WAVE Young Professionals Network (Brainerd Lakes Chamber)

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.

Meet the Award Winners!

Meet the recipients of our inaugural Four Under 40 Awards! These awards recognize four outstanding young professionals who live and work in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Over 100 nominations were received. An anonymous panel of judges reviewed and scored the submissions based on professional excellence, leadership, community involvement, and potential for future success.

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

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.

Sept. 19

5PM - 8PM

The Gathering Event Center Crosslake

Four Under 40 Awards Gala

The WAVE Young Professionals Network is excited to announce the recipients of our inaugural Four Under 40 Awards! Chamber Members, Members of the WAVE Young Professionals Network, and the general public are invited to register and attend the gala and join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the winners. LEARN MORE >

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.

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

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.