Wilmington Young Professionals at Old Chicago Pizza

The Wilmington Young Professionals networking group met last evening at Old Chicago Pizza in Wilmington, North Carolina. Jackie Willse is the founder and organizer of WYP, which meets monthly at various locations.



Early arrivals Robert Sheldon, Bruce Brown, Sarah Barbee, Jackie Willse, and Donald Brower.



Sarah Barbee and J. Ross Simeon.



Jake Hunt and Deborah Butler (she's running for New Hanover County Commissioner!).



Cynthia Hunt.



Nick Arbia and David Merrill (pay no attention to David's name badge, he was trying to get a friend's attention).



Jackie Willse, Mark Evans, and Sarah Barbee.



JC Skane, Bruce Brown, and J. Ross Simeon.



J. Ross Simeon, Brad Walker, Korey Hite, and JC Skane.



David Merrill and Lauren Formalarie.



Lauren Formalarie and Bruce Brown (note to self, no more linen shirts when you're going to have your photo taken).

Wilmington Young Professionals at Bluewater Grill

Every month the Wilmington Young Professionals group meets at a local establishment for networking and socializing. Last night this group, founded and run by Jackie Willsie (who also owns Port City Candles) met at Bluewater Grill on Wrightsville Beach.

In the photo below are Jackie Willsie and Sarah Barbee of Fussbudget Promotions.

Michael Byrd of WordWrightWeb was an early attendee.

As was Mark Evans of Green Cleaning Technicians. (Look for Mark in the latest issue of Wilma Magazine - I haven't seen it yet but hear he's featured or listed as an eligible bachelor!)

David Merrill (on the left with green shirt and shades) of Hertz and the Wilmington Networking Events calendar. Also, Jim Weaver of Point Blank Advertising (in the pink shirt and shades).

Becca Jones of Penderlea School and Jennifer Caslin of the Food Bank in Wilmington.

Brooke Foreman of Left Right Studio.

Nick Kentrolis of Crest Fitness.

There's Jim Weaver again.

I had to scoot early, but it was a good time that I'm sure got even better as the evening progressed. Next month's event will be the Wilmington Young Professional's Halloween Business After Hours at Front Street Brewery on October 29th.

Take It Outside with Wilmington Young Professionals at Henry's

So here's a simple question: Do you like bacon-wrapped scallops? If you do AND you enjoy networking, I sure hope you made it to yesterday's Wilmington Young Professionals August meeting, this month held at Henry's restaurant in Wilmington. A few folks were inside the restaurant and bar, but most were outside on the sidewalk patio where there were several standing and sitting tables, two bars, and a great food station with appealing hot and cold appetizers (including the excellent scallops).

I'm not sure how large the crowd got (I had to leave at 6 for a prior commitment) but I'd heard ahead of time that more than 170 people confirmed via the Facebook event page and WYP founder and president Jackie Willse told me that actual attendance usually exceeds the number of confirmations.

As I walked across the parking lot the first people I saw were promoter and publicist Sarah Barbee and local photographer and riverfront gallery owner and impresario (look it up) Ray Baca.


Registration and welcome tables flanked Henry's entrance.
One of two outside bars where the best ingredient was a charming tender.
Erik Gray was another early arrival.
A closer look at Ray and Sarah - together they know pretty much everyone in the area. Genuine AND nice.
Star-News Breaking News and Social Media reporter Shannan Bown and Ray.
The woman in the very middle is actress Hayley Lovitt.
Hayley and Shannan.
Connie Heath a friend of Henry's owners, was encouraging attendees to buy this pink drink, part of the cost of each went to the Pink Ribbon Fund.
Nationwide's Erin Alderman listens to Connie while impish Shannan smiles.
Barbara Gray checks in.




Mary Morin and Bethann Carter of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty.


David Merrill, in shades. David's the guy behind the Wilmington area networking events calendar.

The woman on the right in black (with great red shoes) is Jackie Willse, WYP's Founder and President. My bad because this is the only photo I got of Jackie. But it was great event, Jackie, thanks.