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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
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.
Opportunities for growth in the Brainerd Lakes Area are endless. Grow as a young professional and advance your career.
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.
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.
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 plethora of options to get involved.
Set sail with us on Gull Lake Cruises to learn more about WAVE Young Professionals Network! Meet the Anchor Board behind WAVE, network with other young professionals, and help us brainstorm our 2024 activities!
Join the WAVE Young Professionals Network at our October event! Ever wonder what it takes to launch your own business? Hear the story—inspiration, challenges and rewards—of young professionals Josh and Cami Gazelka, owners of Woodlore Cider.
Join the WAVE Young Professionals Network at our November event! This event will be led by our guest speaker, Jill Casper, Director of Marketing and Community Engagement with CTC. Jill will facilitate a personality test with attendees and review the meaning behind the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Why join?
WAVE offers a variety of benefits for our members.
Develop personal and professional skills that will advance your career.
Meet new people and build relationships through fun, social activities.
Gain uncommon access to local leaders and organizations of interest.
Grow as a leader through opportunities to lead and grow the program.
Take advantage of special pricing on Chamber programs and events.
Become an influential voice of young professionals in the Lakes Area.
WAVE Leadership
Meet members of the Anchor Board who bring WAVE to life.
Paul Augustinack
Board ChairWoods To Water Real Estate 
Leah Boedigheimer
Vice ChairSourcewell & Averion Insurance 
Vanessa Lane
Executive OfficerPremier Choice Senior Management Solutions 
Mata Agre
Board MemberMount Ski Gull 
Andrew Billick
Board MemberBTD Wood Powder Coating 
Alex Bitter
Board MemberWiDSETH 
Jacob Hanson
Board MemberJ. Hanson Real Estate Group 
Haley Van Buren
Board MemberGathered Gold Co. & The Gathering Event Center 
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Our Investors
WAVE is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors.
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Proud Members
Join the wave of influence, optimism and professional success we are spreading throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area.
