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Hays Young Professionals

2025 HYP Advisory Council

(Left to Right) Back Row:

  • Justin Pacheco - Astra Bank (Member, 1st term - expires 2026)
  • Devin Legleiter - Independent Member (Member, 1st term - expires 2025)
  • Adam Kober - DSNWK (Impact Committee Chair)
  • Ashleigh Walker - Balanced Health & Chiropractic, PA (Secretary, 1st term - expires 2025)

Front Row:

  • Natalie Klima - Independent Member (Member, 1st term - expires 2025)
  • Whitney Gerstner - Jana's Campaign (Member, 1st term - expires 2027)
  • Nicole Windholz - Midwest Energy (Chair, 1st term - expires 2026)
  • Laurie Kennedy - Independent Member (Past-Chair, 1st term - expires 2025)
  • Christina Bixenman – Nex-Tech (Marketing Coordinator, 1st term – expires 2025)

Not Pictured:

  • Kayla Taylor – Mason’s Mourning Light Foundation (Develop Committee Chair)
  • Callee Pfannenstiel – Astra Bank (Connect Committee Chair)

Interested in serving as an Advisory Council member? Applications open every year at the beginning of August and are due by 8/31 (see link to application below). Applications are reviewed by current AC members with elections held during their October meeting. New AC members will be given onboarding training, and will receive ongoing support from fellow AC members and Chamber staff. AC members are expected to serve in a specified role (click here for more information) and adhere to a Memorandum of Understanding (click here for more information). 

Member Application - Apply Now

Scholarship Application for When Everyone Leads

Scholarship Application

Hays Young Professionals Advisory Council Application

Mission

Energizing dynamic, young professionals, who cultivate a positive and thriving community.

Motto

Develop. Connect. Impact.

Purpose

Provide members with opportunities and resources by hosting a variety of social, educaitonal, and community service activities. Members can enhance their skills, build relationships, and strengthen their network.

Who We Are

The HYP organization is an arm of The Chamber in Hays, Kansas.  Guidance for this group is provided by the Advisory Council. We are inspired by the wants and needs of the community, and we are here to make a difference. Individuals between the ages of 21-40, seeking to expand their business and professional contacts, interested in giving back to the Hays community, looking to meet new people socially, or those just willing to have a little fun!

To learn more visit: 

Committees

HYP has three committees that assist with keeping our membership engaged and connected to the Hays community. We are always looking for new committee members to help with events and generate new ideas. No RSVP is needed and all are welcome to join - please check our website's calendar of events or the Facebook page for updates. Contact The Chamber at hayscc@hayschamber.com for more information on leadership opportunities.

  • Connect Committee 
    • Purpose:
      • Organizing social and relationship building opportunities that grow member's personal and professional networks.
    • Meeting information:
      • The first Thursday of every month at 12:05 p.m. at the Welcome Center at 2700 Vine St.
    • Join us for monthly socials and networking events!
      • Example: trivia, bowling, breakfast networking social
  • Develop Committee 
    • Purpose:
      • Organize educational programming that enhance member's professional knowledge and skills.
    • Meeting information:
    • Join us for Professional Development events!
      • Example: Lunch with Leaders, Leadership over Lattes, Professional Development Workshops
  • Impact Committee
    • Purpose:
      • Organizing and engaging members in service opportunities, collaborating with other organizations and experiencing the impact of volunteering within our community.
    • Meeting information:
    • Looking for a volunteer opportunity?

Connection Lunches

  • When?
    • Third Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m.
    • No meetings in June, July, November, or December
  • Where?
    • The Venue at Thirtsy's Brew Pub & Grill, 2704 Vine St.
  • What?
    • Speakers and topics geared towards young professionals.
    • January meeting: Introduction to HYP
    • October meeting: Recap of the year / Bring your Boss to Lunch
    • Please see our Chamber's calendar of events for dates and to RSVP!
  • Open to all current HYP members to attend.

  • The cost is $15.00 per person (includes tax & gratuity)

    • You can pay with cash or check at the door or by credit card. You may also be invoiced for an additional $1 fee.

    • RSVP's are due the Tuesday before so we can give our headcount to the restaurant.

      • Please note that cancellations made within 48 hours of the event will unfortunately be subject to charge as we are obligated to cover the costs associated with the number of RSVPs we submit.

Benefits to Employers

HYP is a great way to attract and retain young professionals for a stronger economy. It's an opportunity to save recruiting costs – the networks of your best and brightest employees are your most valuable referral source. HYP can help educate your employees in areas such as leadership, community and economic development, and building their network of contacts. View the full listing of benefits at the link below.

Want to Join?

For questions about HYP, please fill out the interest form below, contact The Chamber at (785) 628-8201 or email us at hayscc@hayschamber.com, or reach out to any Advisory Council member.

Member Application - Apply Now

Resources for new and current members

Current members, share your HYP feedback here. This is an anonymous, virtual comment box.