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.

Coming Soon: Awards Announcements

Thank you for helping us recognize The Next Wave of Brainerd Lakes Area leaders. Nominations are officially closed for the 2025 Four Under 40 Awards. Award winners will be announced soon!

Presented at the WAVE Gala, these prestigious awards honor young professionals who display professional excellence, leadership, community involvement, and potential for future success. Save the Date for the 2025 WAVE Gala: September 18, 2025.

2024 Award Recipient

Vanessa Ruedisili

Premier Choice Senior Management Solutions

Meet Vanessa

2024 Award Recipient

Alex Bitter

Widseth

Meet Alex

2024 Award Recipient

Cory Jay

Advantage Home Pros

Meet Cory

2024 Award Recipient

Erich Heppner

Central Lakes College

Meet Eirch

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 17

4:30PM - 6:30PM

Dunmire's on the Lakes

Ride the Current into Recruitment

Ready to grow your network? Join the current that’s moving young professionals forward. We bringing you a casual, welcoming, and FUN event designed to introduce new and prospective members to the WAVE Young Professionals Network. WAVE Members that bring a Non-WAVE Member guest will receive an additional raffle ticket to enter for prizes!

LEARN MORE >

Aug. 20

4:30 PM - 7:00 PM

15115 Edgewood Drive Baxter

WAVE YPN: Speed Networking

Rotate through structured conversations, designed to be short, snappy, and surprisingly effective. It’s like dating, but for your career—minus the awkward silences and weird bios. LEARN MORE >

Sept. 18

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Catalyst By Nature Link

2025 WAVE Gala

The highlight of the night is the presentation of the Four Under 40 Awards, honoring outstanding young professionals making a difference in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Enjoy a night of drinks, food, networking & celebration. 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.