SYP to host Annual Meeting and Celebration at Bennington Museum
The Shires Young Professionals (SYP) will close the calendar year with a special reunion for their membership of young workers in Bennington County. This year’s Annual Meeting will be held inside Bennington Museum’s historic Paresky Wing on Dec. 3rd.
The Annual Meeting will be a celebration of the year’s work and programming. With over 20 events this year, ranging from mixers to volunteer events to homebuying seminars, SYP members enjoyed one of the busiest years in the group’s history.
SYP Members and other select attendees should register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/syp-annual-meeting-celebration-tickets-1053837459209
One key accomplishment the group will celebrate is their exponential growth over the past 12 months, including 43 net new members as well as 5 new corporate sponsors. These sponsors join a cohort of 11 organizations helping the SYP continue its mission of connecting young Vermonters.
Carolyn Gilbert was elected Board Chair at the 2023 Annual Meeting, beginning her tenure in January of this year. She has overseen this growth alongside Vice Chair Courtnay Wilson and with the steady support of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce and their staff.
“The amount of growth we’ve seen this year has surpassed our expectations, and it speaks to the work of our Board and membership who are incredibly active inside and outside of our organization.” commented Gilbert. “I'm also so pleased and grateful for our growth in sponsorship this year. It is encouraging to know companies and nonprofits in Bennington County see and believe in the work that SYP is doing; and each one of their sponsorships is truly a game changer for us. We know there is more work to be done, but I am very proud of what we have accomplished so far.”
It was also a year for recognition for many members of the group. Vice Chair Courtnay Wilson was recognized as a VermontBiz Rising Star and awarded the Bennington Reader’s Choice Volunteer of the Year award. Wilson, alongside Beth Sturgeon, SYP Secretary, and Naomi Parekh, long-time SYP member, were also part of the 2024 Southern Vermont Emerging Leaders class.
The festivities will begin with a vote to elect new board members and approve their 2025 budget.
Corporate sponsors for the SYP include: The Bank of Bennington, couch + cork, The Collaborative, Fidium, GNAT-TV, Heritage Family Credit Union, Maple Leaf Realty, MSK Engineers, United Counseling Services, VermontBiz, and Vermont News & Media.
The Bennington Museum has generously donated the event space and amenities for this event.