Our guests this week are Colton Welhaven from Buchanan Capital, and the Billings Chamber's own Cathy Grider to talk about NextGEN. Billings NextGEN is the premier young professionals’ group here in the Billings area boasting over 200 members!

NextGEN is a program of the Billings Chamber of Commerce and is the leading social and business networking group dedicated to building a better Billings. Made up of motivated, energetic young professionals, we offer a variety of events for professional development growth, community engagement, and opportunities for personal interaction to truly network and develop friendships.

Our events attract YP’s from a wide variety of industries and offer the opportunity to learn about issues and people that are making an impact in our business and civic communities, build relationships with other local young professionals, and help those who are new to the city meet active and forward-thinking peers.

We also offer some professional development and mentoring opportunities designed to further your growth, enhance your career path, and offer professional relationships with other seasoned professionals in the Billings area.

Memberships are $75/year for those that work at a Billings Chamber member business, or $100/year for anyone who is a non-member. Many businesses are willing and ready to pay for a NextGEN membership for their staff as a benefit to not only you, but also the organization, so be sure to ask them!

For more information you can head over to our website. If you are interested in joining simply fill out our online application! To learn more about our upcoming events visit our Facebook Page.  

If you are a business that is interested in engaging your staff as NextGEN members, we would love to come to your place of business and give a presentation to your staff members on the opportunities available to them through NextGEN. We would also be more than happy to discuss sponsorship opportunities if you are interested.

For more information, you may contact Cathy Grider at Cathy@billingschamber.com

MARYA AND JACK'S ANSWERS TO THIS WEEK'S RORSCHACH QUESTIONS:

1. What is your favorite NextGen event?

Marya: I love NextHOUR. It’s a low-key, welcoming and easy event to meet new people and get connected.

Jack: I really like Quarters. It's a longer event that lets you really sink your teeth into a topic and learn something.

2. When do you take down your Christmas tree?

Marya: I always take down my tree two weeks after Christmas, so around January 8-10.

Jack: Usually somewhere in the middle of January. I always have a real tree and I try to make sure I can take it to the zoo, so that's my deadline.

3. What is the best and worst thing about January?

Marya: I don’t like to be cold, so the winter temps are the worst. The best thing is the season of renewal and establishing of new disciplines.

Jack: I like winter weather for the most part. The worst thing is actually when it gets warm and turns the snow into slush. I wish it would stay 20 degrees or colder all month.

4. What is one business you wish would come to Billings?

Marya: More diverse and ethnic food eateries. I love authentic Thai food and mom and pop businesses.

Jack: I didn't even have to think about this one. Trader Joe's. Not only is it a great customer experience, it's also just a really cool business model. Another of my favorite podcasts, Freakonomics Radio, did a cool episode about it that you can check out here.