Our events are designed for ages 21-45 that live and/or work in Rowan County, North Carolina. Newcomers to the area or those considering a move to Rowan County in that age range also welcome! Events are typically free to attend and do not require a Rowan Chamber membership. These events are made possible by generous business and community sponsors.
New events are added regularly so check back often or follow our Facebook!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Coffee & Conversations - June 18 | Drop in from 7:30-9 a.m.
When? June 18, 2025 | Drop in from 7:30-9 a.m.
Where? Koco Java | 329 N Main St, Salisbury, NC
Why Attend? Connect with fellow professionals, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations about our community—all while enjoying a fantastic cup of coffee.Arturo and Berta Therecka immigrated from Berati, Albania, in the 1990s, eventually settling in China Grove, NC, where Arturo, with over two decades in the coffee business, opened Koco Java in 2009 with Berta as his partner. Now in its 13th year, Koco Java has become a beloved community hub and a testament to the Thereckas' impact on the local area.
RSVP & Pour Up 
Coffee & Conversations - May 21 | Drop in from 7:30-9 a.m.
When? May 21, 2025 | Drop in from 7:30-9 a.m. Where? Juice Life | 712 Jake Alexander Blvd. W Salisbury, NC 28147 Why Attend? Connect with fellow professionals, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations about our community—all while enjoying a fantastic cup of coffee.Founded in 2017, Juice Life is a locally and family-owned juice shop dedicated to health, wellness, and community. They create fresh, natural foods using raw, pure ingredients—free from additives. From cold-pressed juices and smoothie bowls to avocado toast and house-made hummus, our menu offers something for every lifestyle, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. With a background in Integrative Nutrition, they promote healthier choices while building meaningful relationships within our community.
Connecting with Our Community: New Sarum's AnniBEERsary April 26
- Food Trucks
- Desserts
- Vendors
- Special Beer releases
- A day full of fun and entertainment. Come help us celebrate and join the party!
Coffee & Conversations - April 16 | Drop in from 7:30-9 a.m.
When? April 16, 2025 | Drop in from 7:30-9 a.m. Where? Beauty & The Bean | 106 N. Main St., Faith, NC Why Attend? Connect with fellow professionals, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations about our community—all while enjoying a fantastic cup of coffee.Beauty & The Bean is a locally owned coffee shop and salon, founded by a mother of two and daughter of veteran parents, with a passion for revitalizing historic spaces. In December 2023, her family purchased the 100-year-old building at 106 N. Main St., Salisbury, NC, and spent six months restoring it, preserving its original brickwork and hand-cut wood beams while bringing it up to modern standards. The result is a welcoming café with a free community library, cozy seating, and a relaxing atmosphere, seamlessly connected to a full-service salon and spa. More than just a business, Beauty & The Bean is a gathering place where the community can come together to enjoy great coffee, great company, and a beautifully restored piece of history.
Buds & Blossoms: Garden Mingle for Young Professionals - March 27 | 5:30PM - 7:00PM
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Mr. Paul's Garden, Easy Street, Downtown Salisbury
Join us for an evening that promises:
- A selection of delightful hors d'oeuvres & drinks to savor.
- Engaging conversations, bloom new connections, and the opportunity to grow existing bonds.
Coffee & Conversations - March 19 | Drop in from 7:30-9 a.m.
Start Your Morning with Great Coffee & Even Better Conversations!
☕ When? March 15, 2025 | Drop in from 7:30-9 a.m.
📍 Where? Koco Java
💬 Why Attend? Connect with fellow professionals, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations about our community—all while enjoying a fantastic cup of coffee.
Rowan Young Professionals events are open to ages 21-45 who live OR work in Rowan County. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your network and be part of impactful discussions—one sip at a time!
About Koco Java:
Arturo and Berta Therecka immigrated from Berati, Albania, in the 1990s, eventually settling in China Grove, NC, where Arturo, with over two decades in the coffee business, opened Koco Java in 2009 with Berta as his partner. Now in its 13th year, Koco Java has become a beloved community hub and a testament to the Thereckas' impact on the local area. Looking ahead, the couple plan to keep the coffee shop running with their children, Nicole and Johnathan. Johnathan is already working alongside his parents as an aspiring master roaster and Nicole training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris to one day introduce her own pastry creations to the shop, while plans for a second Koco Java location are also in the works.
Connecting with Our Community: Mardi Gras Bourbon Street Bash
Where: Salisbury Farmers Market, 228 E Kerr St, Salisbury, NC 28144
Bourbon Tasting
Dinner 
Complimentary parking* Don’t wait—tickets will increase in price at the door!
Rowan County Young Professionals: All Members Meeting
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2025
📍 Location: Paul Fisher Gateway Building
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM
Join us for our All Members Meeting and help shape the future of Rowan County Young Professionals!
📣 What to Expect:
✔ Meet the 2025 Executive Committee – Get to know the leaders guiding our organization this year.
✔ Hear from Committee Chairs – Learn about upcoming initiatives and exciting opportunities.
✔ Sign Up to Serve – Get involved by joining a committee that fits your passions and skills.
✔ Voice Your Ideas – Share your thoughts on how we can make YP even stronger!
This is YOUR organization, and we want to hear from you! Whether you're a long-time member or new to the group, this is the perfect chance to connect, contribute, and make an impact.
