They come for careers in the Wood River Valley, but they stay for the skiing and quality of life.
For the past several months young professionals have gathered at events organized by Jigsaw, a local nonprofit that provides education and networking for existing and start-up businesses.
"The young professionals group of 21 to 40-plus somethings already plays a large role in our valley's economy," said Jima Rice, president of Jigsaw and Rice Consulting. "And they are the valley's economic future. Jigsaw has worked to help them develop active networks, have a social outlet and build their business skills."
Having built a list of more than 100 young professionals interested in networking, Rice is handing the leadership over to a coordinating committee headed by Jenna Ringelheim.
A relative newcomer to the valley, Ringelheim is executive director of The Wild Gift, a nonprofit that builds young leaders committed to environmental protection.
"The best people to manage this group on a day-to-day basis are young professionals themselves," Rice said. "It's great that Jenna is interested in taking this on and is organizing others to work with her."
Jigsaw defines young professionals as well-educated, career-oriented, self-reliant, technology savvy, creative and pragmatic problem-solvers. Rice said they are mobile, care about the environment, seek quality of life and generally earn high salaries.
"Check the Web and you'll find hundreds of young professional groups in cities, towns, states and trade organizations," Rice said. "They are strong in the nonprofit world, technology, small business start-ups, and arts and design, as well as more conventional types of employment."
In April 2008, Rice surveyed her e-mail list of more than 100 local young professionals and found the following:
· Sixty percent are between 26 and 35.
· The majority of them work in technology (24 percent), non-profits (17 percent), and contracting (11 percent) with the rest scattered over 14 other categories of work.
· Their priorities include social networking (86 percent), professional development (63 percent), peer brainstorming for business ideas (43 percent), and being mentored (40 percent).
· They moved here, in descending order, for a job, quality of life, family and to ski.
· They are predominantly in middle and senior level positions, with a small number having started their own businesses.
· They define themselves as young professionals because, in a composite of their own words compiled by Rice: "I am a college-educated person engaged in or actively seeking a 'real' career and to expand my work abilities. I am professional, have significant responsibilities and think long-term about where I'm headed."
According to Ringelheim, Jigsaw events for young professionals will initially continue as social in nature.
"That's mostly what people want right now, so we'll be figuring out when, where and in what format to do them," she said. "As we get a better understanding of our needs, we'll be reaching out to Jigsaw, Ketchum's CDC, and others for support in business skill development, networking and other efforts."
Rice said she's pleased the budding idea of a young professionals group is forging ahead.
"They really appreciate any efforts to help them," Rice said. "They're a set of rising stars in our community and deserve support."
