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.

And the Winners Are...

The WAVE Young Professionals Network is proud to introduce the 2025 Four Under 40 honorees: Colton Maher, Jesse Zahn, Max Walter, and Scott Lykins.

2025 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.

APr. 22

5:00PM - 7:00PM

Ernie's On Gull Lake

WAVE YPN: Local Entrepreneurship Panel

This entrepreneurship panel pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to start, run, and grow a business in the Brainerd Lakes Area. This April we are featuring local professionals at very different stages of their journeys, from solo operators to multi-location leaders, and those who help guide businesses along the way. LEARN MORE >

May 14

3:00PM - 5:00PM

Cragun's Legacy Courses

WAVE YPN: Driving Community & Connections

May’s WAVE experience is equal parts connection, community, and just the right amount of competition. Join us for Driving Community & Connections—an interactive afternoon at Cragun’s Resort that blends networking, leadership insight, and a fun, low-pressure golf experience. LEARN MORE >

Jun. 24

5:30PM - until close

Brainerd International Raceway

WAVE YPN: WAVE Wednesday at Lakes Jam

This year we’re excited to announce an exclusive behind the scenes tour, VIP access, and entertainment from the main stage lineup LIVE at Lakes Jam 2026. LEARN MORE >

July 28

4:30 PM - 6:00M

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 >

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.