“Cocktails & Classrooms” to Include Informational Tour, Live Music & More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (February 4, 2021) – Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) and the Ohana Institute in Inlet Beach, Florida, are partnering for an educational evening of fun next Thursday, April 8, from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. YPWC will join the school’s founder, Lettye Burgtorf, for a “Tour de Ohana” as she and some of her students share a look inside the innovative classrooms and programs at this one-of-a-kind STEAM-focused private school. The Ohana Institute celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2020 and recently added preschool classes to its lineup of creative learning programs. The tour will be followed by a happy hour–style social in the courtyard with light bites from Decadent Coffee & Dessert Bar and Amigos 30A, libations by Good Clean Wine, live music performed by some of Ohana’s talented students, and more.

“This is such a great opportunity for our Young Professionals in the area to see all the unique programs and projects going on at the Ohana Institute and to meet some of its students and faculty for a firsthand info session,” says YPWC president Kelly Curry. “We will also be discussing some creative strategies for internship pairing with Ohana’s students, so our local business leaders have an opportunity to connect with potential interns and share information with them through YP. It’s shaping up to be a really fun evening, and we can’t wait to see all the good that Ohana is doing in the community for kids of all ages.”

Tickets for this unique “Tour de Ohana: Cocktails & Classrooms” happy hour are free for current members of YPWC and $10 for non-members. Those interested in attending this event are encouraged to register online in advance at YPWaltonCounty.com/Events.

Learn more about the Ohana Institute and how you can support its mission when you visit OhanaInstitute.org.

YPWC thanks its April 2021 event sponsors and partners including 30Avenue merchants and businesses Scenic Sotheby's International Realty, Otium Studios, Margaret Ellen Bridal, 30A Smiles, Blush Beauty Lounge, A BOHEME Design, BECASA, Amigos 30A Mexican Kitchen, Decadent, and Hill Coleman CPA, along with Good Clean Wine, Proffitt PR, Herring Design Co., and Katherine Green Social.

You’re Invited for a Beach Bonfire Social Benefiting Food For Thought Outreach

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (February 4, 2021) – With business, social networking, and community service top of mind, the Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) are preparing to stoke the flames for all types of connection this Valentine’s Day season. Join YPWC for its first Fan the Flames of Love Bonfire on Thursday, February 11, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Grayton Beach. A portion of proceeds from each ticket sold will benefit Food For Thought Outreach so attendees can share the love with children and families in Walton and Okaloosa Counties who are struggling with food insecurity.

Presented by Corcoran Reverie, this casual beach event will feature Light Me Up Beach Bonfires, pizza from Chiringo in Grayton Beach, beer by Oyster City Brewing Company, and more. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to make check-in a breeze on arrival at the Grayton Beach Public Access on Garfield Street (by The Red Bar). Each attendee will receive a YPWC souvenir cup upon arrival, and Chiringo will offer 20 percent off food and drinks when you present your YPWC cup at the time of your order. DJ 30A will also be playing at Chiringo after the bonfire.

“This is shaping up to be a really fun outdoor social,” said YPWC president Kelly Curry. “Last month’s kickoff at Distillery 98 had a great turnout and everyone made some new connections while looking forward to the new year. Now, we’re excited about our first philanthropy project of 2021 as we strive to help children and families in the area who are battling food insecurity. Tiffanie Nelson and her team at Food For Thought help hundreds of families each month with their curbside pickup program, and we are so happy to be able to contribute to that incredible effort. And who knows, maybe this Valentine’s Day–themed bonfire could also spark some YP love connections!”

Tickets for the Fan the Flames of Love Bonfire with YPWC are $10 for current members and $15 for non-members. $5 from each ticket sale will benefit Food For Thought Outreach, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Learn more about FFT and how you can help at FFTFL.org.

 

Those interested in attending may register online at YPWaltonCounty.com/Events.

YPWC thanks its February 2021 event sponsors and partners including presenting sponsor Corcoran Reverie, Light Me Up Beach Bonfires, Chiringo, Oyster City Brewing Company, Proffitt PR, and Herring Design Co.

