Young professionals in central Vermont to hold mixer in Montpelier

Langdon Street Tavern will be bustling with beer and business banter Thursday night, as it’s this month’s pub of choice for young professionals looking to make career connections in central Vermont.

Informal mixers like those hosted by the Central Vermont Young Professionals can help millennials make connections and grow their careers.

The Central Vermont Young Professionals, a group affiliated with the local chamber of commerce, will hold its monthly “Meet-Up” mixer Nov. 16 at the tavern formerly known as McGillicuddy’s Irish Pub, located on Langdon Street in downtown Montpelier.

Millennials in the area are encouraged to attend the informal event to network with other Vermont professionals while enjoying a drink and good company.

Tonya Barnett, director of administrative services at the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce, said the gathering is an opportunity for millennials to meet other career-minded people.

“The goal for this meeting is to increase network bases,” Barnett told True North. “(It’s about) meeting new people, seeing what they may have to offer you from their business and what you can offer them as well. (You want to) leave with more business cards than you came with.”

Barnett said the group has only been around since May but is already having a beneficial impact by allowing members to collaborate, even if their areas of expertise differ. The group seeks motivated entrepreneurs, educators, hospitality professionals and other young leaders to broaden business horizons and help grow the region’s economy through direct action.

While the meet-ups aren’t about finding a job, Barnett said, the interactions can lead to employment opportunities.

Alyssa Johnson, a recent UVM graduate and the economic development director for the town of Waterbury, serves on the Central Vermont Young Professionals steering committee. She said her participation with the organization already has helped her career.

“I think particularly for myself and folks trying to just be connected with a lot of different businesses, it’s a great way to meet people, and I think especially from the smaller businesses aspect, too,” she said.

As economic development director, Johnson works with various aspects of town government and permitting, and she’s also a resource for local businesses. She said meeting young leaders like herself at the Central Vermont Young Professionals group makes her job easier and more interesting.

Aside from monthly social mixers, the group offers educational seminars for members. Barnett said the first seminar focused on financial literacy and hosted five presenters from various financial institutions to speak.

Barnett said the group is also hosting its first volunteer opportunity on Dec. 9 at the Barre Rotary Club, where there will be a gift wrapping event at the Vermont Granite Museum.

Thursday’s meet-up at Langdon Street Tavern runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is free of charge. However, advance registration is required. Sign up to attend by clicking the link here.

Briana Bocelli is a freelance writer for True North Reports. She lives in the Northeast Kingdom and is a senior at Castleton University.