Emerge Albany, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce young professional organization, celebrated a successful 2011 by providing more than 226 hours of volunteer services to community organizations and increasing its membership.

Emerge Albany, created in 2007, is made up of a diverse group of professionals with interest in social and business networking, community involvement and professional development.

“2011 was a successful year for Emerge Albany. From community service projects to networking opportunities, young professionals in Albany didn’t miss a chance to gather for a common goal: To see this community succeed,” said Caitlyn Cooper, who in October, after two years as chair of the organization, turned over leadership of Emerge Albany to Angela Rivera. “I am proud to say that we accomplished more than we ever dreamed we would, and I am proud to be part of this group as it moves forward.”

Emerge Albany places an emphasis on Albany’s ability to attract and retain diverse young professionals by building relationships, becoming politically and philanthropically active as well as by contributing to the economic development of the community through events and education.

The organization’s 2011 initiative was “Emerge Albany Gives Back,” a year-long community service effort that assisted agencies throughout the community by providing more than 226 hours of volunteer services. Each month, Emerge selected a community project from local organizations soliciting for volunteers. Flint RiverQuarium, Albany Heart Walk, Second Harvest Food Bank, and the SWGA Cancer Coalition are just a few of the local organizations and projects that Emerge members supported.

The initiative was a follow-up to Emerge Albany’s 2010 campaign, “Explore Albany,” which focused on building awareness and appreciation for cultural, educational and recreational opportunities Albany offers.

A highlight of Emerge Albany 2011 activities:

• More than 539 attendees at Second Friday Luncheons, held each month at the Albany Welcome Center
• 973 attendees at Emerge Albany 2011 activities
• 120 guests at Southwest Georgia’s “40 under Forty” awards, which Emerge Albany co-hosts annually with “The Albany Herald”
• Co-hosted a mayoral forum with the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Affairs Committee in October

These successes and many more would not be possible without the time and dedication of the Emerge Albany committee, which is responsible for organizing programming, membership recruitment and communications efforts for the group. Emerge members’ involvement doesn’t start and stop with the young professionals group –Emerge members continue to serve the community and region through volunteer and foundation boards, charity leagues, alumni associations and local non-profit organizations.

As Emerge Albany’s new chair, Rivera is working with a co-chair Casey Perkins and new committee members to further develop Emerge’s programs and initiatives.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to lead Emerge Albany by building on our past successes and implementing programming that helps strengthen our members as professionals. Emerge Albany was one of the key reasons I chose to move to Albany, a city which has given me great opportunities as a young professional,” said new chair Rivera.

“Young professionals are key to the vibrancy and success of Albany and the region; we are the new generation of leaders,” she said. “Emerge Albany plays a critical role in professional development, networking and in helping build community trustees by engaging members through community involvement.”

Emerge Albany’s last Second Friday Luncheon of 2011 is today. Its next Second Friday Luncheon is January 13, 2011.

For more information about Emerge Albany, call (229) 434-8700 or visitwww.facebook.com/emergealbany.