Fostering a young professional workforce between the ages of 21 and 45, the Northeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Association was formed to strengthen the vitality of Ashland and surrounding areas by providing a network of professional development, social opportunity, economic development and community service programs.
Under the direction of the Ashland Association, Paul Craft and Shaun Kiser founded the organization in 2003 to provide young business professionals an outlet to network while fostering social interactions among members. Today YPA has a membership of over 75 members.
From monthly board meetings to member committees, YPA also provides a quarterly luncheon and frequent social events to unite young professionals throughout Boyd and Greenup Counties and a host of other social events to unite Ashland’s young workforce.
One of the highlight’s of YPA is the annual Backpack program, in which Backpacks with school supplies and new school clothes are provided to area children in need. In addition, the group fosters professional development and conducts workshops while focusing more on economic issues that directly impact Ashland and surrounding areas.