A New Group Dedicated to Cultivating and Retaining Young Professionals
in Northern Nevada

Reno, Nev. (February 6, 2007) - - A new group dedicated to cultivating and retaining young professionals in northern Nevada has been established to meet the growing need for future skilled workers in northern Nevada. The Reno-Tahoe Young Professionals Network was announced today at Directions 2007, northern Nevada’s largest economic forum, co-hosted by the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) and the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce.

The Reno-Tahoe Young Professionals Network will support the young professionals (suggested ages 21-39) living in northern Nevada or are looking to move to the region. The group offers a place for young people to come together, share resources and be actively involved in the community.

“The number of young professionals in northern Nevada is decreasing compared to the rest of the country,” said Erin Kuo, president of the Reno-Tahoe Young Professionals Network. “Reaching out to this particular age group is essential to growing our economic base and strengthening our professional workforce. The Reno-Tahoe Young Professionals Network will encourage young adults to play a more active role in our region, engage them in the community and fill existing companies’ need for knowledge-based jobs in the future.”

“Based on the findings from the Target2010 strategic economic planning process by EDAWN, developing a strong community of young professionals is essential to economic development efforts in northern Nevada, said Michael Thomas, director of investor development at EDAWN and Reno-Tahoe Young Professionals Network board member. “As the area continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, a place that gives this key demographic a place to connect, find jobs, and advance in their careers comes at an opportune time for the region.”

The Reno-Tahoe Young Professionals Network executive officers include: Erin Kuo, Next Generation Etak as president, Nick Butler, US Bank as vice president, Dominic Brunetti, Alliance Commercial as secretary, and Erin Lankowsky, Tahoe Fixed Income, LLC as treasurer. The group has key business partnerships with EDAWN and the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce. For more information on the Reno-Tahoe Young Professionals Network or to become a member, visit www.renotahoeypn.com or call Erin Kuo at 775.240.6761.

About the Reno-Tahoe Young Professionals Network: The Reno-Tahoe Young Professionals Network was established in 2007 to provide younger workforce (ages 21-39) an opportunity to grow and develop professionally in northern Nevada. The non-profit organization is a strategic partner the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada. Other corporate sponsors and partners include the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce, and the Nevada Commission on Economic Development. For more information and membership/sponsorship opportunities, visit www.renotahoeypn.com or contact Erin Kuo at erin@nextgenetak.com or 775.240.6761.

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