Young professionals connect during networking events

The Cape Girardeau area is building a reputation for having a thriving communicative atmosphere for young business professionals.

As established in a story written by Savanna Maue last week, networking opportunities have formed over the years to help business professionals connect and pick the brains of other businessmen and businesswomen in the area.

The longest standing such group is the Chamber Young Professionals, a group started by the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, in 2004.

Two years ago, the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce began its new under-40 group, called JOLT, which is an acronym for Jackson Outstanding Leaders of Tomorrow. That group has about 25 members.

Perryville also has started a new group, Young Professional Ambassadors, which met for the first time earlier this month.

These are great opportunities for young professionals to socialize and talk business. The activity and interest in such groups are encouraging as new leaders emerge to develop new ideas and continue the strong business tradition in Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area.