STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The newly formed Wood River Valley Young Professionals Network will hold their February Social Event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Sawtooth Brewery Taproom, 110 N. River St. in Hailey.

More than 70 participants attended the January social event held at the Limelight Hotel. They nibbled on hors d’oeuvres and answered questionnaires about what kinds of things they’d like to see, ranging from social events to group volunteer opportunities with nonprofits.

“Ask Me About” name tags served as good ice breakers during the meet and greet.

The network was formed in November 2019 as a result of a valley-wide push to get more young people involved and engaged in the local community. Two idea sessions held in late 2019 determined that having consistent networking opportunities was the no. 1 goal for local young professionals. The network is designed to offer young people a louder voice in the future of their community and a chance to build personal and professional relationships, said Courtney Hamilton, who organized the event, along with Matt Gelso.

Events will be held on the second Thursday of every month, alternating between north valley and south valley locations.

While the focus of the group is on the valley’s under-40 population, anyone is welcome to join.

Hamilton said the network hopes to tackle top priorities of group members, including community engagement and political advocacy. The group has also begun a monthly newsletter containing job openings, advocacy opportunities, volunteer needs and information requests.

Local organizations or businesses interested in hosting or sponsoring an event or sharing a message with the group can email wrvyoungprofessionals@gmail.com.

To learn more visit www.wrvyoungprofessionals.org.