What is FUEL?
FUEL is a diverse group of 20-and-30 somethings who are eager to build their professional networks, grow their career, enhance their leadership skills, and advocate for their community—all while having fun! Combining lively after-work events, with one-of-a-kind career development, and a variety of opportunities to volunteer, FUEL is your go-to young professionals network, making it easy to build your professional and social circles right here in the Valley where you live, work, and play!
What do we do?
Each month FUEL hosts a variety of activities and events to help get young professionals active in our community.
With your membership you can:
Connect
Join in the fun with other young professionals from the Valley. Each month we host at least one after-work event from happy hours, to mini-golf tournaments, dueling piano shows, and hiking. Throughout the year there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Develop
Whether you’re just starting out in the workforce, changing careers or looking to grow in you field, FUEL can help you develop your skills. We host a professional development courses on networking and branding to sales and customer service; seminars to manage your finances from saving for your Master’s Degree to planning your 401K; or motivational leadership training. Plus, as a committee of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce you have more than 500 business contacts at your fingertips for mentorship, networking, and job opportunities.
Support
The Valley is home to some incredible nonprofit organizations helping our community thrive. Building our commitment to philanthropy, FUEL provides members with the opportunity to give back through volunteering. Whether it’s lending a hand at an event registration table, collecting school supplies for kids in need, or cheering on walkers/runners/bikers at a charity race, there are so many ways to give your time and talent and those in need!
So how do we do it?
FUEL collaborates with local leaders, businesses and organizations—many of whom are members of our Chamber of Commerce—to assist in recruiting and retaining the region’s top talent (people like you) to cultivate, engage, and empower our next generation of leaders.
Our Mission
To connect and engage emerging leaders in their 20s and 30s in activities that support our community and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, while making the Lower Naugatuck Valley Region and its surrounding communities a more energetic, exciting, and active place to work and live.
Our History
In 2008, Young Emerging Professionals (YEP) was formed with the mission to Connect, Develop, and Support Young Professionals in the Greater Naugatuck Valley. YEP hosted many events, including signature event during Valley Goes Pink. In 2018, YEP celebrated its 10th anniversary at BAD SONS Brewing Co. in Derby, where the FUEL Brand was launched.
While maintaining the core mission of YEP, FUEL is addressing the changing of the times through the rebrand. FUEL is not an acronym, but a description of the power young professionals to provide to the Greater Naugatuck Valley. #FuelingtheValley #IgnitingOurFuture