Professional organization ceases activity

TIFFIN - After ten years, Seneca County Young Professionals (SCYP) has decided to place the organization into a dormant state. According to a press release from the board of directors, SCYP "has been dedicated to fostering connection, inspiration, and growth among emerging leaders in our community," with a focus on building relationships, sharing ideas, and creating a foundation of support for both members and the community as a whole. After careful consideration, the release states, "We recognize that the current need for our organization is not as significant as it once was." In addition, since SCYP operates as a 501(c)3, requiring a dedicated board, upcoming board vacancies and a lack of applicants to fill those spots render the organization unsustainable at the current time. Board member Marisa Huss said since the board chose dormancy instead of disbanding the organization, the option remains for someone "to pick up the torch and run with it" if there is interest in making SCYP active again. Bryce Riggs, who also is on the board, said the busyness of life and peoples' schedules have had a significant impact on the group, and moving on from SCYP will allow the board and organization members "to focus their efforts where it makes sense." "We will go on and do great things," he said. Riggs said the connections offered and built through SCYP have had a considerable impact on all those involved, and have been a milestone achievement of the group. SCYP's mission has been to connect, grow, and inspire, he said, and, "This organization served as a nice opportunity for new employees to connect with each other." Huss said SCYP's "bright point" has been the Downtown Tiffin Pizza Party that takes place annually. "We've raised tens of thousands for local non-profits (with the pizza party)," she said, which has made a big impact in the community. Huss and Riggs said while SCYP no longer will sponsor the Pizza Party, plans are being made to continue the tradition under new leadership. Huss said the decision made by SCYP to become dormant is bittersweet for her, as the organization was vital to her when she moved back to the area. However, she said, "the connections formed will continue on." "We're proud of the work we've done and the impact we've made," Riggs said. Moving forward, he said, SCYP members will continue to strive to be "purposeful in terms of impact," within the community. A farewell event to celebrate the legacy of SCYP and share gratitude for all who have been involved and supported the organization will take place January 21, 2025. Details will be shared as they are available.