Steering Committee Responsibilities
The Blount County Young Professionals Steering Committee is accountable to the Blount County Chamber of Commerce and its members. The Blount County Chamber of Commerce tasks the Steering Committee with the following:
- Set the overall policy and adhere to By-Laws in place.
- Determine the goals of Blount County Young Professionals.
- Appoint Chairs in accordance with the By-Laws.
- Recommend changes in the By-Laws.
- Fill all vacancies on the Steering Committee in accordance with the By-Laws.
- Meet as required in the By-Laws, or more frequently as determined by the Chair.
Generally, the Steering Committee will ensure necessary steps are taken to reach committee goals while adhering to the By-Laws.
Duties and Responsibilities
Steering Committee Members are expected to:
- Attend scheduled Steering Committee meetings and review materials in advance.
- Volunteer to assist in areas where their work and life experiences are best suited.
- Take an active role in reviewing and evaluating major programs designed to serve members.
- Respect organizational decisions.
- Respect confidentiality.
- Bring the same level of intellectual commitment and judgment as in their own business or profession.
- Appraise the organization’s performance periodically, at least annually.
- Gather intelligence relating to member needs and sentiments and report key issues to the Steering Committee.
- Attend BCYP events whenever available.
- Serve as an ambassador of BCYP, representing its mission and vision.
- Respect the role of Chamber staff.
- Stay informed about organizational activities.
As a Steering Committee Member, you are responsible for BCYP operations. This does not mean involvement in every decision, but rather providing leadership through collaboration with fellow Steering Committee Members and Subcommittees.
Serving on the Steering Committee carries a strong commitment but should also be rewarding, enjoyable, and require only a modest amount of your time.
Available Positions / Roles
Chair
As Chair of Blount County Young Professionals, you provide strategic leadership and foster a positive environment for all stakeholders. Responsibilities include:
- Strategic Leadership: Provide organizational direction, implement strategic plans, and monitor progress.
- Meeting Facilitation: Preside over meetings and help set agendas.
- Reporting: Submit reports to the Blount County Chamber of Commerce Board and others as required.
- Relationship Building: Strengthen relationships with members, sponsors, partners, and stakeholders.
- Financial Oversight: Ensure operations remain within approved budgets.
- Team Management: Coordinate executive team activities and oversee projects and initiatives.
- Membership Engagement: Promote involvement and participation in events.
- Succession Planning: Develop future organizational leaders.
- Strategic Goals: Meet with Chairs at the beginning and midpoint of the year to review goals and progress.
Vice-Chair
This position is a three-year commitment, as the Vice-Chair will advance to Chair and then Past Chair.
- Expert on By-Laws: Ensure compliance and recommend improvements.
- Meeting Minutes: Record and distribute minutes within three business days.
- Meeting Facilitation: Lead meetings when the Chair is unavailable.
- Seek Feedback: Create and manage annual member surveys.
- Collaborative Leadership: Support projects and initiatives across the organization.
- Membership Engagement: Promote participation and event attendance.
- Succession Planning: Identify and mentor future leaders.
- Strategic Goals: Assist Chairs in achieving annual objectives.
Community Service & Outreach Committee Chair
Plan and execute four community service and engagement events annually. Coordinate volunteer-based projects that create meaningful impact while strengthening connections among young professionals.
Potential Non-Profit Partners
- New Hope
- Meals on Wheels
- Family Promise
- Special Growers
- Kingdom Design Ministries
- Other community organizations
Professional Development Committee Chair
Plan and execute four professional development events annually. Secure speakers, gather member feedback, and provide learning opportunities that enhance skills, leadership, and personal growth.
Possible Event Topics
- Leadership and Management Training
- Innovation and Creativity in the Workplace
- Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal Skills
- Effective Workplace Communication
- Difficult Conversations
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Mentorship Committee Chair
Lead and manage mentorship opportunities by connecting experienced professionals with emerging young leaders.
Responsibilities
- Maintain a list of interested mentors and mentees.
- Plan two interest meetings annually (January and July).
- Pair mentors with mentees.
- Conduct quarterly mentor check-ins.
- Provide monthly discussion topics.
- Attend mentorship happy hours and coffee meetings.
- Survey participants following each six-month cohort.
- Promote participation in Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship opportunities.
- Update mentorship materials as needed.
Membership Committee Chair
Recruit and retain members while helping them integrate successfully into the BCYP community.
Specific Duties
- Encourage participation in service, professional development, and mentorship programs.
- Reach out personally to new members.
- Create and maintain referral partnerships with businesses and educational institutions.
- Implement an onboarding process for new members.
- Send monthly outreach emails to inactive members and new attendees.
Events Committee Chair
Plan and execute four networking events annually that foster professional relationships and community engagement.
Possible Activities
- Happy Hours
- Lunch & Learns
- Coffee Clubs
- Business Tours
- Mayor Meet & Greets
- Government Behind-the-Scenes Events
- Regional Mixers
- Bar Crawls
- Field Days or Sports Tournaments
- Trivia Nights
- Wine Tastings
- Cooking Classes
- Cocktail-Making Classes
Engagement Chair
Promote participation in BCYP and Chamber events by encouraging attendance, fostering connections, and aligning activities with BCYP’s mission of service, professional development, and networking.
At-Large Member
This role provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of BCYP operations while contributing insights and supporting committee initiatives. At-Large Members attend monthly Steering Committee meetings and assist committee chairs as needed.
2027 Committee Meeting Dates:
*-Before completing the application, please be sure you are available on the following dates and times. Attendance at committee meetings is mandatory. All committee meetings are held at 8:30 a.m. at the Blount Partnership.
Blount County Young Professionals – Year Outline 2027
November 12 – BCYP Training 8-10 a.m. at Blount Partnership
November 30 – Committee Meeting
January 13 – Committee Meeting
February 10 – Committee Meeting
March 24 – Committee Meeting
April 14 – Committee Meeting
May 12 – Committee Meeting
Tentative June 25 – BCYP Mid-Year Retreat 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend
July 14 – Committee Meeting/Strategic Planning
August 11 – Committee Meeting
September 8 – Committee Meeting
October 13 – Committee Meeting
November 10 – Committee Meeting
December 1 – Committee Meeting
BCYP 2027 Steering Committee Application
Blount Partnership Young Professionals Steering Committee is seeking nominations for the 2027 Young Professional Chairs. Please complete this application by September 11, 2026. Decisions announced Ocotober 14, 2026.