Those who took part in the Membership Event two years ago won't soon forget the passion and enthusiasm generated by participants and YCC's Jimmy Cusano, one of the country's leading advocates for local Chambers of Commerce. Keep watching for more details on this high-energy event.

There's a lot going in Traverse City these days - and here's a chance to talk about it with your local officials.

The Chamber's next Pints & Politics event happens Thursday, September 24, from 4:30 - 6 p.m. at Right Brain Brewery at 225 E. 16th Street in Traverse City. Our guests will include city commissioners - including some who are running in this year's city elections - our new city Manager Marty Colburn, Traverse City Light and Power representatives and other city officials. Pints & Politics is a free event for Chamber members and you can register here.

Pints & Politics will continue October 19 (same time, same place) with representatives of Grand Traverse County. Register here.

Want to learn more about the future of energy production and transmission in Michigan and the Midwest? Join us Friday, September 25, for the finale of the 2015 Speaker Series presented by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance where the guest is Al Monaco, President & CEO of Enbridge Inc. that operates various oil and gas transmission lines throughout Michigan including the Mackinac Straits.

The breakfast program is from 8 - 9:30 a.m. at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls.  Monaco has more than 30 years of experience in the energy business, and has served as president and CEO of Enbridge since October 1, 2012.

Don't be sad that summer is slipping away - ring in the fall season by joining us at Business After Hours next Wednesday, September 16. It's from 5 - 7 p.m. at Cambria Suites at 255 Munson Avenue in Traverse City. Join us at one of Traverse City's top resorts for an evening of networking, great conversation, food and refreshments and more.

We'll close out this year's BAH calendar on October 21 at Incredible Mo's and November 18 at the Larkin Group's beautiful new office in Traverse City. Mark your calendars and we'll see you there.

The Chamber's sister economic development organization known as Venture North just launched a professional talent portal called Venture Up North. It's designed to highlight career opportunities available locally in the fields of technology, manufacturing, information systems, energy production and numerous others.

Venture Up North is a tool that professionals from all over the world can access for information on career opportunities available here in Northern Michigan, and is designed to attract much-needed talent to the region. It features separate links for advanced flexible manufacturing, information systems including software and logistics, and laboratory and precision instrumentation companies. It includes a list of local companies that operate in those fields, highlights some of our local business leaders, and includes maps and links to nearly 150 businesses across the area. It's a one-stop-shop for professionals hoping to launch or grow their career in Northern Michigan.

Click here to visit this exciting new talent portal.

Registration is open for the annual YP Conference that returns Friday, October 9 to the Leelanau Outdoor Center in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It will be an exciting day of networking, team building, unique outdoor activities and inspiring ideas from the keynote speaker, Nathan Havey of Thrive Consulting.

The YP Conference is a can't-miss day of professional development held at one of the country's most-scenic national parks. It's a great way to break free from the professional grind and connect with your fellow YPs. Register here.

The West Michigan Cyber Security Consortium will present a free program to help businesses and citizens improve their cyber security. It happens this Friday, September 11, from 2:30 - 4:45 p.m. at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center in Traverse City. Here's a registration link.