What is Blount County Young Professionals?

Blount County Young Professionals invites individuals ages 21-40 who work, live, or play in Blount County to join BCYP. A Blount County Chamber of Commerce membership is not required to participate.

Mission/Vision Statement

Mission: Blount County Young Professionals aims to attract and retain young, diverse talent by providing inclusive and meaningful opportunities for career development and community engagement through service, connection, mentorship.

Vision: Blount County Young Professionals contribute to a thriving and diverse local economic landscape by inspiring emerging young leaders to contribute to the vitality of our community and engage civically.

What types of events does BCYP have?

• Community Service Events with local nonprofits
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Special Growers
  • New Hope
  • Keep Blount Beautiful
  • Boys and Girls Club
  • And so many more! If you are a non-profit that is interested in partnering with us, please reach out to [email protected]
• Professional Development Topics
  • Difficult Conversations in the Workplace
  • Leadership Development
  • Financial Literacy
  • Leading with Intelligence
  • Managing Burnout
• Networking Opportunities
  • Behind the Scenes Local Business Tours
  • Happy Hours/Mixers
  • YP Regional Mixer
  • Brewing Success
  • Mentorship Program
  • Holiday Bar Crawl

How do I receive first access to BCYP events?

By completing the Young Professionals Questionnaire, you will be notified first of upcoming BCYP events and receive our monthly newsletter.

BCYP Calendar of Events

For the most updated listing of upcoming events, please visit our social media pages (LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook).

How to get more involved?

If you are interested in being more involved in BCYP events, consider applying for the 2025 Steering Committee. Reach out to Alexa Johns ([email protected]) at (865) 983-2241 for more information.

• Chair: The Chair presides over meetings, works with other chairs, submits various reports to the Blount County Chamber of Commerce board and performs other duties as the need arises. The Chair is the primary liaison between Blount County Young Professionals and the Blount County Chamber of Commerce.
• Vice-Chair: The Vice-Chair assists the Chair with all programs, initiatives and other duties as needed, oversees all development of initiatives, and assists Chair(s) in all scopes and duties whenever possible or requested.
• Past Chair: The Past-Chair assists the Chair and steering committee with history on past events, areas of growth and other duties as needed, in order to provide continuity and impart historical knowledge of the organization.
• Community Service & Outreach Chair: In this role you will be responsible for the planning and execution of 4 community service events throughout the calendar year with the help of Chair and Chamber Staff Liaison. This includes choosing a chamber member (preferred but not required) organization to partner with, working with the organization on details for YPs to give back and connect. Projects should be volunteer labor oriented or product donation; not monetary fund raising.
• Professional Development Chair: In this role you will be responsible for the planning and execution of 4 professional development events throughout the calendar year with the help of the Chair and Chamber Staff Liaison. This includes finding speakers to provide seminars, workshops, and other professional development opportunities for young professionals. Responsible for gathering feedback from membership about relevant topics and focus for future events.
• Mentorship Chair: In this role you will be responsible for the planning and execution of mentorship opportunities with the help of the Chair and chamber liaison.
• Membership Chair: In this role you will be responsible for recruiting eligible young professionals to join our group and connecting them with the resources and benefits available through the YP group. Promoting and recruiting skills are of utmost importance.
• Engagement Chair: In this role you will be responsible for promoting the Blount County Chamber of Commerce and its event to BCYP Members and encouraging them to attend.
• Events Chair: In this role you will be responsible for planning and promoting 4 networking and/or special events throughout the calendar year.
• At-Large Member: In this role you will learn more about BCYP and provide insight/opinions when needed. This role was formed to allow members to gain a better understanding of how BCYP operates and potentially serve in a chair role in the coming years. You will be expected to attend our monthly steering committee meetings and actively participate and jump in when other chairs need assistance. We hope this year allows you to see where your skills can best be utilized in BCYP!

Ignite the Future: Mentorship Program

The Blount County Young Professionals’ Mentorship Program, “Ignite the Future,” is a dynamic initiative designed to empower young professionals in Blount County, fostering their personal and professional growth. By pairing them with experienced professionals in the community, this program aims to provide valuable guidance, support, and new opportunities for young professionals to thrive in Blount County.

The primary objective is to equip Young Professionals with necessary tools, knowledge, and networks to succeed in their careers while strengthening ties in Blount County.

How It Works

• • Ignite the Future is a 6-month commitment (January-June and July-December) 2-3 hours every month.
  • Mentees and Mentors are encouraged to meet at least once a month to discuss and work towards their goals.
  • Each month, specific topics will be provided to assist and guide the mentorship relationship.
  • The mentees will take the lead in determining the direction of the relationship, focusing on their own goals.
  • Mentors will provide guidance and support to mentees, assisting them in navigating the steps necessary to achieve their goals.

Get Involved

• Attend an information session
• Complete Mentee/Mentor Interest Form by January 21 for Spring Cohort and July 27 for Fall Cohort
• Mentor Interest Form
• Mentee Interest Form
• Kick-off Lunch at the beginning of each cohort
• Engage 2-3 hours monthly with mentee/mentor

How do I support BCYP?

If you are interested in supporting BCYP, please consider the opportunities below.

• Mentor: Mentorship is one of the many benefits of BCYP both for the mentee and mentor. Being a mentor is a 6-month commitment to reach out to a mentee monthly and engage them in all that Blount County has to offer including: the chamber, local events, nonprofits, civic engagement opportunities, etc.
• Sponsorship: BCYP utilizes sponsorship dollars to offer meaningful and beneficial opportunities for young professionals in Blount County to grow as civically, professionally, and personally. If you are interested in sponsoring, please email [email protected] for more information or view the sponsor packet.

How do I get more information?

If you are interested in learning more about the Young Professionals group, please contact Alexa Johns ([email protected]) at (865) 983-2241.

• To join, please complete the Young Professionals Questionnaire.

Professional Development Resources

From professional workshops to HR training seminars to classes for entrepreneurs on building a business, the Blount Chamber offers its members numerous complimentary professional development opportunities through our Success in 90 program. These expert-led workshops and seminars can help you build relationships as well as professional skills to improve the health of your business, all in 90-minute sessions.

• View Success in 90 YouTube Playlist