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  1. Plugdin Event Wrap-Up: “When Just-Some-Town Becomes Hometown” Monday, July 27, 2009

    From law school interns, to engineering students, recent college grads to interested supervisors, 49 young professionals came to the Plugdin panel this past Thursday. While munching on sandwiches and cookies from River Street Deli, ears were attentive and listening to the panel brag about why they loved Chattanooga.

    Stephen Culp, CEO and founder of Smart Furniture gave advice on how to plug in to Chattanooga through extra-curricular activities.

    Monica Maples got a chance to brag about her transition from her previous job with garbage trucks to her great job at Gordon Bierch, the office where they create new recipes for Big River’s menu.

    Anj McClain is living out her dream as an eco-friendly interior designer at green|spaces.

    Marketing guru Mark Song has found a place that’s cooler than Atlanta.

    Preston Roberts is working on the Take Root project to make Chattanooga a healthier and more beautiful place to live.

    Karen Liwanpo started a group, Friends of Chattanooga, which has upwards of 75 members that get together on a monthly basis.

    All of our panelists, most of who are not originally from Chattanooga, have found things that made Chattanooga their own, and spent a good portion of Thursday’s luncheon inspiring others to do the same. Whether it’s act in a play at the Chattanooga Theatre Center, join a biking group with Outdoor Chattanooga, or volunteer with Stand, there is something here for everyone.

    We’ve had some questions come in about a few things that were mentioned at the Panel Discussion. So here, for the public good, we answer those questions.

    What is YPAC?
    YPAC is the Young Professionals Association of Chattanooga. According to their website, the group’s “ultimate goal is to get people connected in our community, and we accomplish this in three major areas: professional, social and civic.”  They hold monthly luncheons, both downtown and in East Brainerd, with different speakers, after-hours events to get people mingling, and volunteer opportunities. You can check out their website for more information on events and membership by visiting their site.

    Tell me more about the next Plugdin event on August 7, please.
    The next Plugdin will be in conjunction with 55here’s gallery opening for HelloWorld.Show();, an exhibit featuring work from programmers across the world. We’ll be displaying front- and back-end source code through projection, print, and other interactive formats. The reception will be from 6 to 8pm with appetizers from Alleia and music from Elefont Byte. For those plugged in, stick around for special after-hours to get a chance to connect with other employers, non-profits, and interns in Chattanooga.

    I’ve heard there are opportunities to help with Stand. Who do I contact?
    If you are interested in applying to work with Stand, as a paid field organizer or volunteer, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    By Elana Gulas, Culture Senior Fellow

    Posted by Administrator