A forum for Elizabethton’s next generation of leaders is once again catching steam.
The Young Elizabethton Professionals (YEP) organization is scheduled to meet Thursday prior to the start of the Elizabethton Twins game to work at the issues, concerns, and ideas for the future of the city.
“We were really excited when this began because it gave us kind of a unique opportunity as young professionals to bring resources to the community in a very boiled down fashion that may not be available otherwise,” Thomas Davis, financial advisor with Edward Jones, said.
Davis has led the charge of reenergizing YEP following the group’s first meeting in April. YEP slowly fell out of the loop once founder, Kris Yarlett, moved away from the area and was unable to continue in his role.
But after discussions with members, the inactivity will be something of the past, Davis said.
“After a little bit of conversation, a lot of one-on-ones and two-on-ones … I think we’re ready to start from where we should have to begin with after that meeting,” he added.
Thursday’s meeting will be about establishing a direction moving forward.
“We’re going to create a structure of some kind and it’s up to the group on what that may be,” Davis said. “We’re going to sit down and come up with these details. Do we want to focus on one community concern, or be available when we can for different projects?
And don’t let the name fool you. YEP is open for any individual looking to make a genuine difference in the community, Davis added.
“Just from the individual conversations, we don’t really have a certain age limit,” he said. “Young brings a certain idea to mind but our original idea was it being the next generation of business and community leaders. Maybe not necessary the current business leaders, but we have some now in those roles now. We want to get together, know each other, and bring our resources together to help out where we can.
“Besides YEP sounds better than EP, “Davis said with a laugh. “There are just so many people we want in our organization that add value and ideas. Everyone is welcome, to the extent that can help us achieve our goals.”
YEP’s meetings are going to guided more toward a roundtable discussion, like their inaugural meeting months ago at Beef-O-Brady’s.
“We really just sit around a table, get into a conversation and just let it go,” Davis said.
“Folks just start raising their hands and talking. We get a lot of ideas from these types of discussions.”
While a standard meeting place would be ideal, Davis said, an unincorporated group like YEP allows the opportunity for members to take part in activities while working at bettering the community.
YEP has roughly 20 to 30 members pegged at the moment, stretched throughout various government bodies, sectors of business, and organizations.
“We’re hoping that everyone is still excited, if not more,” Davis said. “I’ve reached out to people who I think can add value … we’re hoping to grow it moving forward.”