Making a Difference for Young Vermonters in The Shires

Over 100 members and counting!

Our Mission:

Shires Young Professionals is dedicated to connecting, engaging, and empowering 21-40 year olds in Bennington County. Through a range of social gatherings and networking opportunities, we foster a dynamic community where members can thrive personally and professionally. Our mission is to provide a platform for building lasting connections, accessing valuable resources, and contributing positively to our region.

Our Values in Action

As the only young professionals network in Southwestern Vermont, our members and Advisory Board are committed to fostering growth, independence, and inclusion in all of our efforts.

Our organization is focused on 5 key values:

  • Diversity & Inclusion: Welcome to all individuals with diverse backgrounds

  • Leadership: Help guide and facilitate others to make a positive impact in our community

  • Community Engagement: Participation in the community

  • Connections: Regionally connected through collaboration

  • Development: Create a process that encourages growth, progress and change

History of the Shires YP

In 2018, in order to create a more structured, strategic investment in the region’s young professionals, the Bennington Young Professionals and the Northshire Young Professionals groups merged to become the Shires Young Professionals group under the regional Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce. 

This merger helped the Shires YP: consolidate efforts, provide more resources for members, eliminate borders & boundaries, and grow young professional culture for the Shires region.