Note From the Chair

New Year, New Mission!

What are your resolutions for 2010? Work smarter? Play harder? New years are not only a time for resolutions, but a time to look forward to the promise of a new year, of a new beginning. As we look forward to the new year (and new decade!), our promise of a new beginning starts with a refreshed mission and vision statement:

MISSION
To empower & engage emerging talent in the Charleston region.

VISION
To be the primary resource for emerging talent by building relationships, cultivating leaders & positively impacting the quality of life in the Charleston region.

In an effort to be more resourceful, we are rolling out a few new initiatives over the coming months. Be on the lookout for community involvement opportunities, meet and greets for new/renewing members and board training opportunities, coming soon!

Happy New Year!

Allison McCutcheon
CYP Chair

Mentor Program Kicks-Off With Success

CYP launched its fourth mentor program last night, matching 27 mentees to mentors.  This year long program gives mentees the opportunity to learn from business leaders and gain support and guidance, while offering mentors an opportunity to strengthen ties with the young professional community. Through monthly meetings, mentees gain guidance and support for career advice and insight on how to improve their skills to achieve their professional goals.

With close to 100 mentee participants so far, the CYP mentor program has been a great success to help foster meaningful relationships between members of CYP and business leaders in the region.

Applications for the next mentor program will begin in October 2010.

Green Tips for the New Year

� Buy Quality. Shop for fewer, better products that will last longer.
� Eat Sustainably Raised Meat. Grass fed cattle produce healthier beef than their factory-farmed counterparts, with less impact on the environment.
� Use Your Hands. Look for ways to be your own power source.
� Buy Larger Quantities. This cuts down on packaging waste, which accounts for � of everything that goes in the trash.
� Don�t Toss Batteries. Recycle them at the John L. Jencks Recycling Center downtown.
� Switch It Off. Let empty rooms be dark and switch to modern, low-energy bulbs that will save money and reduce your �carbon footprint.�
� Dish It Out. Make sure your dishwasher is full (but not overloaded) before turning it on.
� Save Water. Don�t let the tap run more than necessary and if it�s dripping, get it fixed.
� Keep On Rollin�. The right pressure in our car�s tires reduces fuel consumption.
� Avoid Plastic. Plastics are manufactured mainly from petroleum and natural gas, which means they contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Get more green tips at the YP Wednesday in April.

**Excerpts from the book 100 Ways to Save the World by Johan Tell

YP Wake Up

Join us for YP Wake Up - a morning blend of information, connections and young professionals! All CYP members are welcome to join Steering Committee members for coffee - no RSVP required! These informal monthly gatherings are perfect for new members or those getting ready to renew - make sure you're getting the most out of your membership! The first YP Wake Up will be Thursday, February 18, 8 a.m. at Rising High Bakery on East bay St. For more information, contact Melissa Whetzel at whetzelm@cofc.edu.

CYP Gives Back During Holiday Party

The rain subsided and it turned out to be a great CYP holiday party at the James Island County Park. More than 100 young professionals came out to enjoy the festival of lights, bbq from Melvin's BBQ and of course live entertainment from Elise Testone and Wallace Mullinax, of local band The Freeloaders.

In the spirit of the season, CYP members also donated canned food items for the Lowcountry Food Bank.


Join CYP on Twitter

Like to Tweet? Find us on Twitter at CharlestonYP!

Be the Next Profile

Would you like to be profiled in an upcoming YP Access? This is great exposure for you and your business and just another benefit of being a CYP member. Check out this month�s member spotlights on the right side of this page. If you are interested click here to fill out the spotlight form and email it back along with a headshot photo of yourself to Caitlin Bailey, CaitlinBailey@clearchannel.com.

Upcoming Official CYP Events:

For program information, details and registration please go to www.charleston-yp.com. For additional information call 805.3102. In the meantime, mark your calendar and save the date for these upcoming CYP functions:

February 3 � YP Wednesday
Kick-off the new year with CYP's monthly networking event.
Time:     6 � 8 p.m.
Place:   Triangle Char & Bar
             828 Savannah Hwy.
Cost:     $20 non-member, $10 CYP member
RSVP:   www.charleston-yp.com
Info:      Lindsey Pakkala, lpakkala@charlestonchamber.org

February 18 � YP Wake Up
A morning blend of information, connections and young professionals!
Time:    8 a.m.
Place:   Rising High Bakery
             480 East Bay St.
Cost:     Free for CYP members

CYP Member Discount

January 21 - CofC vs. Wofford Basketball Game
Time:     7 p.m.
Place:   Carolina First Arena,
             301 Meeting Street
Cost:     $10 discount ticket for CYP members
RSVP:   Must register by Jan. 19 www.charleston-yp.com