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.

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

Entrepreneurship isn’t just the highlight reel.Join WAVE in April for a real, unfiltered conversation with a local entre...
04/05/2026

Entrepreneurship isn’t just the highlight reel.

Join WAVE in April for a real, unfiltered conversation with a local entrepreneur panel—covering the wins, the struggles, and everything in between.

Date: April 22
Location: Ernie’s on Gull
Time: 5–7 PM

FREE for members | $25 guests

Register now: brainerdlakeschamber.com/WAVE/April-2026

WAVE was proud to team up with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce Blue Ox Business Academy Success Series for AI Unp...
03/31/2026

WAVE was proud to team up with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce Blue Ox Business Academy Success Series for AI Unpacked & Unfiltered — bringing together young professionals and business leaders to have honest, practical conversations about how AI is actually showing up in our work.

From where to start…to what to watch out for…to how to use AI responsibly, than you to Matt and Greg for guiding us!

A big thank you to Greater Lakes Association of Realtors (GLAR) for the space
and Chef Mike’s Catering for lunch.

As always, our Young Professionals Network wouldn't be possible without the gracious support of our sponsors:

Initiative Foundation
Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation
Central Package & Display
CTC
Deerwood Bank
Grand View Lodge
J. Hanson Real Estate Group - Edina Realty
Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union
Motion 46 Media
Widseth

AI isn’t the future of work… it’s already here.WAVE is partnering with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce Blue Ox Bu...
03/17/2026

AI isn’t the future of work… it’s already here.

WAVE is partnering with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce Blue Ox Business Academy for a Success Series: AI Unpacked & Unfiltered.

If you’ve ever wondered:
💭 How are people actually using AI at work?
💭 Which tools are worth trying?
💭 How do you use AI responsibly without creating risk for your company?

This interactive lunch workshop breaks it down — no hype, no jargon. Just real-world examples, practical tools, and honest conversations about how AI is reshaping the workplace.

📅 March 25 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Greater Lakes Association of Realtors (Baxter)
🍽 Lunch included

✨ Bonus for WAVE members: Your registration is FREE.

Whether you’re curious about AI, already experimenting with it, or just trying to stay ahead in your career, this session will give you tools you can actually use.

🔗 Register: http://brainerdlakeschamber.com/success-series/ai-2026

Three of our Young Professionals board members recently attended the Brainerd Lakes Chamber’s Eggs & Issues event — a po...
03/11/2026

Three of our Young Professionals board members recently attended the Brainerd Lakes Chamber’s Eggs & Issues event — a powerful reminder of why it’s important to show up, ask questions, and use your voice.

Eggs & Issues brings together community members and local legislators to discuss the policies and decisions that shape our businesses, workforce, and economy. It’s an opportunity to hear directly from elected officials, share concerns, and learn about the issues impacting our region.

As emerging leaders in the Brainerd Lakes Area, we believe engagement matters. Whether it’s attending events like Eggs & Issues, advocating for your industry, or simply staying informed — your voice plays a role in shaping the future of our community.

👏 Thank you to Jacob, Max, and Leah for representing Young Professionals and staying engaged in the conversations that matter.

Please join us in welcoming Tedi Russell to the WAVE Board! ⚓Tedi shares:“I’m excited to join the WAVE Board and be part...
02/28/2026

Please join us in welcoming Tedi Russell to the WAVE Board! ⚓

Tedi shares:
“I’m excited to join the WAVE Board and be part of its continued growth and impact among young professionals. As someone born and raised in the Brainerd Lakes Area, it’s inspiring to see the innovation, collaboration, and sense of ownership young professionals are bringing to our community. Through WAVE, I’m looking forward to helping build meaningful connections, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for emerging leaders to feel rooted, supported, and excited about calling this community home.”

A few fun facts about Tedi:
- She proudly jumped on the sourdough bread bandwagon — and yes, her starter’s name is Patricia
- She’s named after her grandpa, Theodore (nicknamed Ted)

We’re excited to have Tedi’s passion for community and connection on the WAVE Board.
Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Crosslake Chamber of Commerce
Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Bridges of Hope

Why join WAVE?🌊The Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce's WAVE Young Professionals Network brings together motivated young...
02/26/2026

Why join WAVE?🌊

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce's WAVE Young Professionals Network brings together motivated young professionals who are committed to growing their careers while strengthening the Lakes Area community.

Searching to connect with like-minded, motivated individuals? We're creating the space.

Looking to expand your knowledge and learn from those who've lived it? We're bringing them to you!

Through connection, professional development, and meaningful events, WAVE creates space for learning, leadership, and lasting relationships.

And it doesn't end there. Through this program we're building a strong future for the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Ready to plug in? Join us at our next event.

Join us in welcoming new WAVE Anchor Board Member, Delaney Kennedy!⚓Delaney shares why the WAVE Young Professionals Netw...
02/26/2026

Join us in welcoming new WAVE Anchor Board Member, Delaney Kennedy!⚓

Delaney shares why the WAVE Young Professionals Network matters to her:
“WAVE brings together motivated young professionals who want to grow while giving back to the Lakes Area… It’s a space where learning, leadership, and meaningful relationships truly come together.”

Her passion for connection, mentorship, and community impact makes her a fantastic addition to the Anchor Board. We’re excited to see the continued growth and leadership she’ll help inspire!

Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Crosslake Chamber of Commerce
Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Essentia Health

Address

224 W Washington Street
Brainerd, MN
56401

Telephone

+12182512094

Website

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