###

About the Young Professionals of Walton County

Founded in 2009 under the name “YP @ The Beach” and having undergone a revamp in 2017, the Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) is an organization created by the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce whose mission is to bridge social, geographical, political, and economic boundaries across Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, while providing a venue for ambitious individuals to network and enhance their professional development skills.

To learn more about these events and Young Professionals of Walton County, visit YPWaltonCounty.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram.

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (January 6, 2021) – The Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) are teaming up with Distillery 98 and Taco 30A to kick off the new year with the upcoming “Ew, 2020. Hello 2021!” event. This free networking social sponsored by Step One Automotive Group will take place Thursday, January 14, from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at Distillery 98.

“We are so excited to welcome everyone back to Young Professionals after what was a tumultuous year for many of our community members and the world at large,” said incoming YPWC president Kelly Curry. “We can’t wait to kick off a new year with this fun, upbeat networking event and hope to see many familiar faces and new ones, too. Our goal for 2021 is to bring a sense of renewal and energy to both our returning members and those who are interested in what YP has to offer. Helping more young professionals in the area make business and social connections, providing education and opportunities to our members, and assisting others in our community through our outreach programs are the pillars for what is already shaping up to be a great year. Come help us say goodbye to 2020 and hello to good things ahead!”

As the first YPWC event of 2021, this celebration is open to all members and non-members. There is no cost to attend. Distillery 98 will be pouring cocktails; the first drink is free for all attendees of legal drinking age. Neighboring Idyll Hounds Brewing Company will have craft beer available, and local food delivery service Taco 30A will be on the premises with delicious tacos and more fiesta favorites for purchase. DJ 30A is primed and ready to provide upbeat dance music perfect for ringing in the New Year of YPWC. A few surprises are in store with festive decor by Mingle, a bonfire by Rent Gear Here, and raffle items, so bring your business card to enter for a chance to win!

Social distancing and COVID-19 safety precautions will be implemented for check-in and other areas throughout Distillery 98 during the event.

Those interested in attending may register online at YPWaltonCounty.com/Events.

YPWC thanks its 2021 kick-off event sponsors and partners including presenting sponsor Step One Automotive Group, Proffitt PR, Distillery 98, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, Taco 30A, Rent Gear Here, Epic Photo Co., and Mingle.

###

About the Young Professionals of Walton County

Founded in 2009 under the name “YP @ The Beach” and having undergone a revamp in 2017, the Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) is an organization created by the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce whose mission is to bridge social, geographical, political, and economic boundaries across Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, while providing a venue for ambitious individuals to network and enhance their professional development skills.

To learn more about these events and Young Professionals of Walton County, visit YPWaltonCounty.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram.

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (November 21, 2019) – The Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) will host an “Incredibly Awkward Wacky Weird Tacky Christmas Sweater Party,” on Thursday, December 5 at the Grayton Beer Company Taproom from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

 

Sponsored by Centennial Bank and Clark Partington Attorneys at Law, the annual holiday mixer will feature a festive photo booth courtesy of Epic Photo Co., live music by North Pole Panic, a gourmet casserole buffet crafted by Marrow Private Chefs, and craft brews from Grayton Beer Company. Guests are encouraged to wear their tackiest Christmas sweaters to network and celebrate the holiday season. The cost to attend is $10 for YPWC members and $15 for potential members. 

Additional event sponsors include Clutch Media Works, Eloquent Signs, and Epic Photo Co. To accommodate all guests, YPWC asks those interested in attending to register online at http://ypwaltoncounty.com/Events.

 

Young Professionals of Walton County to Host Second Rise & Grind Event

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (October 21, 2019) – The Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) will host their second “Rise & Grind” event of 2019 on Thursday, November 14, from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., at the new 2 Birds Coffee + Cafe, located in the Watersound Origins community at 573 Pathways Drive, Watersound, FL, 32461. 

