Waco Young Professionals
Waco Young Professionals: Economic Development Solid Gold Neighbor
Benji Gomez, Franchise Systems Specialist at Neighborly
On the first Tuesday of every month, lively chatter fills the atrium of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce. Individuals greet one another with handshakes and warm smiles as they cross the room to their seats. The Waco Young Professional Group is about to commence their monthly Lunch Connection where members receive wisdom from Waco's business leaders, learn about the city's growing infrastructure and, most importantly, build meaningful relationships with one another.
The Waco Young Professional Group began in 2005 with the intent of providing Young Professionals (between the ages of 21-40) a meeting place to connect, develop, and engage with the Waco community. As the organization has evolved, it has embraced a mission to facilitate the transition, development, and advancement of the Young Professional workforce, specifically focusing on retaining budding talent produced by Waco's local colleges and universities. This is critical to economic development because local employers need talented and skilled workers to fill positions that will help grow their businesses and thereby contribute to the economic prosperity of the city. In order to keep and leverage the exceptional pool of talent in our backyard, a city needs to provide resources that will enable that peer-to-peer growth within the community.
Matt McGovern, Digital Content Producer at Fox 44 and third-year member of the Waco Young Professionals Group, shared, "I continue to come [to Young Professionals] because I like the fellowship, learning more about Waco, and meeting my peers who want to make a positive impact." Similarly, Rosa Garcia, Plant HR Manager at Sonoco and second-year member of the group, chimed in with enthusiasm stating "I get to see where Waco is blooming next as well as be part of the community helping it grow. From networking and meeting new leaders, to volunteering projects on the weekends, the Young Professionals have helped me be part of it all!" This is where the organizations' true value lies. By creating an environment where relationships can grow organically, members begin to connect with like-minded individuals who can be a resource and soundboard for them in times of transition.
Over the course of 15 years, the Waco Young Professionals Group has grown to over 120 members providing a wealth of opportunities for networking, recreation, and community engagement. It has produced community leaders, worked alongside neighboring organizations, and created many fun memories throughout the process! Most importantly, this organization has been the starting point for numerous relationships and a gathering place for individuals in search of fellowship.
Benji Gomez has been the Chair of the Waco Young Professionals since January 2019.
He graduated from Baylor University in 2019 with a degree in Supply Chain Management. Currently, he works as a Franchise Systems Specialist with the Mr. Electric brand at Neighborly.