Late 20 to early 40 year old young professionals are a group we need to focus most on attracting, "repatriating," and retaining. In every metro area nationwide, 20somethings tend to set off from their homes, explore other communities and try their hands at various careers. Then, people in their late 20s to early 40s become a group with honed professional skills, buying power and a desire to plant roots - all things our community and our employers can benefit from.

Last year, the Partnership launched Buffalo Niagara 360 - a program born out of our members' need for effective strategies for retaining and attracting young professionals in the area, and out of our desire to cultivate this region's next generation of business and community leaders.

The program kicked off with an amazing launch party last fall at downtown Buffalo's Electric Tower, drawing more than 400 attendees. Since then, the program has developed significantly, and we recently celebrated our 1st Anniversary with another successful party on the Buffalo waterfront where we were again amazed at the number of passionate young professionals taking root in the region.

More than 850 young professionals took part in Buffalo Niagara 360 activities last year, and nearly 60 senior-level executives joined them as informal mentors and program supporters. Their continuing involvement shows the large number of educated and talented young people we have here, who are willing to learn, network, grow, and make a difference for their futures and for their region's future.

The Partnership encourages all Buffalo Niagara's college students and young professionals to become active! Learn about the region you live in, get involved in your community, take part in our civic and cultural activities, take a stand and vote in November, and take some time to volunteer for one of the numerous of not for profit organizations in the area. It is your interest, involvement, passion and activism that will help our region grow, and so smartly and with widespread benefit.

There are plenty of ways and opportunities to get involved, so take some time today to learn about how you can make a difference, small or large, and encourage other young professionals to do the same. All this will help Buffalo Niagara move forward into an even brighter future. You can learn more at www.buffaloniagara360.org.

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