Organization of Young Professionals (OYP)

ABOUT THE OYP

The Organization of Young Professionals is an association of dynamic young individuals with diverse backgrounds. While each of us has our personal dreams and aspirations, there is one common denominator that unites us all: We have a desire to see young people included in the National development process through a voice in the business community, a passion to cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit and to foster the kind of environment in which all can realize their dreams.

When the founding members were invited by the newly merged Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) to form and develop the OYP in September of 2010, it was the crystallization of something that we all desired - an organization of young professionals. The concept was not a new one; however, to partner with the BCCEC presented a unique opportunity that is poised to make the OYP even more effective. The OYP is a non-political organization dedicated to the uplifting of all Bahamians regardless of social, economic, or political circumstances.

The Young Professionals Organization is a new group- a different kind of group

“Learning from the past, engaging the present, impacting the future”

VISION

• To give voice and be an example for young professionals in promoting social and economic awareness and change.

OBJECTIVES

• To establish a resource center to provide opportunities for information sharing, networking, mentoring, and support services for new and existing members and businesses.
• To bridge the social and economic gaps existing within the Bahamas.
• To promote the balance of work, family and healthy living.
• To establish regular forums by which young professionals can make meaningful contributions on issues of national, regional and international importance.
• To create opportunities and accessibility for its members to business leaders and other resources not normally available and to have discussions in an environment that facilitates meaningful dialogue in corporate, educational, environmental and social arenas.
• To strengthen and grow the membership of the BCCEC.

MEMBERSHIP RESOURCES

All OYP members are also members of BCCEC.

Membership in OYP is open to anyone:

• Between the ages of 21 – 40 who:
• Has demonstrated a commitment to personal development through work experience, academics & skills training;
• Is an entrepreneur;
• Has been employed for two years consecutively;
• Is deemed fit and appropriate for membership

OYP MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

• Business to Business Expo
• Mix & Mingle
• Educational Seminars
• Globalization Seminar
• Franchise Show
• Opportunities to serve on Executive Chamber Board
• Opportunities to Serve on Committees
• Discounted business insurance
• Chamber Pension Plan
• Member to Member Discount Program (Business discount card)

DUES

There shall be an annual introductory membership fee of $100.00, which shall expire the following calendar year. There will also be an introductory incentive, which will provide a continuing membership fee of $100.00 per year for the first 3 years for persons purchasing a 3 year membership. Thereafter, the regular individual fee of $200.00 per annum will come into effect. The fiscal year shall run from 1st January to 31st December and all dues are to be paid by the 31st of January each year or shall otherwise be pro-rated.

CONTACT US

OYP CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Michelle Patterson Chamber Director and OYP Division Chair
Franon Wilson Chamber Director/Division Co-Chair
Valentino Munroe Chairman
Ethan Quant Vice Chairman
Rionda Godet Acting Secretary
Keshelle Kerr Committee Member
Shannelle Johnson Committee Member

Organization of Young Professionals
C/O Bahamas Chamber of Commerce
Shirley St. & Collins Ave
P.O Box: N-665
Nassau, Bahamas

E-Mail: OYP@thebahamaschamber.com