written words 'Young Professionals of chehalem valley
Join Us!
An image of people gathered outside under string lights

About Young Professionals
of Chehalem Valley

If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a networking group?” it’s a community of professionals who meet regularly to build relationships, share ideas, and create new opportunities. While many networking groups focus on generating leads and referrals, Young Pros takes a different approach.

We believe strong relationships lead to better business outcomes. That’s why our events are welcoming, relaxed, and designed to encourage genuine conversation. You won’t find awkward elevator pitches or referral quotas, just real people connecting with purpose.

Who We Are

A Community Built for Connection

Young Professionals of Chehalem Valley is a business group built for connection, collaboration, and community growth. We bring together early-career professionals, small business owners, creatives, and entrepreneurs across Newberg, Dundee, Carlton, Lafayette, and the surrounding area.

Welcoming To All Career Paths

We welcome professionals from different industries, whether you’re focused on business management, marketing strategy, customer service, or even healthcare and medicine. Our members include business professionals, company leaders, employees, and clients who are all looking to grow their business, build relationships, and gain new insights.

Our History

Originally founded in 2014, the group experienced early momentum but paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, it was re-launched by current president Daniel Roberts with support from the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce. In May of 2025, we rebranded and launched our new site to better reflect the group’s direction and commitment to building a more connected, inclusive, and thriving local business community.

Where Ideas Turn Into Action

Today, Young Pros serves as a bridge between emerging professionals and established businesses, creating networking opportunities that support long-term success. We help members expand their professional network, share expertise, explore trends, and connect with like-minded individuals. It’s a place where one member’s idea can inspire another’s breakthrough.

Young pros networking event, people standing around a winery

Our Leadership Team

Learn more

Young Pros is led by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of local professionals committed to helping the group grow and thrive. These individuals also serve as ambassadors and event organizers, working together to shape the future of our network.

  • President: Daniel Roberts
  • Vice President: Branden Garland
  • Communications Manager: Marisa Aiken
  • Social Media Manager: Hayden Nagel

To learn more about each board member or connect with them, visit our Member Directory and jump to their profile.

The Future of Young Pros

We’re excited about where we’re headed. As we continue to grow, our focus is on deepening our presence in the community, expanding leadership opportunities, and raising the bar for programming and engagement.

Looking ahead, we’re prioritizing:

  • Community Visibility: Strengthening our presence at community events, increasing awareness of Young Pros, and being a more active part of local initiatives.
  • Expanded Leadership Structure: In addition to our board, we plan to incorporate a leadership team to support strategic planning, streamline communication, and increase opportunities for member involvement.
  • Bigger-Name Speakers & High-Value Programming: We’re working to bring in more recognized guest speakers, host deeper-dive sessions, and offer programming that delivers tangible value to our members and their businesses.
  • Future Community Programs: We’re exploring ways to build programs that serve youth, emerging professionals, and local causes, building bridges between businesses and the broader community.
  • Building Out Resources: While we’re starting out with limited resources available on our site, we’re committed to creating valuable tools and connections for local young professionals.

Whether you’re new to Young Pros or have been with us from the beginning, we’re building something that lasts. Our organization exists to create real connection, foster professional relationships, and provide access to the knowledge, strategy, and support you need to grow your business. We’d love for you to join us.