Sponsored by Watersound Origins, the event will feature a Northwest Florida Projects update from the St. Joe Company. The director of commercial sales and leasing, Jordan Rosenau, and the vice president of development, Justin Smith, will be in attendance to speak to guests. The community is invited to listen and learn about St. Joe’s efforts, mingle with other community members, and sample coffee and light breakfast bites from 2 Birds Coffee + Café throughout the morning event.

Additional event sponsors include Clutch Media Works, Eloquent Signs, and Epic Photo Co. This event is free to attend for YPWC members and non-members. To accommodate all guests, YPWC asks those interested in attending to register online at http://ypwaltoncounty.com/Events.

This event comes on the heels of the YPWC Membership Drive that culminated with the drawing of three winners at the October 10 “Bling and Brews” event at Beach and Brews 30A. Congratulations to Alex Curry, Keller Williams Realty Emerald Coast; Jill Tanner, Clutch Media Works; Kelly Jasen, United Way of West Florida, for being randomly selected to win one of three packages donated by area businesses and community members. To learn more about YPWC Membership benefits or to join, please visit http://ypwaltoncounty.com/Membership.

Young Professionals of Walton County to Host “Bling and Brews” Event at New Local Taproom

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (October 1, 2019) – The Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) will be hosting a “Bling and Brews” event on Tuesday, October 10, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., at Beach & Brew on 30A, South Walton’s newest taproom showcasing local and regional breweries, located at 10343 East County Hwy. 30A, Unit #110 in Seacrest Beach. 

Sponsored by McCaskill and Company, the first 50 people to attend will receive an exclusive goody bag from the area’s finest jeweler. Throughout the event, guests will enjoy light bites provided by JC’s Gourmet and one complimentary craft beer from the taproom. 

During this event the Young Professionals of Walton County will be drawing the winners of their membership drive. Three randomly selected individuals who have completed their YPWC membership paperwork by the event on Thursday, October 10, 2019, will win one of the prize packages. Each package consists of donations from area businesses and community members, including Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer, Cory Fosdyck, Cuvee Kitchen + Wine Bar, Destin Charity Cornhole Tournament, Epic Photo Co., Grayton Beer Brewpub, Grayton Beer Company, Harvest Wine & Food Festival, Marlin Grill, Restaurant Paradis, Slick Lips Seafood House & Oyster Bar, Spa98, The Market Shops 5^thAnnual Bloody Mary Festival and The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Beer Festival. For more information on membership tiers and how you can join to be entered to win, please visit http://bit.ly/YPWCmembership.

Additional event sponsors include Clutch Media Works, Eloquent Signs, and Epic Photo Co. This event is $5 for YPWC members and $10 for prospective members. To accommodate all guests, YPWC asks those interested in attending to register online at http://ypwaltoncounty.com/Events.

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (August 22, 2019) –The Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) will be partnering with the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce to host the North Business After Hours event on Thursday, September 12, from 5-7 p.m., at Westonwood Ranch located at 4390 Hwy. 20 W., in Freeport. 

Sponsored by A Superior Air Conditioning, YPWC invites the community to Westonwood Ranch to explore their new facilities and network with other young professionals and chamber members. YPWC will be serving refreshments and accepting new member applications throughout the evening.

Throughout the summer and early fall, the Young Professionals of Walton County are hosting a membership drive. Three randomly selected individuals who have completed their YPWC membership paperwork by Thursday, October 10, 2019, will win one of the prize packages. Each package consists of donations from area businesses and community members, including Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer, Cory Fosdyck, Cuvee Kitchen + Wine Bar, Destin Charity Cornhole Tournament, Epic Photo Co., Grayton Beer Brewpub, Grayton Beer Company, Harvest Wine & Food Festival, Marlin Grill, Restaurant Paradis, Slick Lips Seafood House & Oyster Bar, Spa98, The Market Shops 5^thAnnual Bloody Mary Festival and The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Beer Festival. 

The winners will be drawn at the YPWC After Hours Social Event on October 10. YPWC offers a number of membership levels ranging from corporate to individual. For more information on membership tiers and how you can join to be entered to win, please visit http://bit.ly/YPWCmembership.

