The Midland Young Professionals (MYPros) recently hosted their inaugural Young Professional (YP) Awards event on December 6. The Midland Area Chamber of Commerce-affiliated group created the YP Awards to recognize, encourage, and honor young professionals in the Midland community who are creating change and taking leadership roles.
"MYPros is an evolving group," says Melissa Farley, Director of Special Events at the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce. "The young professional awards is just one of the ways we're recognizing our under-forty business leaders."
The event, sponsored by America's Future Foundation and Members First Credit Union, attracted nearly 50 young professionals to the Midland Center for the Arts for an overview of recent activities, what's in store for 2018, and the announcement of award winners.
Jenni Bush, vice president of SPACE within SPACE, Inc. earned the Rising Star Award, given to a young professional who demonstrates noteworthy professional achievement, leadership, and a commitment to bettering the Midland area. Other nominees included Chelsea Rowley and Ben Tierney.
The Stewardship Award went to several Midland area leaders including Paul Barbeau, Jimmy Greene, and Sharon Miller for their contribution to the advancement of one or more young professionals' careers.
The Newcomer Award was given to Jeff Stoutenburg, Government Affairs and Public Policy manager with Dow for being a new MYPros member who exemplified enthusiasm and boldness, and was a regular attender of MYPros events. Also nominated were Patrick McElgunn and Summer Strickler.
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Nicole Ward, co-owner of Eastman's Forgotten Ciders for her success in operating and financing a business in Midland. Other nominees for this award included Josiah Blackmore and Dan Tuma.
"The first YP Awards was a success, and we look forward to bringing it back next year," says Farley. "Congratulations to each of the 2017 YP Award winners and nominees."
For more information about MYPros and the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce, visit
www.macc.org.
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