HYPE-Richmond Inc. aims to provide the young professionals (ages 21-40) of Wayne county, Indiana with professional, leadership, and networking opportunities that promote their growth and development within our community. HYPE wayne county will serve in a collaborative capacity that promotes these opportunities between local businesses and organizations, our members, and the surrounding wayne county area.
History:
HYPE Wayne County was founded in the the 1990’s as a project from the Institute for Creative Leadership as HYPE Richmond. Originally the organization was built to provide social networking opportunities for young professionals in the area. Over the years, the organization has existed as HYPE Richmond, and has been “owned” by various institutions in the community, including Indiana University East, the Chamber of Commerce, and has independently operated as it’s own 501(c)3.
In 2018, the organization underwent a major strategic change, that shifted the focus from social networking to professional development opportunities for its members. This allowed for the creation of several breakout committees, including a professional development team and a membership team. Under this new direction, HYPE was able to build stronger partnerships with community organizations. Their goal was to to develop the necessary training for our members to be successful both professionally and in their community as well.
In 2019, HYPE officially became a working committee of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce. Under this new partnership, HYPE Richmond became HYPE Wayne County. This transition has allowed the group to build even stronger partnerships with area businesses and community leaders.
Leadership:
HYPE Wayne County is an action committee of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce. Their Board of Directors oversees the committees operations. The Board of Directors votes for a committee chair each year. The HYPE Wayne County committee will vote to have one of their members serve as a representative of young professionals on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. One Chamber staff member will serve as the staff lead for the committee.
2022 Committee Chair: Traci McCollum
2022 Chamber Board’s Young Professional Representative: Alex Painter
Staff Lead: Shawntel Baker