WAVE Young Professionals Network (Brainerd Lakes Chamber)

Who We Are

We are a networking & professional development program for individuals aged 18-39 in the Brainerd Lakes Area. We represent the future leaders of our community, uniting all industries to form a powerful wave of influence, optimism and professional success. Our goal is to build lasting relationships as we elevate our skills and advance our careers. We aim to make a positive difference in our companies and communities, learning from and inspiring each other along the way.

NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED

Thank you to those who nominated a inidividual for the The Four Under 40 Awards! Award announcements will be coming soon!

2026 Award Recipient

Colton Maher

MN Traders Co. & Woods to Water Real Estate

Meet Colton

2025 Award Recipient

Jesse Zahn

Conductor Power - A Zahn Power Group Company

Meet Jesse

2025 Award Recipient

Max Walter

CTC

Meet Max

2025 Award Recipient

Scott Lykins

Lakes Area Music Festival

Meet Scott

2025 WAVE GALA

Thank you all for joining us at the 2025 Gala to celebrate our Four Under 40 Award recipients! Congratulations to Colton Maher (2025 Young Professional of the Year), Jesse Zahn, Max Walter, and Scott Lykins on being honored at our annual event!

Membership

WAVE YPN welcomes membership from all individuals aged 18-39 who live in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Cost to join is $240 per year (or $20 per month charged to a credit or debit card), which may be covered by employers as an investment in professional growth.

A group of people is gathered outdoors, casually chatting in front of a large brick building with industrial-style architecture. In the background, there is a tent with signage that reads "BBQ Legends" under which some people are standing. The atmosphere appears to be relaxed, possibly during a break or social event. The participants are dressed casually, and the bright sunlight suggests a warm day. One individual is wearing overalls, while others are in dresses, skirts, and casual outfits. A clock tower with the name "Northern Pacific Center" is visible in the distance, adding to the historical feel of the setting.

A large group of people is standing together outdoors, posing for a group photo. The setting appears to be at dusk, with a clear sky and a few scattered clouds. In the background, there's a small red building with some greenery and trees around it. The group is dressed in casual outdoor attire, with many people wearing jackets, scarves, and beanies, suggesting a cool-weather environment. A few individuals are wearing name tags, hinting that this may be a team or group event. The overall mood seems friendly and cheerful, with people smiling at the camera.

Photo from WAVE Young Professionals Launch Event showing a group of young adults networking and talking within a crowd of people and ordering drinks at the bar square

Photo from WAVE Young Professionals Launch Event showing a group of young adults networking and talking within a crowd of people square

Photo from WAVE Young Professionals Launch Event showing two young women talking and laughing square

Photo from WAVE Young Professionals Launch Event showing a group of young women networking and talking next to a high top table within a crowd of people square

Group of smiling young professionals standing outside on a patio with a golf course in the background on a sunny summer day

A group of people is seated around tables in a cozy, well-lit indoor space with rustic wooden beams and string lights decorating the ceiling. The room appears to have a relaxed, casual atmosphere, with individuals engaging in conversations, possibly during a meeting or event. In the background, a large TV screen displays the words "Northland Arboretum." The participants are dressed casually, with a mix of men and women spread out across several round tables. Some people are chatting while others appear to be listening or deep in thought. The setting suggests a social or professional gathering in a comfortable environment.

Upcoming Events

We host monthly, annual, and pop-up events with a wide variety of topics. Dates and times vary to allow our members a variety of options to get involved.

July 28

4:30 PM - 6:00PM

The North Star

Business After Hours – WAVE Young Professionals Network

Join the WAVE Young Professionals Network for an evening of high-energy networking, mouthwatering appetizers, refreshing beverages, exciting prize drawings, and unbeatable business connections. LEARN MORE >

Aug.

TBD

Location TBD

WAVE YPN: August

Join the WAVE Young Professionals Network for their August event. COMING SOON.

SEPT.

TBD

Location TBD

WAVE YPN: September

Join the WAVE Young Professionals Network for their September event. COMING SOON.

Oct. 21

5:00 PM - 8:00PM

Grand View Lodge

WAVE Gala

Hosted by the WAVE Young Professionals Network, presented by Conductor Power, join us for our BIGGEST annual celebration of the WAVE Young Professionals Network and the community that supports our growth, connection, and impact. LEARN MORE >

NOV.

TBD

Location TBD

WAVE YPN: November

Join the WAVE Young Professionals Network for their November event. COMING SOON.

NOV.

TBD

Location TBD

WAVE YPN: December

Join the WAVE Young Professionals Network for their December event. COMING SOON.

Why WAVE?

Hear firsthand from WAVE Anchor Board Members the ins and outs of the WAVE program.

Why WAVE?

Hear firsthand from WAVE Anchor Board Members the ins and outs of the WAVE program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join WAVE?

WAVE Young Professionals Network welcomes membership from all individuals aged 18-39 who live in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Your employer does not have to be a Chamber member for you to join WAVE, however Chamber membership is encouraged.

How much does it cost?

Cost to join WAVE YPN is $240 per year, which may be covered by employers as an investment in professional growth. A $20 monthly billing option is available. Through the support of our investors, scholarships are available to young professionals with financial limitations to help offset the cost of membership. Click here to learn more and apply for a scholarship.

Can I attend WAVE events before joining?

WAVE hosts monthly, annual, and pop-up events with a wide variety of topics. Most events are free to attend and open to everyone. Prospective members may attend up to two WAVE events before joining.

Our Pillars

Welcome

Our community gains its strength from the diversity of its people. Our young professionals network welcomes those new to the area and makes them feel like they belong.

Advance

Opportunities for growth in the Brainerd Lakes Area are endless. Grow as a young professional and advance your career.

Visualize

We believe in a brighter future for tomorrow. Help us visualize a better Lakes Area and make it a reality for the young professionals who live and work here.

Engage

The Brainerd Lakes Area boasts an economy with a wide range of industries. Engage with and meet other young professionals as well as the leaders who do business here.