US Bank-sponsored Bend Chamber Young Professionals (YP) Program has begun selling YP Passports for the 2024 calendar year. The YP Passport was first introduced in 2020 and makes it simple for team members to take part in all of the year’s programs.
Cody Cloyd, Bend YP Member and Ambassador/Advisory Council Chair, shared, “When a YP Passport option was first offered three years ago, I was one of the first to sign up. I was planning on going to most of the content anyways, so the YP Passport ended up saving me a ton of money throughout the year, and the added perks, like being part of a mentorship group and YP Passport exclusive events, are almost invaluable. Adding in a pass to the yearly Bend YP Summit makes having a YP Passport a no-brainer for someone like me.”
Admission to the YP Summit in May, six instructive Expert Labs, six YP Socials, six passes to the Chamber’s Business & Bevs and Commerce & Coffee events, eligibility for mentorship, and a host of additional networking and educational opportunities are all included with the YP Passport. The cost of a single YP passport is $250.
For a second year, the Business Flex Passport is back. This version gives employers complete flexibility and is an excellent choice for a team that is just getting started, a company that wants schedule flexibility, or a group figuring out how to pursue professional growth in Bend. It gives a manager or HR representative the freedom to assign different staff members to attend the Bend Chamber and Bend YP activities that are most pertinent to them. The cost of a Business Flex YP Passport is $500.
The report states that 93% of companies are worried about employee retention, and that “providing learning opportunities” is the main strategy used by companies to increase retention.
“As we’ve seen over the last several years, it’s important for businesses to invest in their employees, not only for retention, but to grow a strong and talented workforce,” said Talena Barker, Vice President of Leadership Development. “The YP Passport and programmatic offerings meet that need by providing relevant and timely professional development to our community without putting pressure on companies to do it all themselves.”
Purchases of YP passports can be made through January 15, 2024. Early in 2024, Bend YP will throw a Passport Holder Welcome Party, complete with entertaining surprises and information on how to use your passport.