About

What is STYP?

Southern Tier Young Professionals is a group of active social and civic-minded young adults, generally in their 20s and 30s (and sometimes beyond!) in the Greater Binghamton area committed to making the Southern Tier a better place to live, work, and play. We strive to retain the young adults who have chosen to stay in Binghamton because of all it has to offer – and encourage those who have left to come back for the same reason. As a group, we provide opportunities for people to participate in numerous social activities and professional networking events, as well as civic and philanthropic ventures throughout the region.

How we started

Our organization was founded in August 2002 after Press & Sun-Bulletin reporter Hannah Maria Hayes suggested the concept in a column. She wrote about her frustration with meeting other young professionals in the area after moving to Binghamton from Minnesota. One week later, STYP had begun with 40 people attending the first informal meeting.

Our Vision

It is our goal to show young adults the worthwhile opportunities that this community has to offer in natural wonders, social events, educational opportunities, and professional development. We see Greater Binghamton as the creative, vibrant hub of the Southern Tier and we work hard to help continue making the region live up to its full potential.

What We Do

STYP holds numerous events of different nature. Recent Civic events have included collecting Toys for Tots, building houses with Habitat for Humanity, and collecting books for kids. Our social schedule includes regular informal mixers, Dinner Club, and special events and trips throughout the year. For a more complete list, check our events page.

How We’re Organized

STYP is led by its members, who may join the board of directors and help shape the future of the group at monthly formal meetings. Or just come for the fun. We feel this gives any member the opportunity to participate in STYP in whatever level they are comfortable with. Day-to-day operations are carried out by the executive committee. Elected by the board of directors annually, the executive committee is comprised of 11 members. Within the executive committee are the president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and nine at-large members.