The Winter Haven Young Professionals Group offers networking activities for people age 21 to 40. "Some of what we do is social; some is personal development. Lots of times we try to link those together," said Clay McKown, the group's chairman.

LAKELAND | If you're a young professional in Polk County, there's an easy way to learn about the community and meet others like you.

Lakeland, Winter Haven and Bartow all have groups designed for professionals in their 20s, 30s or early 40s. Affiliated with local Chambers of Commerce, the organizations offer social gatherings, personal and professional development activities and opportunities for volunteer work.

In Lakeland, there's EMERGE (emergelakeland.com), a group with nearly 200 members open to young professionals age 21 to 42. EMERGE Lakeland holds monthly events open to members and nonmembers alike. Membership is $50 annually.

Recent activities have included a presentation on business etiquette, a field day with mentors and youths from the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, and a "casino night" membership drive. You'll regularly catch EMERGE members downtown during the monthly First Friday event.

"I moved to Lakeland three years ago and got signed up with EMERGE through work. All of a sudden I got to meet all of these other young professionals in town that grew up here or are new to town," said Jorge Rivera, 32, a senior accountant with CPS Investment Advisors, who also serves as EMERGE's treasurer and membership committee chairman.

"I've built up a big base now of all of these people I consider friends that are like-minded and involved in the community," Rivera said. "Some of them are really inspiring."

EMERGE will hold a gathering with Congressman Dennis Ross on Sept. 24 to get an inside look at the campaign process. October will bring "A Round of Shots For Breakfast," a morning event held at the Shoot Straight gun range.

In East Polk, the Winter Haven Young Professionals Group (whypg.camp7.org) is open to those age 21 to 40 in the greater Winter Haven area. Membership is $60 annually.

Clay McKown, 26, is the current WHYPG chairman and a member of three years. He describes the group as a "springboard to meet other young professionals and build a network with your peers and also learn about your community."

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Three Polk Groups Offer Networking for Young Professionals