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By ELLEN BRABO / For the Washington Daily News

Washington, NC – The Young Professionals of Beaufort County (YPBC) hosted their monthly After Hours Social at Ribeye’s Steakhouse in Washington, North Carolina, May 3, 2023. These monthly networking socials provided an opportunity for young professionals across the county to come together to establish new connections and learn about the organizations ongoing efforts.

“We were thrilled to be able to host the young professionals’ social,” said Erica Pate, owner of Ribeye’s. “Being just over the cusp of a ‘young professional,’ we love to see that generation excited and motivated to network and work together to continue to grow the City of Washington and surrounding areas.”

For the first time since its 2021 revitalization, the BCYP invited a guest speaker to participate in their monthly After Hours Social. Brad Hufford, Economic Development Director for Beaufort County, spoke about ongoing projects his office is overseeing and the important role young professionals will play in the future economic growth of the City of Washington and Beaufort County.

Companies want to go a place that is thriving and where they can secure the workforce they require, explained Hufford. In his role, Hufford collaborates with various authorities to provide incentives, such as tax breaks, for companies interested in establishing an office or site in the area.

“I was happy to speak to the Beaufort County Young Professionals group,” said Hufford. “Their energy and commitment will energize the business community and inspire young leadership in our community.”

Attendees were urged by Hufford to participate in local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and the Committee of 100, and to utilize available programs for local business owners, such as RISE29, a student entrepreneurship program at East Carolina University that provides interns to entrepreneurs in rural areas.

The BCYP is open to anyone ages 21 – 35 who lives or works in Beaufort County, North Carolina. The organization is dedicated to creating opportunities that enable participants to grow both personally and professionally. They provide educational and networking resources for the community including monthly After Hours networking socials and workshops in collaboration with the Small Business Center at Beaufort County Community College.

“Small towns like ours need [this] age group to continue to thrive and grow throughout the coming years,” said Pate.

Their next After Hours Social is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Pitt Street Brewing Company – On The Pamlico. Catherine Glover, Executive Director of the Washington Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled to speak.