Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals report membership growth, mentorship program

Representatives of the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals (GGFYP) updated the Grand Forks County Commission on July 15 about the organization’s membership and programming, thanking the county for corporate sponsorship and describing new efforts to recruit and retain young professionals.

Board member Matthew Ternes said the group recently hired a full‑time executive director, Todd Carlson, and that the volunteer board now totals about 14 people. Ternes described three core program areas: professional development, community volunteer activity and social events designed to build the networks that help young workers ‘‘dig their roots deep’’ in the region.

Ternes highlighted a new community mentorship program that pairs emerging professionals with more established area mentors to address workplace advancement and community integration — for example, connecting recent college graduates and young military arrivals with housing, employers and social networks. He said the organization has more than 300 registered members and multiple corporate sponsors.

On outreach to service members, Ternes said the group has strengthened connections with Grand Forks Air Force Base and maintains an ex officio board seat for a base representative to improve outreach and event participation. Several commissioners and attendees emphasized the program’s role in reducing social isolation for young military arrivals and in supporting retention.

Ending

Commissioners thanked the presenters and encouraged continued coordination with the county and other civic groups as the county considers workforce and housing issues.