Young Professionals Program to Celebrate YPs of the Year, Welcome New Leadership Feb 16

Eastern CT – The Young Professionals of Eastern CT (YPECT) program has added new members to its Executive Committee, and announced it will honor select members of the group at the Young Professionals of the Year Celebration taking place Friday, February 16 at Great Neck Country Club in Waterford.

YPECT is a division of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT that provides regular networking, career building, educational, and volunteer opportunities for early-career adults throughout the region. As of press, the group has over 250 rising business leaders within its ranks. 

The group recognizes outstanding members of the program at its annual celebration gathering, citing their contributions to the community, dedication to the organization, and leadership in their careers. Honorees on February 16 include Keith Turner, Mortgage Loan Representative with Homestead Funding (previously known as McCue Mortgage), Tanya Ballestrini, Insurance Consultant with Bearingstar Insurance, and Thomas Dittmeier, Financial Advisor with the Lincoln Financial Services Corporation.

YPECT will also welcome new additions to its Executive Committee at its February 16 celebration. Kayla Thompson, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Fountain-Timmons Team, and owner of Melissa Ashley bridal shop, will assume the role of Chair of the program. She succeeds Meagan Seacor, Director of UP Fitness, who was YPECT Chair for three years.
Joining Thompson in YPECT leadership roles are:

• Kayla Hedman, Founder and CEO of Memoir Hub, LLC and Brand Manager for Miranda Creative, Inc., who will be named Vice Chair of the program.
• Ornet Hines, Branch Manager of Dime Bank’s Montville Branch, who will continue to serve as Chair of YPECT’s Civic Engagement Committee.
• Jessica Semmelrock, Cash Management Services Representative with Chelsea Groton Bank and Michael DiFranco, Design Build Supervisor for General Dynamics Electric Boat, who will become Co-Chairs of the group’s Social Activity Committee.

“We are very proud of the Young Professionals program,” said Tony Sheridan, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT. “Under the leadership of outgoing Chair Meagan Seacor, the program significantly expanded its offerings to engage young people with the established business community. This growth will continue under the direction set by Kayla Thompson and the Executive Committee members. The future of eastern CT is bright because of the dedication of these talented individuals.”

“I’m excited to work with my peers on the Executive Committee,” said Kayla Thompson. “They bring many different talents and experiences that will help us continue to grow the YP program. Furthermore, we’re all pleased to honor three extraordinary YP members this year. Keith, Tanya, and Tom are committed members of the program and embody YPECT’s best values. Their recognition is well-deserved.”

The Young Professionals of the Year celebration will be held Friday, February 16, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Great Neck Country Club in Waterford (28 Lamphere Road). This event is open to the general public to attend. It will feature a networking reception with an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres, followed by an annual program review, election of new executives, and the recognition of the Young Professionals of the Year. Attire is cocktail or semi-formal. Admission is $35 per person, requested in advance. Marketing opportunities are also available. Sign up at YPECT.com or call the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT at (860) 701-9113.

The YPECT program is made possible in part by Gold Sponsors Atlantic Broadband and Homestead Funding, and Silver Sponsor Charter Oak Federal Credit Union. About YPECT:
Since it was established in 2011, the Young Professionals of Eastern CT program has created a platform that provides young professionals in eastern Connecticut with opportunities to build professional networks, social relationships, and engage in volunteer activities that improve the economic vitality and quality of life in eastern CT. For more information, visit www.YPECT.com. 
 
About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut:
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a collaborative of business and community leaders dedicated to securing and enhancing the economic vitality of eastern Connecticut. The Chamber works to create value for its members and the region by providing forums for business networking, leadership and discussions of issues that affect the region; providing opportunities for members to showcase their products, services and accomplishments; helping small businesses succeed through educational programs; and working to reduce the costs of doing business in Connecticut.  For more information, visit www.ChamberECT.com.