The Santa Rosa Young Professionals (SRYP) organization was founded in January 2009 with the following mission: "To promote professional development through networking and social interaction among young professionals, while emphasizing community involvement to make a positive impact on Santa Rosa County," according to the SRYP website. The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners honored the organization with a proclomation at Thursday's BOCC regular meeting declaring January 22 Santa Rosa Young Professionals Day. Commission Chairman Don Salter read the proclomation, which included organizations the SRYP support like the Bay Area Food Bank, Shoes That Fit, Surf Warriors of Navarre Beach, Santa Rosa Kids House, Ronald McDonald House, Families Count, United Way of Santa Rosa, and others. To encourage civic engagement, they have produced voter education guides, hosted political forums, and provided opportunities for citizens to meet elected officials. Some honors the SRYP have achieved include the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leader of the Year and Community Leader of the Year, the Navarre Chamber of Commerce's Emerging Leader of the Year, Santa Rosa School District's Rookie Teacher of the Year, and more. Commissioners Jayer Williamson and Rob Williamson are both former members. Jayer Williamson was involved with SRYP since its inception 6 years ago. He said, "You're setting the scene for the future in Santa Rosa County. I'm so proud to call you my fellow young professionals."
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Santa Rosa County honors young professionals