The catalyst for the formation of Young Professionals of Greater Lowell was the 2005 Lowell Plan Annual Breakfast. Beth Regan and Jen Kinkade, two Lowell High School seniors, issued a challenge to the crowd comprised of business and community leaders. They remarked that after college, they would strive to return to Greater Lowell to pursue their professional careers if the business community would continue its effort to create an attractive and prosperous environment for young people seeking opportunity. This challenge launched YPGL.

• First - to position Greater Lowell as an alluring career destination-alternative to Boston or Rt. 128; targeting not only area natives, but also showcasing Lowell to potential new business leaders from outside the region.

• Second – to provide a networking forum for existing young people working in Greater Lowell in the areas of business, education, non-profits as well as government.