ute Water Conservancy District
A native of the Western Slope, Andrea Lopez hails from the town of Palisade. She embarked on her journey of academic and professional excellence at Colorado Mesa University, graduating in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in entrepreneurship. Demonstrating a thirst for knowledge and a commitment to personal growth, Andrea furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University Global Campus in 2021.
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Andrea's professional journey led her to the Ute Water Conservancy District, where she began serving as the External Affairs Assistant. After a year and a half, Andrea was promoted to the External Affairs Manager. In this multifaceted role, Andrea's passion for education and community outreach shines through as she tirelessly works to provide valuable insights into water conservation and the intricate workings of the District's systems. In her role, she is often the spokesperson for the company and interfaces with the public regularly. Her dedication to clarity and accessibility in disseminating information displays her commitment to serving the Western Slope community.
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A shining example of Andrea's dedication and impact is showcased annually at the Western Colorado Children's Water Festival, a cornerstone event that attracts over 1,500 fifth-grade students to Las Colonias Park & Amphitheater in Grand Junction. Under Andrea's stewardship, this festival has blossomed into the largest of its kind in Colorado, offering invaluable opportunities for students to learn about the vital role of water in their lives and communities.
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Last year, Andrea was selected to join the Urban Landscape Water Conservation Task Force. This group works closely with the state Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Water Conservation Board, working to identify ways to advance outdoor water conservation through state policy and local initiatives. She continues to be a voice for representation for the Western Slope in regard to water conservation.
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Beyond her professional endeavors, Andrea generously volunteers her time and expertise as a board member for both the Eureka! Science Museum and the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Mesa County Leadership Program.
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Andrea’s dedication to the Young Professionals Network truly sets her apart. Andrea's unparalleled commitment is underscored by her record-setting tenure as a three-term board member, spanning an impressive six years. Her leadership, dedication, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of our organization and fostering a vibrant community of young professionals.
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Andrea's passion, drive, and unwavering commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to us all. Our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude go towards Andrea for her exceptional leadership and contributions.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF THE QUARTERS
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Young Professional of the Quarter is an award that honors Mesa County young professionals within YPNMC who have done an exceptional job representing young professionals or has made great achievements while being a member. The Board of Directors is always seeking nominations for the next Young Professional of the Quarter!
Aden Cesmet, Founder and Owner of Air Freshener Marketing, was recognized as the second quarter YP of the Quarter for 2022. | Gabriela Garayar, Western Slope Development Manager with Food Bank of the Rockies, was recognized as the first quarter YP of the Quarter for 2022. | Renaya Demarest, Account Director at GROWL Agency, was recognized as the Young Professional of the Quarter for October 2021. |
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Darah Galvin, Development Coordinator at Bray Commercial Real Estate was the Young Professional of the Quarter in May 2021. | Derek Irick, Realtor with Bray Real Estate, was the Young Professional of the Quarter in October 2020. | Kayley Vogel, Assistant Coordinator of CMU Career Services, was the Young Professional of the Quarter in June 2020. |
Trevor Daggers, Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch, was the Young Professional of the Quarter in June 2019. | Colter Lovette, co-owner of 32Waves, was the Young Professional of the Quarter in April 2019. | Dr. William Berguin, DDS was the Young Professional of the Quarter in June 2018. |
Michael Brooks, Tax Supervisor for Dalby, Wendland, & Co., was the Young Professional of the Quarter in October 2018. | Leslie Eslava, Program Coordinator at Riverside Educational Center, was the Young Professional of the Quarter in March 2018. |
TESTIMONIALS
CANDICE WALTON
AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES
"I have met all my closest friends through YPN. When I was new to the Grand Valley, this is where I found people who enjoy learning."
ASHLEY WOODMANSE
KONICA MINOLTA
"YPN is a great networking opportunity. Plus, it looks good to current and future employers that want to see a history of community involvement and leadership."
BEVERLY DURFEE
FREELANCE WRITER
"The candidate forum YPN put on was so helpful. I'm so glad I got to go to an unbiased presentation of the candidates."
THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
After Hours - YPN + GJ Lions Club | Before Hours | After Hours - Paint & Pour at Angelo's Pottery |
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Lunch Conversation - Mayor Anna Stout | Before Hours - Sugar & Ice | September After Hours - Warehouse 2565 |
Lunch Conversation - Spencer Ingram | Before Hours - Spoons | Lunch Conversation - Dr. Hill |
Before Hours - Coffee Trader | After Hours - Palisade Brewing Company | Lunch Conversation - Anna Nichols |
Before Hours - Mountain Air Roasters | After Hours - Highlands Distillery | Before Hours - Sweet Kiwi Bakery |
Lunch Conversation - Dr. Corey Ciocchetti | Before Hours - Kiln | Before Hours - Kiln Coffee Bar |
Lunch Conversation - Daily Sentinel | Lunch Conversation - Jenn Moore | Lunch Conversation - Jay Seaton |
Before Hours - Roasted | 2018 YPN Christmas Party | Before Hours - My Favorite Muffin |
Lunch Conversation - Girl Scouts | Lunch Conversation - Kevin & April | Lunch Conversation - Pete Baier |
Before Hours - Main Street Bagels | YPN Group | Lunch Conversation - John McConnell, Eureka Science Museum |