Founded in December 2009, Young Athens Professionals (YAP) is a group organized by  the Athens County Economic Development Council ,  the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce , and  Career Connections . Its purpose is to encourage the young professionals of Athens to meet and network while supporting local businesses. There are no member dues and all events are open to the public. 

Every month YAP holds our monthly happy hour at a different local business to help attendees explore and support the local community. YAP typically announces the next location at least a month in advance, and try to provide free appetizers for attendees at each event. There are no membership fees or dues, all events are free and open to the public, and all you need to do is show up and be ready to connect with others!

YAP happy hours are typically held on the 2nd Thursday of every month, though that occasionally changes.

YAP strives to provide a social and professional networking space for everyone between the ages of those about to graduate from college to those early/mid-way through their career. The group is coordinated by the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and Athens County Economic Development Council and can be contacted at  youngathensprofessionals@gmail.com .

For updates on monthly event locations, follow them on:

-Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/youngathensprofessionals

-Twitter:  https://twitter.com/YAPAthensOH

-Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yap_ohio/

-LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/young-athens-professionals-a12194212/