Th North Business After Hours event is free for YPWC members and Chamber members, and $10 for prospective members. To accommodate all guests, YPWC asks those interested in attending to RSVP online at http://ypwaltoncounty.com/Events.

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (July 31, 2019) –The Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) will host a panel discussion titled, “Jack and Jane of All Trades,” on Thursday, August 8, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., at The Hyatt Place Sandestin located in Grand Boulevard. 

Sponsored by Matthews & Jones, LLP., young professionals and prospective members will have the opportunity to hear from various local professionals who are experts in their area of service during a lively panel discussion. Panelists include Todd Bierbaum, Bierbaum IT; Katelyn Bryant, Spa98; Kali David, Plate to Plate; Wilson McGinness, Gulf Coast Home Services; and Simon Smith, Auto Mechanic. They will discuss a range of topics including skin care, automotive, technology, culinary, hosting, and home improvement.

Additional event sponsors include Clutch Media Works, Eloquent Signs, and Epic Photo Co. This event is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. To accommodate all guests, YPWC asks those interested in attending to RSVP online at http://ypwaltoncounty.com/Events.

Along with monthly events, the Young Professionals of Walton County are also hosting a membership drive. Three randomly selected individuals who have completed their YPWC membership paperwork by Thursday, October 10, 2019, will be entered to win one of the prize packages. Each package consists of donations from area business, including Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer, Cory Fosdyck, Cuvee Kitchen + Wine Bar, Destin Charity Cornhole Tournament, Epic Photo Co., Grayton Beer Brewpub, Grayton Beer Company, Harvest Wine & Food Festival, Marlin Grill, Restaurant Paradis, Slick Lips Seafood House & Oyster Bar, Spa98, The Market Shops Annual Bloody Festival and The Village of Baytowne Beer Festival. 

The winners will be drawn at the YPWC After Hours Social Event on October 10. YPWC offers a number of membership levels ranging from corporate to individual. For more information on membership tiers and how you can join to be entered to win, please visit http://bit.ly/YPWCmembership.

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (June 18, 2019) –The Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) will host a July networking event titled “Mingling and Margs” on Thursday, July 11 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at La Cocina located at 10343 E. County Hwy. 30A in Seacrest Beach. 

Sponsored by Progress Bank, YPWC members and non-members are invited to mix and mingle with one another while sipping on hand-crafted margaritas. Each attendee will receive one complimentary margarita as well as free chips and salsa. There will be special networking opportunities as well as giveaways throughout the evening. This event is free to attend and open to the public. 

Additional event sponsors include Eloquent Signs, Clutch Media Works, and Epic Photo Co. This event is free to attend. To accommodate all guests, YPWC asks those interested in attending to RSVP online at http://ypwaltoncounty.com/Events.

The Young Professionals of Walton County is accepting applications for members throughout the year. The organization aims to connect, socialize and network with young professionals in the Walton County area. Whether new to the area or a long-time local, YPWC wants to help all young professionals grow their career while also having a little fun along the way. To sign up for YPWC or learn more about membership, visit http://ypwaltoncounty.com/Membership.

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (May 22, 2019) –The Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) will host a “Bow Wow Seafood Boil” on Thursday, June 13, from 5:30- 7 p.m. located at the new Dog Harmony Headquarters in Santa Rosa Beach. 

Sponsored by Whole Life Fitness, YPWC members and non-members are invited to enjoy a bountiful seafood boil provided by Grayton Beer Brewpub along with beers provided by Grayton Beer Company. Guests will be entertained by the musical stylings of Rob Romans. The cost to attend the boil is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.  

A portion of the proceeds will directly benefit Dog Harmony, a non-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to reducing the shelter dog population through ongoing humane education, force-free training, and low-cost spay/neuter and microchipping services. Founded by professional dog trainer Nancy Bown, CPDT-KA, Dog Harmony works to build positive relationships between canines and humans, preventing dogs from becoming homeless in the first place.

Additional event sponsors include Eloquent Signs, Clutch Media Works, and Epic Photo Co. This event is free to attend. To accommodate all guests, YPWC asks those interested in attending to RSVP online at http://ypwaltoncounty.com/Events.