Patch to Profile Young Professionals

In support of Hermosa Beach’s new wave of business leaders, a new organization has formed in town that aims to unite young professionals.

The Hermosa Beach Young Professionals (HBYP) group, which is associated with the , was founded in April with a kickoff event at on Hermosa Avenue.

Since then, three additional events have been held and another is scheduled for Sept. 21 at the 200 Pier Ave. building’s rooftop from 6 to 8 p.m.

Brittny Burford, one of the group's founders, told Patch that events are held on Wednesday to give people something to help them through the week.

"We're working to unite and empower our local business professionals through networking, business support, education and community involvement," she said.

The group has enjoyed success so far, with more than 100 people taking part in the first two networking events, Burford said. The launch event raised more than $250 for the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation.

The HBYP isn't just for business owners—anyone who, "lives, works or plays in Hermosa Beach is welcome," Burford said.

But the group is still in its early stages.

"It's not about an age," Burford said, referring to the group's name. "We're open to everyone… Right now we just want to get people excited… We want to try to grow organically through our events and Facebook."

The group will focus more on community involvement going forward and is looking for feedback on ways to help local businesses, she added. The group is also offering a special $60 rate for non-business owner yearly memberships to the Chamber of Commerce.

Coming up on Patch—we will profile some of the panelists who were invited to speak at the most recent HBYP event on Aug. 3. Look for our story on local artist on Monday and Richard O’Reilly of on Tuesday.