The Bend Chamber’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) is calling on its members and other interested local professionals to support The Humane Society of Central Oregon at its February networking event. This month’s event will be hosted by Deschutes County Title Wednesday, February 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 397 SW Terrace Drive in Bend. If you RSVP in advance, the cost is $7 for members and $12 for non-members. The price increases the day of the event. Attendees enjoy beverages, food, door prizes, networking games and more. Registration is available on-line at www.bendchamber.org/ypn or by phone at 382-3221.

YPN monthly networking events are held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. This year, the group has elected to dedicate its February, April, June, August and October events to reach out for local nonprofits. According to Jeni Roberts, YPN’s 2008 Chair: “The Young Professionals Network has grown over the last few years. As we have grown, we have continued to value the importance of providing opportunities for our members to connect with the needs of the community by holding events that benefit nonprofit organizations. It is amazing how involved the Young Professionals of Bend are.”

On February 20, attendees are asked to bring items from The Humane Society of Central Oregon’s wish list. The YPN leadership committee and Bend Chamber staff will be on-hand to collect and distribute the following items:

Humane Society of Central Oregon Wish List:

• Canned poultry-based kitten or cat food
• Kitten milk replacer (KMR)
• Nursing bottles
• Canned, processed cheese (Easy Cheese)-for medicating/pilling animals
• Large-dog nail clippers
• Mesh sweater/laundry bag
• Unscented baby wipes
• Softscrub with bleach
• Cat Litter (inexpensive, non-clumping)
• Gentle Leader “Easy Walk” dog harness: Medium & Large (Premier brand, ‘front attachment’)
• Small animal treats and activity toys
• Clorox brand bleach
• Gift Cards to pet and office supply stores
• Writing pens, Post-it notes & notepads
• Volunteers for animal care, community events, foster home, office work and more!

What is YPN?
Established in June of 2006, the Bend Chamber’s Young Professionals Network has become a vital part of Bend’s business community. YPN events are open to both Chamber members and non-members, and are geared towards those aged 40 and under or young at heart. Past event hosts have included, Columbia River Bank, Bend Memorial Clinic, Century Insurance, The Shops at the Old Mill, and more.

The purpose of the Young Professionals Network is to provide young professionals with top quality networking, community involvement and professional development opportunities in a fun, professional and friendly environment. For more information, visit www.bendchamber.org/ypn.