WAVE – Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce

Who We Are

We are the future leaders of the Lakes Area, 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.

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.

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.

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 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 women networking and talking next to a high top table within a crowd of people square

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

Photo of a young man and young woman drawing a name out of a small bucket who are standing outside on a patio with a golf course in the background on a sunny summer day

Photo of a young man under a tent ready to talk to people on a golf course in the background on a sunny summer day

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

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.

April 27

*NEW TIME: 12PM - 2PM

Crow Wing State Park

WAVE YPN Pop-Up: FREE Park Day

On Saturday, April 27th, meet up with the WAVE Anchor Board Members at Crow Wing State Park for FREE park day! On Free Park day, there is no entrance cost to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. Join us for a 2.2 mile hike. LEARN MORE >

May 22

11AM - 1:30PM

Cragun's Legacy Courses

WAVE YPN: Leading the Lakes 2024

Sharpen your leadership skills by joining the WAVE Young Professionals Network as they attend Leading the Lakes! Join area leaders to participate in professional development, recharge your batteries, and network with the business community. LEARN MORE >

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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.