After 10 years, Franklin County Young Professionals rebranding

A Franklin County Young Professionals networking event held at Pioneer Valley Brewery in Turners Falls. The organization is looking to rebrand with a new name that will more accurately describe the group’s purpose in 2024.

A Franklin County Young Professionals networking event held at Pioneer Valley Brewery in Turners Falls. The organization is looking to rebrand with a new name that will more accurately describe the group’s purpose in 2024. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

By ADA DENENFELD KELLY

For the Athol Daily News

Published: 07-12-2024 5:11 PM

Modified: 07-18-2024 1:13 PM


After 10 years of supporting the region’s workers, Franklin County Young Professionals is looking to rebrand and is seeking feedback from the community on a new name that will more accurately describe the group’s purpose in 2024.

“A lot of young professional groups were started because there was this need for millennials to be looking for a way to engage with their communities, and build job skills and network, and [they weren’t] sure how to do that,” Shannon Prescott, a volunteer with Franklin County Young Professionals, said while recounting the group’s origins. “That said, that was 10 years ago and things have really changed.”

In recent years, particularly post-pandemic, Prescott said many residents that could benefit from joining Franklin County Young Professionals said they felt too old to be considered a “young professional” or were dissuaded by the term “professionals.”

After trying to clarify the intended meaning of these terms, the organization decided that it would be most effective to change the name.

“The mission hasn’t really changed over the last 10 years, but we are finding better ways to define the work that we’re doing,” Prescott said. “And then have a name that represents that, because we don’t feel like the Franklin County Young Professionals is doing that for us right now.”

The organization’s goal is to offer personal enrichment and career development to Franklin County workers. In exchange for a membership fee that ranges from $50 for a nonprofit employee to $100 for business membership, the group offers opportunities for connection through volunteer work and fundraising events, as well as trainings and workshops. Recently, Franklin County Young Professionals offered a class on “mental health first aid” that discussed how residents can support those who are experiencing a mental health crisis.

During the pandemic, the organization joined the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. The group now functions as an additional resource for chamber members, Prescott said.

“Our group is here to help develop the workforce that these business owners [who are members of the chamber] are going out and trying to hire and bring in and find talent … making sure that there is accessible employee education and employee development for employers in this area,” Prescott explained.

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

KFC Foundation makes donation to NQ Animal Control
Four Orange firefighters to receive honors for actions in fatal blaze
Brush fire burns quarter-acre in Royalston
Oglala-Lakota Nation receives headdresses taken to Barre in ceremony
North Quabbin towns respond to spike in brush fires
GoFundMe started to cover celebration of life expenses for Keene, NH woman found in Warwick

As part of its rebranding effort, the group sent out a survey looking for feedback on two ideas for a new name: Franklin County Career Enhancement and Franklin County Career Skills Development. Community suggestions are also welcome.

The organization’s goal is to finish picking the new name by the end of the summer, and complete the transition by the end of the year.

More information about Franklin County Young Professionals can be found at chamber.franklincc.org/list/member/franklin-county-young-professionals-7792.