The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce announced a cooperative expansion of the E3YP initiative on Wednesday. E3YP is a young professional group created by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce as a workforce development initiative.

The purpose for this collaboration is to allow member businesses of the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce to take advantage of reduced membership rates and more diverse networking opportunities with young professionals in the greater Wausau region.

“We are very excited about collaborating with the E3YP group and helping to broaden programming for young professionals on a regional level,” said Debbe Kinsey, CEO of the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s an opportunity for us to showcase the great things that Merrill has to offer, while broadening the understanding of and connections in the central Wisconsin area. Our collaboration will educate, enlighten and promote our businesses, our community and our region in ways that are attractive to our Millennial population.”

“Since its inception, we had envisioned this as a regional program. Young professionals don’t recognize imposed boundaries between individual municipalities. We want them to feel connected to the places they live work and play and to each other. E3YP helps offer unique professional development and social engagement for YPs age 21-45. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to partner with the Merrill Chamber and connect our communities.” said Aaron Kapellusch, President/CEO of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce.

Over 34 corporate members currently contribute 2,500 young professionals between the ages of 21-45 to E3YP and are involved in an effort to engage, empower and excite young professionals in the Merrill and Wausau region.

For more information on E3YP, contact the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce at 715-845-6231 or the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-536-9474.