The Barton County Young Professionals group got a makeover last Friday, when over 100 men and women attended a mixer at Straub International. Although the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development has sponsored a Young Professionals group for some time, sponsors said the mixer was the kickoff for a revitalized group for working people between the age of 21-40.

"Every community needs a Young Professionals program, and ours has been severely lacking over the last few years," YP committee chairpwoman Kristy Straub said. "The turn-out at Friday’s mixer just goes to show that there is, in fact, a need for this type of networking forum and we intend to continue this growth in the months to come."

In addition to networking, the "new" Barton County Young Professionals group offers its members half-price meeting room rentals, professional leadership training, discounts at local businesses and opportunities to give back to the community.

The first year of membership is free. Anyone interested in joining the group should e-mail bartonyp@gmail.com.