By Andy Knight
The Cincinnati Enquirer
for Cincinnati.Com

F I N D   A   C L U B

Browse young professional organizations by topic:   • Arts/entertainment   • Business   • Politics/current affairs   • Social/recreational   • Volunteerism Know of a group that is not on these lists? E-mail us.

If you think Cincinnati is boring, think again, say some young professionals.

"Everyone I know in Cincinnati clamors about how there is nothing to do, how dull the city is," says Tony Rielage, creative director for the Nothing Sacred Players comedy troupe. "They're wrong. There's actually a lot more to do here than you'd think."

Dozens of young professionals' clubs cater specifically to 20- and 30-somethings with topics ranging from politics to pop art, from chemistry to classical music, from sports to simply socializing.

"Young people's groups are very much in vogue right now," says Fran Blasing, who as the publicity manager for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra helps coordinate events for CSOEncore!, the symphony's young adults group. "It really shows that young people want to be involved, whether it's in the arts, politics or even church groups."

According to those charged with attracting young professionals to live and work in the Queen City, these groups will play a vital role in changing outsiders' perceptions of Cincinnati. The Ohio Department of Development recently awarded the city a sizable grant to create a recruitment program aimed at local and regional college graduates.

Officials with the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce are currently researching ideas for implementing the program, but they say local young professionals groups will be a cornerstone.

"I think everybody has a responsibility to make this project work," says Cynthia Walker, a workforce consultant for the Chamber. "Overall, there are probably other cities in the country that are doing a much better job at attracting young professionals. However, in the Midwest, I think Cincinnati is doing very well, and a lot of it has to do with knowing that there are people here who share interests and want to get together."

Adds Blasing: "Young people tend to do things in groups. They like to do things with their friends, things of common interest, or to try something new. What's nice is that there are opportunities for people interested in the arts, for instance, to gather with people in their own age range.

So if you're in your 20s or 30s and want to get plugged in to a group who shares your interest, chances are Cincinnati has something for you. Here is a catalog of some of the more well-known groups:

• Arts/entertainment
• Business
• Politics/current affairs
• Social/recreational
• Volunteerism