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Coffee
Before Hours
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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Special Event
BestSlope NEXT Gen Awards

Wednesday, October 23, 2024
5:00 - 7:30 PM
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Colorado Mesa University

University Center

1455 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction

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Click HERE for more information.

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Lunch Conversation
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.​​​

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Apply Now
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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Click HERE for application.

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Special Event
Western Slope
YP Summit

Wednesday, October 23, 2024
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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Colorado Mesa University

University Center

1455 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction

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Click HERE for more information.

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After Hours
Grand Valley BizMix
Members Only

Wednesday, October 30, 2024
5:30 - 7:00 PM
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Timberline Bank

649 Market Street, Grand Junction

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​$10 entry fee charged at the door.

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Click HERE to register.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

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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 Cesmat

Aden Cesmet, Founder and Owner of Air Freshener Marketing, was recognized as the second quarter YP of the Quarter for 2022.

Gabriela Garayar

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.

Darah Galvin

Darah Galvin, Development Coordinator at Bray Commercial Real Estate was the Young Professional of the Quarter in May 2021.

Derek Irick

Derek Irick, Realtor with Bray Real Estate, was the Young Professional of the Quarter in October 2020.

Kayley Vogel

Kayley Vogel, Assistant Coordinator of CMU Career Services, was the Young Professional of the Quarter in June 2020.

Trevor Daggers

Trevor Daggers, Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch, was the Young Professional of the Quarter in June 2019.

Colter Lovette

Colter Lovette, co-owner of 32Waves, was the Young Professional of the Quarter in April 2019.

Dr. William Berguin, DDS

Dr. William Berguin, DDS was the Young Professional of the Quarter in June 2018.

Michael Brooks

Michael Brooks, Tax Supervisor for Dalby, Wendland, & Co., was the Young Professional of the Quarter in October 2018.

Leslie Eslava

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

After Hours - YPN + GJ Lions Club

Before Hours

Before Hours

After Hours - Paint & Pour at Angelo's Pottery

After Hours - Paint & Pour at Angelo's Pottery

Lunch Conversation - Mayor Anna Stout

Lunch Conversation - Mayor Anna Stout

Before Hours - Sugar & Ice

Before Hours - Sugar & Ice

September After Hours - Warehouse 2565

September After Hours - Warehouse 2565

Lunch Conversation - Spencer Ingram

Lunch Conversation - Spencer Ingram

Before Hours - Spoons

Before Hours - Spoons

Lunch Conversation - Dr. Hill

Lunch Conversation - Dr. Hill

Before Hours - Coffee Trader

Before Hours - Coffee Trader

After Hours - Palisade Brewing Company

After Hours - Palisade Brewing Company

Lunch Conversation - Anna Nichols

Lunch Conversation - Anna Nichols

Before Hours - Mountain Air Roasters

Before Hours - Mountain Air Roasters

After Hours - Highlands Distillery

After Hours - Highlands Distillery

Before Hours - Sweet Kiwi Bakery

Before Hours - Sweet Kiwi Bakery

Lunch Conversation - Dr. Corey Ciocchetti

Lunch Conversation - Dr. Corey Ciocchetti

Before Hours - Kiln

Before Hours - Kiln

Before Hours - Kiln Coffee Bar

Before Hours - Kiln Coffee Bar

Lunch Conversation - Daily Sentinel

Lunch Conversation - Daily Sentinel

Lunch Conversation - Jenn Moore

Lunch Conversation - Jenn Moore

Lunch Conversation - Jay Seaton

Lunch Conversation - Jay Seaton

Before Hours - Roasted

Before Hours - Roasted

2018 YPN Christmas Party

2018 YPN Christmas Party

Before Hours - My Favorite Muffin

Before Hours - My Favorite Muffin

Lunch Conversation - Girl Scouts

Lunch Conversation - Girl Scouts

Lunch Conversation - Kevin & April

Lunch Conversation - Kevin & April

Lunch Conversation - Pete Baier

Lunch Conversation - Pete Baier

Before Hours - Main Street Bagels

Before Hours - Main Street Bagels

YPN Group

YPN Group

Lunch Conversation - John McConnell, Eureka Science Museum

Lunch Conversation - John McConnell, Eureka Science Museum

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