South Shore Young Professionals celebrate 10th anniversary; decade highlighted by establishment of SSYP Foundation Grant, annual Golf Tournament

Filed Under: Other News

The South Shore Young Professionals (www.southshoreyoungprofessionals.org) an affiliate of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce (www.southshorechamber.org) is celebrating its 10th anniversary, a decade that included establishment of the SSYP Foundation Grant, one that helps develop and support businesses on the South Shore.
Founded in 2008 with the mission to provide information, resources and opportunities to young professionals and businesses on the South Shore, the SSYP soon evolved into a rapidly growing organization with positive change as its driving force.
“The SSYP was created to bring the young professionals in the area together to build relationships and help improve our communities,” according to David Robinson, founder of the South Shore Young Professionals.  “Over the years the engagement from its leaders has led the organization to new heights and brought so many professionals close together.  The SSYP truly has helped people engage with others and develop in their careers.”
“When we first launched, we didn’t have objectives or laser-like focus, we just wanted to meet people on the South Shore and put young, like-minded individuals in the same room to see what would happen,” said Mike Sheehan, co-founder of the South Shore Young Professionals.  “From there, we met some awesome people, gained support, and because of a lot of hard work, from a lot of different people, the group has grown exponentially and is doing exactly what we first intended…creating opportunities.”
Peter Abraham, a founding member of the SSYP, said that when the organization was established in 2008, he was “so incredibly fortunate to collaborate with the initial board of directors; to witness the growth and success of SSYP over these many years is a testament to both the need and desire for young professionals in our region to connect, share, and inspire one another…while giving back in a variety of fashions. The relationships I built, both personally and professionally, have endured and have impacted my life in such a profound way.”
“Our foundation has always been and continues to be about fueling the economic development of our region and encouraging small businesses and entrepreneurs to relocate, hire, and expand here on the South Shore,” said Kaitlyn Litchfield, Executive Director of the South Shore Young Professionals.
“The region is full of energetic and talented leaders; our grant has helped bring their businesses to the forefront.”
Case in point is Rustic Marlin Designs, the 2015 recipient of the SSYP Foundation and entrepreneurial grant program.  The business, which handcrafts custom wooden décor, relocated from Millis to Hanover as a result of the Foundation grant, adding employment opportunities to the region.  Other past Foundation grant recipients, including FoodSquire, Hide-A-Vent, G Force Shipping, Friendship Home, Shockyard Fitness and Ananya, Inc. have similarly strengthened the South Shore economy.
The Foundation grant is funded by the SSYP’s Golf Tournament; this year’s annual tourney, silent auction and spa day is slated for May 23rd at the world-class Jones Course at the Pine Hills Golf Club in Plymouth.
Admission is $175 for single players; $350 per twosome; and $700 per foursome.  A Mirbeau Day Spa package is being offered at $175 for non-golfers who wish to support the Foundation and enjoy a relaxing day.  A boxed lunch, banquet dinner and silent/live auction are included in the admission fee for players or those choosing the spa package.  Fee to attend the cocktail hour, dinner and auction only is $50 per person.
Said SSYP Chair Danyl Collings, “Our mission is to serve as the leading resource for the personal and professional development of individuals by means of community involvement, networking, and education and we can genuinely say our first decade has been a success story.  Growth in our membership and sponsorship continues and we look forward to serving as an integral part of the South Shore community for decades to come.”
Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 SSYP Foundation Grant from businesses looking to relocate, hire or expand on the South Shore.  Businesses can be either non-profit or for-profit and must have a brick and mortar location on the South Shore or provide services with the South Shore being the primary target audience.  Applicants must also be a member of the South Shore Young Professionals and willing to actively participate in the grant program throughout the year and to support future grant candidates.
About the South Shore Young Professionals
Since 2008, the South Shore Young Professionals has been serving those seeking to build a successful career and well-balanced life in south eastern Massachusetts.  With a mission to serve as the leading resource for the personal and professional development of the individual by means of community involvement, SSYP provides networking, education, information, resources and opportunities to young professionals and businesses on the South Shore.  For additional information about the South Shore Young Professionals, please visit www.southshoreyoungprofessionals.org or call 781-421-3911.
About the South Shore Chamber of Commerce
The South Shore Chamber of Commerce has long been recognized throughout the state as one of the most active and forceful advocates for the business community, and numbers among the larger Chambers of Commerce nationally. The South Shore Chamber is a not-for-profit association of businesses in the communities south of Boston. It is committed to helping its members grow their businesses and to improve the business climate in the region. Members range in size from major international corporations headquartered on the South Shore to small local firms and sole proprietorships. For additional information on the Chamber, please visit www.southshorechamber.org or call 781-421-391