The next generation in Kootenai County

One of the things that makes me most excited to be back in the community is that I can rejoin the Kootenai County Young Professionals. A few years ago, concerned by the fact that my peers were moving out of the area, I got together with a few friends to start an organization. Our goal was to keep young professionals in the area, and in doing so, enrich the fabric of our community. Now, a few years later, I will be the only member of the original seven that started the group, but the change in leadership signifies a resilience in the mission that transcends any one individual or group of individuals. That is the mark of a group that is destined for success.

This past week, I sat through my first board meeting since rejoining the group. Two things struck me profoundly: First, I was surprised to see the dedication to the same mission we started the group with in 2007. Secondly, I was amazed by the caliber of the individuals I will be serving with.

The original board saw a need in the community for a group to help make Kootenai County feel like home for young people who wanted to start a professional life here. That passion still exists, even though the leadership has rotated. KCYP remains devoted to helping build our community for a strong future. The organization has maintained the same vision to connect, attract and retain young professionals in our community. The board remains committed to that vision, as they see a healthy, inviting community as an essential role in not only attracting industrious people to and keeping people in the area, but in attracting the sort of employers that will provide good jobs for years to come. KCYP's role, which is to enrich and engage young professionals by providing opportunities for philanthropic and social interaction, leadership and community involvement, is vital. KCYP gives people an avenue for ownership in the community.

After a few meetings with this new board, I have no doubt that this group of individuals is the perfect group to shepherd in a new era, and take the group's mission and vision to the next level. Ashley Piaskowski, the public information coordinator at LCSC and the new president of the group, is highly organized, motivated and collaborative in her approach. She will be working with Juli Barton of US Bank, April Needham of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nicole Pearson of Northwestern Mutual, Jessica Godderz of United Way and Christi Fleischman of Knock Marketing.

Each of these people brings individual strengths, but all bring a commitment to a first-rate membership experience and a better community.

I encourage you to tell businesses that KCYP is a resource for new and existing employees. Tell whomever you know that might be having trouble getting connected in the area to get in touch. And if you are interested, check us out. KCYP can be found online at www.kcyp.org, or you can email the group directly at [email protected]. Last week, KCYP hosted a community-wide volunteer fair. The next event is a social gathering at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, at the Wine Cellar in Coeur d'Alene.

Luke Malek is a homegrown Kootenai County boy who helped found the Kootenai County Young Professionals in 2007. He worked with Besse Bailey, Heather Keen, Chris Harrison, Peter Smith, Scott McArthur, Jessica Forsberg and Lucas Braden and many others in the community to get the group started. Luke can be reached at [email protected].