Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Late November isn’t just for stuffing and cranberry sauce - it’s intentionally a time to reflect on the blessings of the past year and share thanks. In the midst of all the uncertainty that so many of us have faced over the last 2 years, we at Rutland Young Professionals are also acutely aware that we have a great deal to be thankful for.

We owe so much to the dedication of our all-volunteer Board of Directors, past and present, plus the many other volunteers who have shared their time with our Events, Marketing, Community Outreach and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committees. We are blessed with a membership of passionate, creative and talented members. “Networking” does not look the same to all of our members: for some it’s creating business opportunities, for others it’s building a social circle, and often times, the real benefits aren’t easily categorized at all. Our organization has always been mission-driven to support the things that excite our members and that has allowed us to evolve over time without losing the vibrancy we’ve seen since the start. Sometimes, it’s led to difficult conversations and decisions and we’re thankful for the growth and perspective that can come out of strife.

We’re grateful for the support of our sponsors: Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region, OMYA, Killington Resort, Heritage Family Credit Union, VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, Rutland Regional Medical Center and Carris Reels - as well as so many local organizations who have supported us over the years. We’re thankful for the local businesses who have welcomed RYP to mix and mingle and learn more about their organizations. This fall, we’ve been lucky to spend a few hours at the Lake Bomoseen Lodge and Taproom and on the patio at Preston’s in the Killington Grand Hotel. On November 17, we’ll be heading to The Cluckin’ Cafe & Culinary Institute in Pittsford for some delicious food and networking. We’re also energized by growing relationships with Castleton University and Community College of Vermont to help us connect with the Young Professionals of tomorrow.

We’re grateful to be rooted in communities that recognize room for growth. Our membership base includes native Vermonters; those who made the decision to come to this region for college and never left; and young professionals from different states and countries who have recently found professional and personal opportunities within the Rutland Region’s 27 towns. Our “Friends of RYP” include a wide range of community-minded individuals from all stages of their careers who have generously shared their insights and wisdom with us. Initiatives on the state and local levels to welcome new residents to Vermont have helped strengthen Rutland Young Professionals’ composition and commitments. We’re also grateful to recognize that there’s still so much opportunity ahead to continue to grow.

Wherever these words find you, we hope this year’s Thanksgiving offers a fresh perspective on gratitude, and we wish you health and happiness in the days ahead.

Matt Britt serves on the board of directors of Rutland Young Professionals. He is a Digital & Graphic Designer for Heritage Family Credit Union.