Covington, GA – Sometimes young people entering the workforce feel out of place – they might not yet be established in the community or they might not feel they can be taken serious yet.

Now there is a group for the county’s upcoming generation of workers to better acclimate themselves in the community.

Young Professionals of Newton County is launching in March through the Newton County Chamber of Commerce and is looking for members and sponsors. Professionals who are under the age of 40 living or working in Newton County will have chance to meet with other young professionals in social and professional settings each month.

“I am so excited that Newton County now has a group where young professionals can come together and network, socialize, build new relationships and be involved in the community,” said Dr. Jamie Adams of Covington Family Chiropractic, interim chair of the group. “We have so many wonderful and exciting events planned and we are looking forward to what this year has in store for us.”

The group will kick off its monthly events with a YPNC Launch Party from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19 at Amici Covington on the Square in Downtown Covington. The event will include appetizers, drink specials and guest speaker Ralph Staffins, the new president of the Newton County Chamber of Commerce and a young professional himself.

Other events throughout the rest of the year include other social events, speaking and professional development sessions and community service projects such as a school supplies drive. The group plans to end the year with an evening 5K race at Oxford College.

The yearly membership fee for Newton County Chamber of Commerce members is $40 and non-Chamber members is $50. Membership includes a T-shirt, access to YPNC events and discounts to attend certain social events.

The group expects members to enjoy connecting and networking with other like-minded individuals in the community; receive marketing, communication and ideas/strategies for your business; earn professional development/enrichment, education and sharing best practices; gain leadership and advancement; participate in philanthropy and community involvement/outreach and enjoy recreation and events.

Sponsorship opportunities also are available for area businesses.

A Bronze sponsorship costs $100 for the year and includes one membership in the Young Professionals, a Facebook spotlight and a website spotlight.

Silver is $250 and includes one membership, a Facebook spotlight, a website spotlight, a business name but not logo printed on event shirts, business placement on sponsor boards at each event and eligibility to co-sponsor of an event.

Gold costs $500 and includes two memberships, a Facebook spotlight, a website spotlight, business logo printed on event shirts, business placement on sponsor boards at each event and eligibility to be a singular sponsor of an event.

For more information on joining or sponsoring YPNC, contact Lisa Baker at the Chamber at 770-786-7510 or [email protected] . YPNC also can be contacted at [email protected] , and more information also is available on its Facebook and Instagram pages.