Young Professionals Mixer Aimed To Engage New Leaders

​A record number of younger people are moving back to the smaller communities. This is making the town officials think of how they can keep people in their community.
 
With a large number of new professionals moving to the area recently, the Neligh Chamber of Commerce has decided to offer a new networking opportunity for all professionals in Antelope County.
 
Neligh Economic Development Director Greg Ptacek said the event is hopefully the first of many to engage the future leaders of Neligh.

“We thought it would be a perfect opportunity to have a kick off event, see where it goes from here," he said.

The young professions mixer was held at the Imperial Steakhouse II in Neligh. It had Ptacek hoping for young leaders to put the interest of Neligh as a long option. But the night was just not for “young” people in the community.
 
“If you consider yourself a professional, or if you consider yourself young, I mean it is just an attitude. With connecting young Nebraskans I have seen people who are 65 there," he said.

Kayla Schnuelle is the founder of Connecting Young Nebraskans and was there to help promote discussion of what a young professional's group is.
 
“So what's happening tonight is a whole number of people coming together that are going to be forming new relationships, maybe is a business people saying hey, I know an insurance person or I know someone at the school that you can talk to," Schnuelle said. "It is just those networks or relationships that are really important to your community.”
 
The night consisted of drinks, food and conversation about what would bring more young people to community, and how to make new residents feel welcome.
 
“It's so we can come together and we can keep Neligh alive and growing," said Tessa Hain, who attended and works for the Antelope County Extension Office.
 
The main points that were talked about where focusing on coming together to make the next step for the community, development, and finding a way to improve the community.
 
Anyone who would like to participate in the event is welcome, regardless of age and profession. For questions, contact Greg Ptacek or Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen at (402) 887-4447 or by email at greg@neligh.org and lauren@neligh.org.