Greater Rochester Chamber Launches Greater ROC Young Professionals
Roc City Coalition and Greater Rochester Chamber’s Future Leaders’ Advisory Council Join Forces to Empower Rochester’s Rising Talent
Rochester, NY – Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the launch of Greater ROC Young Professionals (GRYP), a new unified initiative aimed at empowering the region's young professionals aged 18-40.
GRYP brings together influential and long-standing Rochester young professional organizations—Roc City Coalition and the Future Leaders Advisory Council (FLAC)—under Greater Rochester Chamber's umbrella to create a cohesive and impactful program for area young professionals. This unified effort will leverage Greater Rochester Chamber’s unparalleled network and programmatic expertise to provide opportunities for young professionals to connect, grow, and contribute to the success of the Greater Rochester region.
As the region’s largest business advocacy organization, Greater Rochester Chamber provides leadership in policy, workforce development, and partnership initiatives that shape the future of the region. With its huge network, Greater Rochester Chamber connects thousands of professionals and businesses, creating opportunities for collaboration and advancement. By incorporating young professionals into its broader mission, Greater Rochester Chamber is ensuring that the next generation of leaders is deeply engaged in the ongoing growth and transformation of the region.
"The launch of Greater ROC Young Professionals (GRYP) marks a significant investment in the future of our community," said Bob Duffy, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. "Today’s young professionals are leading the way in driving the innovation and progress that has been part of Greater Rochester’s DNA for generations. Greater Rochester Chamber and GRYP will ensure that young professionals continue to have opportunities to learn, grow, connect, and shape our region’s growth and success. We are proud to be a part of their journey.”
Key elements of GRYP include:
- Networking and Career Growth Opportunities
GRYP will host a variety of events where young professionals can connect with peers, spark new ideas, and help shape the future of the program. It all begins with a kickoff social at Radio Social on March 13th, 2025. - Community Impact
Continuing the legacy of Roc City Coalition, GRYP will offer ways for young professionals to engage with and make an impact on the local community through advocacy and service. - A Voice for the Next Generation
Consolidating young professional representation on the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, GRYP will ensure that young professionals have a seat at the table in discussions shaping the future of the region.
Young professionals from the Greater Rochester region are invited to join us at the kickoff event at Radio Social on Thursday, March 13th, 2025 from 4:30-6:00 PM. Register here: https://greaterrochesterchamber.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/zBFQaoAFgCACR
For more information about Greater ROC Young Professionals (GRYP) and how to get involved, please visit GreaterRochesterChamber.com/GRYP or contact Cassidy Pendell at Cassidy.Pendell@GreaterRochesterChamber.com. For organizations looking to support the GRYP Program, sponsorships are available. Learn more in our 2025 Program Sponsorship Opportunities booklet.
About Greater ROC Young Professionals Partners:
Roc City Coalition
Established in 2004, Roc City Coalition is composed of multiple professional groups and initiatives that are committed to community engagement and advocacy. Roc City Coalition has been a driving force behind initiatives like Vision 2025 and has played a significant role in connecting young professionals with elected leaders, ensuring their voices are heard. The group has represented young professional interests in the community and on the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC) board.
Shannon Ealy and Tim Ryan, Co-Chairs of Roc City Coalition, said:
"Roc City Coalition has always been about engaging and advocating for young professionals, and we are excited to merge with FLAC under Greater Rochester Chamber to amplify our impact. GRYP will give young professionals access to an even greater network, offering them a stronger voice in the region's growth and more opportunities to lead."
Future Leaders Advisory Council (FLAC)
The FLAC was formed by graduates of Greater Rochester Chamber’s CLIMB (Chamber Leadership Initiative: Mentoring for Business) program in 2018. The FLAC has contributed to several significant initiatives aimed at supporting young professional development and leadership. With a focus on advocacy and growth, FLAC retains representation on the Greater Rochester Chamber board, ensuring that the interests of emerging leaders are well-represented. Its members have played an important role in advancing key initiatives for young professionals in the region.
Joe Sayre and Alanna Stage, Co-Chairs of the Future Leaders’ Advisory Council, said:
"The FLAC is thrilled to join forces with Roc City Coalition—a group that has consistently demonstrated their commitment to community engagement, social connection, and advocacy. By combining their vibrant social network and community-focused initiatives with Greater Rochester Chamber’s leadership and programs, GRYP will create a truly comprehensive platform for rising talent in our region. We’re excited to harness this collective strength to empower young professionals and drive meaningful progress."
About Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving and empowering businesses and professionals in the nine-county Greater Rochester/Finger Lakes region. As a leading voice for economic growth, Greater Rochester Chamber advocates for policies that foster a thriving business environment; provides resources, professional development, and networking opportunities; and fosters partnerships that strengthen the community.