💡 Have an official talking point for the agenda? Please email yp@rowancountychamber.com to have it included.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Passing of the Gavel Reception
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2025
📍 Location: Paul Fisher Gateway Building – Lobby
⏰ Time: 4:30 – 5:00 PM
The Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and Rowan County Young Professionals invite the community to join us for a special Passing of the Gavel Ceremony as we celebrate the leadership and dedication of Mollie Ruf. This brief but meaningful reception will honor Mollie’s contributions to Rowan YP and welcome the incoming leadership team. Join us in recognizing her hard work, commitment, and impact on the young professional community in Rowan County. Enjoy light refreshments, network with fellow community members, and help us kick off an exciting year ahead! We hope to see you there as we celebrate Mollie and the bright future of Rowan County Young Professionals! 🎉
Coffee & Conversations - February 19 | Drop in from 7:30-9 a.m.
When? February 19 | Drop in from 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. Where? Mean Mug Coffee Company | 801 W Innes St, Salisbury, NC Why Attend? Connect with fellow professionals, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations about our community—all while enjoying a fantastic cup of coffee.Founded by Evelyn Medina, who immigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala in 1976, Mean Mug started in Salisbury in 2015 and has since expanded to Downtown Salisbury (2019), Northlake Mall in Charlotte (2021), Carolina Place Mall in Pineville (2022), West Innes Street in Salisbury (2023), and Concord Mills (2024).
Rooftop Networking: The Salisbury Building
Join Rowan Young Professionals on October 29, 2024, from 5:15-7 p.m. for an informal networking event at the newly redeveloped rooftop of The Salisbury Building. Hosted by Josh Barnhardt with Iron Horse Developments, this event offers an exclusive look at the beautifully restored, historic building in downtown Salisbury.
Originally built in 1928 by Southern Bell, the Art Deco gem has been transformed into modern rental units while preserving its classic elegance. Enjoy light refreshments, connect with other young professionals, and explore the new opportunities this landmark offers.
RSVP Required
Development Bites: A series for Rowan's Emerging Leaders
Monthly, September - May
This professional development series offers opportunities for young professionals to cultivate new skills, grow as a leader, manage stress, work/life balance, and more! Topics vary from month to month. Stay tuned for our 2024/2025 dates!
This event series is looking for a sponsor! If you or your business are interested, please contact our Development Chair, Dillon Brewer, at yp@rowanchamber.com.
Practical Bites: Learning Life Skills Together
Occurs Quarterly - future dates to be announced, stay tuned!
This series is focused on introducing and enhancing valuable life skills. Topics vary each event. Stay tuned for our 2024/2025 dates!
This event series is looking for a sponsor! If you or your business are interested, please contact our Development Chair, Dillon Brewer, at yp@rowanchamber.com.
YP After Dark
Monthly, September - May
YP After Dark is a new evening social series for Rowan Young Professionals to connect and unwind with fun activities beyond typical networking. Activities could range from attending sporting events together, bowling, haunted trails, trips to other cities, and much more! See below for upcoming activity dates.
YP IMPACT
Young Pros Making a Difference in Rowan
This is your chance to make a difference! Through a series of volunteer opportunities throughout the year, our young professionals are dedicated to giving back to the community, supporting local nonprofits, and making a positive impact in Rowan County. Join us in making our community a better place, one project at a time!
City of Salisbury's BLOCKWORK - Saturday, Oct. 26, sign-up for a timeslot
Volunteer on the Rowan Young Pro's team on Saturday, October 26th as we spend the day helping to beautiful our community for our neighbors.
The 14th annual BLOCKWORK neighborhood improvement project will be held on Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26 -- National Make a Difference Day in the West End neighborhood. This year's event will take place on the 1100 and 1200 blocks of West Horah Street.
Volunteers are needed to help with exterior home repairs like painting, carpentry and landscaping. T-shirts, meals, and drinks will be provided to all volunteers! Sign up for two hours, or all day and reserve your T-shirt at: www.salisburync.gov/blockwork.
Ghost Walk with the Young Pros
October 24 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by the Outreach & Recruitment Committee, we invite all new and existing Young Professionals to connect with us during a group outing to the Salisbury Ghost Walk! This thrilling evening offers both history and haunts, starting promptly at 7 p.m. on the steps of the Rowan County Government Building, 130 W Innes St, Salisbury, NC 28144. Please DO NOT be late. The tour will depart without you.
This event is more than just a ghostly good time—it's a fantastic opportunity for first-time attendees to get connected with the Rowan Young Professionals while welcoming back our existing members. We aim to foster networking in a fun and laid-back environment, helping newcomers feel at home in our group!
- Tour Length: Approximately 1.5 hours (with plenty of walking involved).
- Walking Shoes: Comfortable footwear is encouraged!
- Cost: $10 per person (cash accepted the night of or via Venmo to Michelle Gannon by October 22 - @Michelle-Gannon62).
LIVE After Five
Occurs Weekly - 10 consecutive weeks during June-August
This casual networking series offers newcomer young professionals in Rowan a welcoming space to build connections, forge friendships, and explore local bars and restaurants.
This event series is looking for a sponsor! If you or your business are interested, please contact our Development Chair, Dillon Brewer, at yp@rowanchamber.com.
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
Interested in sponsoring an event? Contact our Development Chair, Dillon Brewer, at yp@rowanchamber.com.