No one should feel too old to join the Flathead Area Young Professionals, says the head of the group’s professional development committee.

To John Ghekiere, the group is for people who are “young” in their career and looking to move forward.

“If there’s one thing I can communicate, is it has nothing to do with age,” said Ghekiere, a 39-year-old engineer for Applied Materials. “It’s where you’re at in your career. If you’re already managing and see that you don’t have much further to go, than probably this group isn’t all that interesting.

“I joined because I wanted to interact with people in the same state of life as me — not necessarily the same age but people who have aspirations for what they want to do with their careers that they haven’t reached yet.”

 Flathead Area Young Professionals began in 2008 to provide networking, community service and professional development opportunities. The group has grown noticeably in recent months, with around 50 turning out for the group’s most recent luncheon.

The luncheons on the second Wednesday of every month in the basement of Sykes’ Restaurant in Kalispell often feature motivational and instructional speakers. They range from local entrepreneurs to personal coaches to political figures, talking on topics such as how to handle conflict in the office or how to break old habits that inhibit career growth.

The group also offers annual activities such as a golf tournament and holiday party, as well as philanthropic opportunities.

Ghekiere said that 2013 is being viewed almost as a “launch year” for the group, with an informal mentoring agreement from internationally certified business coach Dru Rafkin; the group’s first summer professional development workshop; and a series of evening activities, starting with a speed networking event on March 27. (see box)

Flathead Area Young Professionals President Mark Buckwalter, a 34-year-old attorney, said that since he joined the group in 2009, he’s noticed the spectrum of member careers has widened.

“We have people from accountants, lawyers, individuals from nonprofit groups, banking, resorts, architecture, engineering, real estate, mortgage, education — it’s really a diverse group which leads to interesting collaborations, discussions and perspectives,” he said.

Maria Phelps, who has her own Internet marketing business, FindIt Montana.com, brings another career category to the group. She said the group is a great fit for her, as she considers herself a “natural networker.”

“It’s all about collaborating and helping other businesses,” she said. “It’s creating a big network. I’m all about networking and getting people exposure.”

She also blogs about marketing through her site and her themes often parallel the aims of Flathead Area Young Professionals.

“I’m all about encouraging people,” she said. “I started a business a year ago not really knowing what could happen, and I took that step forward. I want to help people take those steps forward.”

Phelps, 30, is currently the vice president of the group. Her marketing site aims to assist businesses in sharing their identities and services, and she wants to be the same kind of help to members of Flathead Area Young Professionals.

“The potential is huge for professional development and the need is there,” she said. “My goal is to help the valley; it’s a huge vision I have. There’s so much potential here, people need that motivation and the correct avenues.”

Professional development is a big part of what drove Ghekiere to join the organization in 2010. He said Applied Materials does provide professional growth opportunities, but he’s become aware that many others in the valley are not as fortunate in their workplaces.

He said membership polls have revealed that professional development — what he defines as acquiring the skills to reach career goals — is always among the top reasons people cite for joining.

He said Rafkin’s talks with the group have given him a new career perspective.

“It’s about organization and preparation, and laying the groundwork for your own success,” he said. “I think it comes down to getting your goals figured out, getting organized so you know what you’re trying to achieve. Change the atmosphere and lower the barriers to being successful.”

Ghekiere said his leadership role in Flathead Area Young Professionals has been a professional education in itself.

“We’re all trying to work together toward common goals, putting on an event or working on some kind of project,” he said. “It’s personal skill — you can’t be a bully in a group of volunteers. That’s been very educational.

“We’re all engineers up here [at Applied Materials] and probably have similar ways of approaching things. It’s been good to see how different styles work.”

Buckwalter said being part of the group can also pay back as a resume builder.

“It’s a competitive market and it’s especially competitive here, where there are not as many economic opportunities,” he said. “This can give them something they can use to appeal to employers.”

The cost to join Flathead Area Young Professionals is a $50 membership fee. For more information or a membership application, visit www.fayp.org