TEMECULA - The Valley Young Professionals (VYP), a division of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, announced the nominees for the 2011 Young Professional of the Year which will be acknowledged at this year’s Temecula Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Created two years ago, this award recognizes individuals within the group that have gone above and beyond in helping to grow VYP and expand its reach throughout the community.

Congratulations to the nominees for 2011 Young Professional of the Year

• Nicole Albrecht, Financial Accounting Services, Inc.

• Christine Chappell, eMedia Insiders

• Ashley Garing, The Creative Bar

• Jason Hope, JD Promotions

• Michael Klein, Nigro & Nigro, PC

• Adam Ruiz, AR Home Loans Direct, Inc.

"2011 was another successful year for the Valley Young Professionals. The goals set at the beginning of the year were achieved and far surpassed. I am so proud of the group and all that was accomplished within the community," said Christine Chappell, 2012 VYP Committee Chair. "We were extremely grateful to have our monthly VYPER events in 2011 at popular locations throughout the Valley, allowing us to bring in a great crowd at each venue. We wanted to give thanks to the following businesses: Killarney’s Restaurant & Irish Pub, P.F. Changs China Bistro, Longshadow Ranch Winery, Guadalajara Mexican Grill, Mount Palomar Winery, Lucille’s BBQ, Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill, Baily’s Front Street Bar & Grill, Barley & Hops Olde Advertisement

[ The Tutoring Center ] World Family Tavern, Black Market Brewing Company. We cannot wait to see what’s to come in 2012!"

VYP has evolved since its inception four years ago and now offers even more benefits to its members. Along with the networking mixers, events are organized such as Speed Networking and the Lunch & Learn program, offering members the chance to listen to key business speakers in the community on various informative topics. A quarterly book club allows members the chance to read enlightening books on hot topics written by a variety of authors and then spend time together discussing the subject matter.

VYP encourages advancement through professional, civic, and social events with an approach that fosters collaboration and inspires young professionals to put ideas into action. The 2012 Committee Chairs and Sub-Committees including membership, events, civic, education, hospitality, social networking, public relations, and marketing have planned events and programs to encourage and implement the group’s vision over the next year. Valley Young Professionals is a division of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce and was created for individuals 21-40 years of age. Monthly planning meetings take place at the Chamber of Commerce on the first Thursday of the month at 8 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend, share thoughts, and add their input.

For additional information on VYPER events or joining VYP, contact Tiffany Clark, Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, at (951) 676-5090 ext. 313 or tiffany@temecula.org.