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2009: Employment Employment 2009/10 by Molly Killien Business savvy at every age
New tools change the face of social networking
 | | Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are cited as critical means of communication for local professionals. |
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“Professional” takes on many faces in a resort town like Steamboat Springs. The idea behind the newly launched Young Professionals Network is to bring together as many local professionals as possible – and not necessarily ones that are tied to business suits and corner offices.
Since the group’s innagural gathering in spring 2009, more than 100 individuals have joined the network. Among their ranks are a professional personal trainer, a fly fishing guide, a sommelier, a photojournalist and small business owners. By taking aim at truly representing the wide array of young professionals in the Yampa Valley, the group is emerging as diverse and well-rounded. It’s also reportedly a lot of fun.
The Chamber’s Young Professionals Network gathers for monthly events and volunteer opportunities, building its reputation as a credible resource by putting a public face on Steamboat’s 40-and-under demographic. In the process, participants gain networking opportunities and establish a platform among peers to exchange ideas for new businesses and future growth. Among the fast-growing opportunities is a group of location-neutral professionals who gather for intermittent face time.
“If an individual is dedicated to their career, is looking to contribute in a meaningful way to the community and learn more about furthering their profession, an association like the Young Professionals Network is ideal,” says Marion Ayer, the Chamber’s finance and human resources director.
The monthly agenda may include speakers, seminars, webinars, outdoor excursions, volunteer events and a crowd that’s apt to follow your progress on Twitter. “You are bound to discover that this community has an abundance of motivated individuals who are all brimming with eagerness and enthusiasm.” ##image2-left- Average Annual Wage ## ##image3-right- Per Capita Income ##
Fast Facts
Employment
• The 2007 population of Routt County was estimated at 22,382. This represents a 22.2% increase from 1997.
• Routt County’s unemployment rate is the second highest of the five counties in Northwest Colorado. It was 7.6 % in April, 2009 compared to 7.3 % statewide.
• In April 2009, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Routt County’s average labor force at 14,983 people.
• Routt County saw a 6.6% increase in the number of businesses from 2,006 in 2007 to 2,147 in 2008.
• 80% of Routt County businesses have fewer than nine employees.
• The largest employer in Routt County is the Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. with more than 2,000 employees in the winter. • Steamboat’s largest year-round employer is Yampa Valley Medical Center.
• In 2008, the average annual wage in Routt County was $38,376 compared to a statewide average of $44,616.
• In 2007, Routt County’s per capita income was $49,890, which was seventh in the state out of 64 counties. This compares to a statewide per capita income of $41,042.
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