Opinion: TRYP sets the record straight

By Shannon Eckmeyer

A statement made in an opinion column claiming the Tahoe Regional Young Professionals (TRYP) is “behind” a project relating to the Meyers Area Plan has given me the opportunity to explain to the community what the organization is actually about. While TRYP serves the needs of professionals throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin looking to engage in their community, TRYP does not take a stance on political or planning issues.

The mission of TRYP may be to connect members to the community and network together, but we have evolved to so much more. As a proud member of the board and executive committee, I have been able to see our group grow substantially over the past two years and foster leadership within the basin.

TRYP started as the brainchild of our founding board members over three years ago who wanted to see a change in the Lake Tahoe community. These brave forefathers spent countless hours in pursing the establishment of an organization that could truly connect young professionals. Traditionally known for its younger transient population and well-established baby boomers, Lake Tahoe was never seen as a welcoming home to its next generation. Until now. TRYP currently has well over 100 active members throughout the region who are quickly becoming the pillars of the Lake Tahoe community.

Our civic engagement committee works hard to track and share information where people can learn more and think for themselves on the many different issues facing our community. TRYP presents opportunities to empower Lake Tahoe’s generation autonomously and also in collaboration with local organizations. TRYP recently partnered with the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce to host a panel for the El Dorado County supervisor candidates. It is unfortunate one of those very candidates does not understand the mission of TRYP or work to find information before associating us in a recent opinion piece in Lake Tahoe News.

Not only does TRYP provide different membership and networking events, but we are also active in volunteering, fundraising, and giving back to our community. TRYP provides leadership scholarships to members. We organize monthly volunteer events and host the Winter White FUNdraising event every year. The event is truly spectacular and one that I invite the community to attend in November. It is a night that is full of fun and aimed at raising money for a local nonprofit. Last year TRYP raised over $4,000 for the Lake Tahoe Boys & Girls Club.

Our organization is truly crafting the upcoming leaders and decision makers for Lake Tahoe. We are creating an environment that supports our community’s professional talent so they want to stay, raise a family here, open their own business here, and contribute to our economy. We want to be proud of the Lake Tahoe community we care so deeply about and use it as an example to surrounding areas. I urge everyone in the community, no matter what your age is, to come see a TRYP event in action. Our mixers are the second Wednesday of every month and our professional development workshops are the third Wednesday. To learn more about membership and sponsor opportunities please visit our website and reach out with questions to TahoeTRPY@gmail.com. We want you to get involved and help us to continue to empower Lake Tahoe.

Shannon Eckmeyer is member relations director for Tahoe Regional Young Professionals.