WAVE - Young Professionals Network

WAVE - Young Professionals Network Start shaping your future today!
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A program of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, WAVE Young Professionals Network helps individuals 18–39 connect, grow, and lead through monthly events while honoring emerging leaders through our signature Four Under 40 Awards.

Did someone say Lakes Jam?🎸We're shifting gears with this month's WAVE event for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at ...
06/04/2026

Did someone say Lakes Jam?🎸

We're shifting gears with this month's WAVE event for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Lakes Jam 2026 — where live music, large-scale event production, and professional networking collide.

Attendees Get:
🔹Backstage tour of the Lakes Jam production
🔹Trolley ride on the BIR tracks
🔹VIP access area (cash bar featuring Tito’s)
🔹On-stage photo opportunity between acts
🔹Inside look at how Lakes Jam and Brainerd International Raceway operate behind the scenes
🔹Access to the evenings shows:
7:00 PM – Chris Hawkey
9:00 PM – Thymin’ N Stealin’ (Beastie Boys Tribute)

📍
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
$20 for WAVE Members | $45 guests

Let us know you'll be there - trust me, you want to be there 😉https://brainerdlakeschamber.com/WAVE/June-2026

📣NOMINATE A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL TODAY📣Together with our Presenting Sponsor, Conductor Power, we are thrilled to kick off ...
06/01/2026

📣NOMINATE A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL TODAY📣

Together with our Presenting Sponsor, Conductor Power, we are thrilled to kick off year three of the WAVE GALA, the biggest celebration of the year for the WAVE Young Professionals Network—a program of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce focused on elevating and advancing the Lakes Area young professionals.

The highlight of the night? ✨The Four Under 40 Awards.✨

Nominations are open until June 30.

Learn More👉brainerdlakeschamber.com/four-under-40.

Last week’s WAVE YPN: Driving Community & Connections was a reminder that growth sometimes looks like:- showing up witho...
05/19/2026

Last week’s WAVE YPN: Driving Community & Connections was a reminder that growth sometimes looks like:

- showing up without knowing everyone
- trying something new (like networking or golf 😅)
- being a little uncomfortable
..and doing it anyway

Thank you to Eric Martin, Golf Pro at .legacy.courses, for speaking to our group about the impact of the CRMC Championship and how events like this strengthen our community, local businesses, and opportunities to get involved.

And thank you to Cragun’s Resort for hosting us and giving our WAVE members the chance to spend some time out on the course — rain and all.

The best connections usually happen when you just decide to show up.

Join us in giving a warm thank you to Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union. As a program sponsor of the WAVE Young Profess...
05/06/2026

Join us in giving a warm thank you to Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union. As a program sponsor of the WAVE Young Professionals Network, they are not only choosing to invest in the development of young professionals in their own organization, but are also supporting Young Professionals across the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union, your support helps make programming, connections, and leadership opportunities possible for the next generation in our communities.

Thank you!

The WAVE Anchor Board recently traded our meeting room for something more hands-on, spending time together volunteering ...
05/03/2026

The WAVE Anchor Board recently traded our meeting room for something more hands-on, spending time together volunteering at The Babinski Foundation.

This year, we made a decision to be more intentional about how we connect as a team. We showed up ready to help. Walking dogs, cleaning spaces, tackling dishes and laundry, and spending time socializing with the cats, it was an afternoon rooted in simple but meaningful work.

At the end of the day, we've grown to understand that leadership is not just about ideas or initiatives. It’s about action. Choosing to give back, to be present, and to set the tone for the kind of community we want to build.

And overall...spending time with dogs and cats who are patiently waiting for their forever home, was equally fun and fulfilling.

A little golf. A lot of connection.⛳Join WAVE YPN for an afternoon of networking, community insight, and a beginner-frie...
05/01/2026

A little golf. A lot of connection.⛳

Join WAVE YPN for an afternoon of networking, community insight, and a beginner-friendly scramble.

May 14 // 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Cragun's Legacy Courses

Key Takeaways
✔ Discover how major events like the CRMC Championship drive local impact and economic growth
✔ Experience golf in an inclusive, beginner-friendly format
✔ Walk away with new relationships—and maybe a better golf swing
✔ Learn how volunteering can expand your network and leadership skills
✔ Build authentic connections with other WAVE members and community leaders

Don’t miss it—sign up today 👉 https://brainerdlakeschamber.com/WAVE/May-2026

What if getting uncomfortable is actually the point? What if the first step is just figuring out what you’re good at—and...
05/01/2026

What if getting uncomfortable is actually the point? What if the first step is just figuring out what you’re good at—and going from there? And how often do we stop to ask ourselves how big we really want to go?

One thing was clear: if you wait until you feel “ready,” you’ll probably be waiting a long time....and this applies to anyone growing a career or their own business.

WAVE Young Professionals brought together local leaders who shared honest stories about building something from the early stages to growing something bigger.

Thank you to our panelists for keeping it real, and to everyone who showed up ready to listen, ask questions, and connect.

Katie Heppner, North Central Small Business Development Center
Andrew Spicola, Motion 46 Media
Patrick Sundberg, Jack Pine Brewery
Sheila Wing, Wing Wellness PLLC

April, we challenged our WAVE Members to think differently, build confidence, and bring fresh perspective into their work and everyday life. Thank you Ernies On Gull for a great evening!

Our appreciation goes to J. Hanson Real Estate Group - Edina Realty. Thank you for being a sponsor of the WAVE and for i...
04/16/2026

Our appreciation goes to J. Hanson Real Estate Group - Edina Realty. Thank you for being a sponsor of the WAVE and for investing in the development of young professionals across the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Your support helps make programming, connections, and leadership opportunities possible for the next generation in our communities.

Behind every “success” are tough decisions, uncertainty, and a lot of figuring it out as you go.On April 22, WAVE Young ...
04/12/2026

Behind every “success” are tough decisions, uncertainty, and a lot of figuring it out as you go.

On April 22, WAVE Young Professionals is bringing together local entrepreneurs to talk about the real journey—what worked, what didn’t, and what actually matters.

Hear from:
Andrew Spicola // Motion 46 Media
Katie Heppner // North Central Small Business Development Center
Patrick Sundberg // Jack Pine Brewery
Sheila Wing // Wing Wellness PLLC

📍 Ernie’s on Gull
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
FREE for members | $25 guests

You don’t need another networking event. You just need to find the right one.The one where you feel welcome.The one wher...
04/10/2026

You don’t need another networking event. You just need to find the right one.

The one where you feel welcome.
The one where you can advance your skills and knowledge.
The one where you are an active part of growing something greater.
The one where you feel engaged and surrounded by like-minded individuals.

WAVE is one of them. We'd love to see you at our next event!

brainerdlakeschamber.com/wave

Address

224 W Washington Street
Brainerd, MN
56401

Telephone

+12182512094

Website

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