EYP, ERDA bring back award honoring young professionals

From the Enid News and Eagle: 

Enid Young Professionals, in partnership with the Enid Regional Development Alliance, is bringing back the 10 Under 40 Awards for its 12th year.

This award honors 10 outstanding Enid-area professionals under the age of 40 who exemplify excellence in their careers and community, organizers said.

The 10 Under 40 Awards ceremony is set for Aug. 18 at the Stride Bank Center, where the top 10 recipients will be honored. These awards recognize well-rounded individuals who contribute to Enid’s growth, culture and progress. Nominations are open and will be accepted through the online form that will be posted on EYP’s Facebook page and on the awards website at www.growenid. com/eyp-10under40. Nominations will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges comprised of leaders from outside the EYP organization.

“ERDA is fortunate to partner with EYP to provide support to a vital sector of our workforce. Meredith Wright, director of marketing for ERDA, has done an exceptional job revitalizing EYP, which is a critical component to our mission of retaining and attracting talent in our region,” Marcie Mack, ERDA executive director, said. “The EYP team is dedicated to growing the next generation and being a cornerstone of Enid’s workforce.”

Along with the 10 Under 40 Awards, EYP will be bringing back the Social Shaker awards at the event. These awards are designed to honor individuals, organizations and businesses who have impacted the mission of Enid Young Professionals.

“It’s an opportunity to thank the people who have made a difference for our organization,” Wright said.

Categories for Social Shaker are:

• Cultural Collaborator. An individual, group, organization or business that promotes Enid’s arts and culture to young professionals through innovation, economic impact and social awareness.

• Golden Shaker. A past 10 Under 40 recipient who has demonstrated continued commitment to the mission and development of Enid Young Professionals.

• Spotlight Shaker. An individual, group, organization or business that acts as a community partner and champion of Enid by working to promote quality of life, retention of top talent and recruitment of the next generation of business and civic leaders.

• Vibrant Visionary. An individual, group, organization or business that supports entrepreneurial and innovative thinking to grow Enid’s young professional opportunities, involvement and quality of life.

Social Shaker awards also are open at www.growenid.com/eyp-10under40.

EYP was formed to attract, retain and empower young professionals who call Enid home. Through social gatherings and professional development events, the organization provides opportunities for emerging leaders to connect, grow and make an impact.

EYP’s leadership emphasizes that building the next generation of community leaders requires collaboration with local businesses, institutions and civic influencers. By fostering connections and creating opportunities for professional relationship-building, EYP continues to strengthen the foundation of Enid’s future, Wright said.

Keston Cook, EYP committee member and airport director at Enid Woodring Regional Airport, said he was happy to see the event’s return.

“I am incredibly excited for Enid Young Professionals to be bringing back the 10 Under 40 Awards,” he said. “This event offers an excellent opportunity to showcase some of the best that our community has to offer while also providing a great space for young professionals in the area to meet and network with a group of their peers. I especially look forward to seeing the next generation of young professionals grow as they form new partnerships and turn fresh ideas into the local initiatives that keep our community growing.”

Cook said bringing back the 10 Under 40 Awards is important because Enid has seen often behind‑the‑scenes contributions from young professionals in recent years. Reviving the group and the 10 Under 40 Awards creates a platform to spotlight that talent and the work being done across the community, he said.

He said recognizing emerging leaders helps reinforce Enid’s commitment to keeping local talent local. Young professionals, he said, are the driving force behind the community’s progress, bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives and innovative approaches that shape Enid’s future.

Cook said he hopes the event sends a clear message: young leaders are valued. He wants them to feel confident building their careers and roots in Enid, knowing they are an essential part of what makes the community strong and special.

EYP welcomes young professionals across industries to join the group for networking events and professional development opportunities such as the Network @ Nite event and quarterly Lunch & Learns. For the most up-to-date information, follow the Facebook page “Enid Young Professionals,” Instagram @ EnidYoungProfessionals or sign-up for the e-blast at www.growenid.com/ enid-young-professionals.