Who Goes To IUGO??

Try to pronounce it for the first time and it doesn’t quite roll off the tongue. But Young Professionals, as they are being branded in Nashua, know all about this organization. That is, men and women between the ages of 22 and 40 who live and work in the Gate City.

IUGO, or YOU-go, is Greater Nashua’s professional networking organization. IUGO celebrated its one year anniversary on June 18th with a Jimmy Buffett-themed bash at Martha’s Exchange Restaurant & Brewery. Over 200 were in attendance at the event which featured the local band Double Shot, free food, drink specials, and raffle prizes including 2 passes to Loudon for the upcoming Lenox Industrial Tools 301 race.

“The city of Nashua values the high level of energy and intelligence the Young Professionals bring to the area, “ said Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, who was in attendance. “The organization supports the city’s goal to provide a high quality of life to its residents and businesses.”

Ward One Alderman Mark S. Cookson, who is also a IUGO Steering committee member, agreed. “I think IUGO is a powerful collaboration amongst business, educational and city leaders providing Young Professionals social and professional interactions as well as community involvement.”

Dan Bourquard, President of CMIT Solutions of Greater Nashua, said he was encouraged. “I moved to Nashua back in the mid 80’s and though I was welcomed, the level of encouragement now for Young Professionals to work and build their lives in this community is impressive.”

The event was sponsored by Off The Wall Promotions, a company that specializes in providing unique promotional items for businesses and organizations who want to be on the cutting edge. Beach bags with the IUGO logo were given out at the end of the evening.

IUGO (pronounced YOU-go) is a Latin term meaning “to connect”. The organization was created by the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce to help Young Professionals connect with each other, connect with businesses and employers, and connect with the Greater Nashua community. “IUGO has enjoyed a tremendous year of success, and the Chamber is proud of its efforts, “ said Chris Williams, President of the Chamber. “The business community can expect to see some new, cutting-edge programs coming out of IUGO in its second year.”

In the coming months, IUGO plans to launch several new initiatives intended to better connect the organization to the community, in keeping with its mission. Special monthly CEO Roundtable Luncheons, which will be launched this summer, will bring together small groups of Young Professionals to discuss current local, political, business and industry issues with local leaders well-versed on the topics. A Discount Keytag program will off IUGO members reduced prices at local stores and restaurants and a IUGO Ambassador program will serve as a resource for businesses trying to recruit from outside of the region.

In addition, mysterious Green Men have been spotted around the city as part of IUGO’s anniversary celebration. To help promote this event, the Green Men have been handing out business cards asking people to take part in a raffle to win a flat screen HDTV donated by Dell. The winning ticket will be drawn at the end of the month.