Published: August 03, 2009 10:23 am      

YPM - Newton

from staff reports

Twenty-one-year-old Ashley Henley wants to see her hometown of Newton grow and prosper.

The young business owner of downtown's Dezignz by Nikki said she believes young people in her town will play an important role in making that happen.

That's one of the reasons she and friends decided to start a young professionals organization, called the Newton County Young Professionals. They also wanted to give more young people in there area things to do.

"I saw all of these other places that had young professionals organizations and I thought, 'Why not in Newton,'" said Henley, president of the newly-formed group that met for the first time last week. Henley and others also have joined and worked with the Young Professionals of Meridian.

"Even though all of the first members are from the town of Newton, we wanted to include 'Newton County' in our name to try and include everyone."

About 10 young professionals, from an attorney to a landscaper, met last week to discuss the group's plans and map out a course of action for the next few months. They plan to meet for socials at Newton businesses once a month and start a few community service projects in their town.

"Everyone has been real positive about the idea and the chamber of commerce has really been supportive," Henley said. "We're excited about it and we can't wait to see it get started."

Started things isn't anything new for Henley. Before she turned 20, she started her own business after designing clothes for dogs. That businesses led to a gift shop and coffee shop downtown.

"I've been involved since I was about 16," she said. "I guess I got a pretty early start."

The Newton County Young Professionals is open to people ages 21-40. For more information on the group and to find out how you can join and become involved, contact Henley at ashley.henley06@gmail.com.