Young Professionals in Yachting (YPY), a non-profit organization, has been formed to help young professionals succeed in the yachting business.
The new association's mission statement is: We are dedicated, enthusiastic, and ethical young professionals networking, sharing knowledge, and nurturing long-lasting relationships to achieve success and global recognition within the yachting industry. The association originates in South Florida.
Young Professionals in Yachting, a Florida not-for-profit association, was formed through the combined efforts of its 25 founding members, including YPY President D.J. Kiernan (Feadship America), Vice President Clancy Weller (Neptune Group Yachting), Secretary Sara Ingersoll (Merritt Yacht Brokers), Treasurer Kyle Schmitt (Hill Robinson Yacht Management Consultants), and General Counsel Danielle J. Butler (Fowler White Burnett P.A.) to educate, promote ethical business practice, and ultimately facilitate success for young professionals within South Florida's yachting business community.
YPY President D.J. Kiernan stated, "The goal is for young professionals to have a place and identity of their own in the yachting industry, with emphasis on building long-lasting partnerships between our members, other industry veterans, and related groups and associations along the way."
Regular meetings occur on the first Wednesday of every month and consist of sharing industry news, bringing in guest speakers for educational purposes, and fostering professional development. The association also hosts quarterly social events for networking opportunities.
Revenues from YPY fundraising activities will benefit local charities such as the Freedom Waters Foundation, which provides boating opportunities and marine related education for people with disabilities and youth at risk, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which enables young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
"I'm delighted we now have an organized young professionals' movement within the yachting community that carries with it the commitment to learn from and partner with our valued industry resources and colleagues," said Kiernan. "We believe this is a great way to help nurture the younger generation of professionals in yachting who aspire to learn, succeed and secure the future of the yachting business for generations to come."
Membership is limited to business professionals within the yachting industry between the ages of 21 and 35. Interested applicants are encouraged to inquire online at www.youngprofessionalsinyachting.org.
Tax-deductible donations are welcomed at:
Young Professionals in Yachting, Inc.
PO Box 460656
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33346-0656
YPY Board Members
President: D.J. Kiernan, Feadship America
Vice President: Clancy Weller, Neptune Group Yachting
Secretary: Sara Ingersoll, Merritt Yacht Brokers
Treasurer: Kyle Schmitt, Hill Robinson Yacht Management Consultants
General Counsel: Danielle J. Butler, Fowler White Burnett P.A.
Young Professionals in Yachting
Andrew Parkinson
954-536-7443
[email protected]
www.youngprofessionalsinyachting.org