My name is Tessa Baxter, and I am a first-time blogger (Hello, Tessa!).

I am the Talent Coordinator for the Greater Akron Chamber. No, I don't book the bands…I am responsible for developing and executing strategies to retain and attract young professionals (YPs) to our region. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it!

I truly believe that one way to retain the YPs we already have in Greater Akron and to welcome those we attract is by helping them get connected - to each other and to our community. I hope that this blog, by keeping any interested YPs (or young-at-heart professionals) "in the loop," will become "the rug [that] really pulls the room together."