Along with several other members of the Young Professionals of Akron, I spent my day Saturday assembling care packages for our troops. Many thanks to the USO Armory Care Package Center in North Canton for their hospitality and for providing our group with a volunteer activity that was well organized and kept us busy all day.

As I was stuffing the boxes full of puzzle books, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, dryer sheets, kleenex, toilet paper, etc. I found myself thinking about the soldiers who would receive the packages I stuffed, and hoping that they would enjoy the things I chose. I mean, I know there's not a lot that's exciting about lotion and shampoo, but I tried to include the best brands I could grab, and I tried to find fun calendars, books, and toys to include as well. I couldn't help but wonder what it must be like to be out there in the desert, lugging all your stuff around in the sweltering heat, needing dryer sheets to ward off your own stench. Makes me feel bad for complaining about not having air conditioning in my house!

The USO is always looking for donations and volunteers. Additionally, they really need the addresses of soldiers who are currently serving overseas. Until Saturday, I wasn't aware that they can't just send over a whole bunch of boxes to be randomly distributed among the troops. Each package must be sent to a specific soldier at a specific address. So, if you know anyone who is currently serving, e-mail his/her name and mailing address to usoarmory@yahoo.com or call (440) 454-2537.

The Greater Akron Chamber and LPC Publishing Company recently celebrated the accomplishments of thirty-one of Greater Akron's stellar Young Professionals at the 30 for the Future celebration. The recipients, their guests, and many Greater Akron Chamber members wined and dined at the Carousel Dinner Theatre and shared a few laughs and perhaps a few tears during the ceremony.

The 2007 30 for the Future award recipients are a diverse group, ranging in age from 25 to 39 and ranging in profession from entrepreneurs to Executive Directors to Administrators and even a few lawyers! Their accomplishments are truly impressive…these are their stories.

Nominations are already being accepted for the 2008 30 for the Future awards. We're looking for 30 dynamic, creative, successful young professionals. Are you one?

Have you seen the “Best of Akron” feature in the July issue of Akron Life & Leisure magazine? On page 43, you’ll see that Akron’s Young Professionals Movement was voted in as the runner up in the Best Local Trend Category!

This is amazing news! It’s fantastic that the efforts of our region’s YPs are being noticed. In fact, not only are they being noticed, but they’re being noticed by enough people that YPism grabbed 2nd place in a vote conducted by write-in ballot. Wow!

I want to comment, however, on the use of the word “trend” to describe the YP movement. (more…)

Hello, and welcome the Young Professionals Loop! This blog is dedicated to providing the Greater Akron Region's Young Professionals with information on:

• upcoming social events
• community service opportunities
• achievements of YPs in our community
• news items of interest to YPs
• activities of our region's Young Professionals Organizations
• and more!

I'll do my best to keep it lively, and I welcome your comments, suggestions, and guest posts. In addition to writing this blog, I also produce a periodic YP Loop e-newsletter. If you have something to share, or you'd like to be added to my e-mail list shoot me an e-mail.