As board chairman for the Decatur 501 Club, I have been given the opportunity to "guest" write the Chamber Notes column for this issue of the Business Journal, which recognizes the contributions of a group of young professionals in our community.

In 2005, the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with several community leaders, realized the value of attracting and retaining bright, energetic business people to the Decatur area. Thus, they initiated the Decatur 501 Club, envisioned to generate entertainment and social and professional networking opportunities to connect young professionals to each other and to the metro Decatur community.

The concept was simple, yet effective. Jobs bring people to Decatur, but connections keep them here. The more engaged a person becomes in his or her community, the more likely it is that person will form ties that will bind them to this area. Through events incorporating fun, fitness and philanthropy, the 501 Club facilitates friendships and creates the connections that benefit our community.

As the 501 Club embarks on its new fiscal year, I am excited to share with you some of the latest developments within our organization.

Our executive committee consists of the following officers: vice chairwoman, Jody Cox, American Red Cross; secretary, Billy Tyus, city of Decatur; and treasurer, Chris Phillips, Land of Lincoln Credit Union.

We have reached some significant milestones going into our fourth year. In the past year, we have planned or sponsored more than 60 events, ranging from social gatherings to leadership development workshops, philanthropy events to athletic events, where we encourage our members to get out and get active. In addition to our own events, we have participated in community events such as the Community Leaders Breakfast, Heartland Heroes Award Banquet, Women of Excellence, Tango Decatur and Downtown Mardi Gras, just to name a few. As our membership continues to grow and diversify, we look forward to supporting even more community events.

The Decatur 501 Club is an organization for anyone who is interested in becoming engaged in our community. There are groups similar to ours throughout the country, but the 501 Club stands out among them. We are unique in that we are free to anyone who joins. Most young professional organizations charge an annual membership fee, along with fees to attend events. We are exceptionally fortunate here in Decatur because of our corporate sponsors who fund our group.

I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who would like more information regarding the Decatur 501 Club to go to the Web site, www.decatur501club.org, or call our executive director, Shellie Klink, at 422-2200 to receive more information.

Caleb Jump is chairman of the Decatur 501 Club executive committee.