Though he admittedly doesn’t fit the membership qualifications, Mayor George Flaggs Jr. took the time to meet with Vicksburg Young Professionals Wednesday for a Lunch and Learn meeting.

The meeting, held at Baer House Inn Bed and Breakfast, gave members a chance to learn the mayor’s goals for Vicksburg in 2016 as well as ask him questions.

“I was anxiously awaiting to speak to this group,” Flaggs said. “I read a lot about it and saw it all over social media. I didn’t know if you were 62 you couldn’t be a member. I would love to be an ex-officio or associate member.”

Flaggs said he thinks Vicksburg Young Professionals is the most important group for the city of Vicksburg and its future.

“I’ve always said, ‘you can measure the success of a community by how well they prepare their children and how they protect their elders,’” he said. “The young professionals are going to be key. Y’all are a lifeline of the community. If we can get you invested in Vicksburg through employment or whatever it takes to keep you here, we’ll have a Vicksburg we all can be proud of.”

During the meeting, the mayor touched on several current topics in city government, including relationships with department heads, budgetary matters and proposed changes to the structure of the government.

After, guests were free to tour The Baer House Inn, 1117 Grove St., which was recently purchased by Corey and Patricia Rickrode.

The couple bought the house six months ago and moved to Vicksburg from northern California after deciding they were ready for a change.

Corey gave an abridged version of the history of the 1870 house, and Patricia gave a brief description of their services as an inn, caterer and event venue. Guests were served meal centered around jambalaya.

“We’re a bed and breakfast, but we’re also looking to do more of these kinds of events: catering, weddings and luncheon events.” Patricia said. “If you have a bible study group, a Red Hat group or if you want to have a tea or a bridal shower, we’re available.”

Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce’s Elyce Curry heads up Vicksburg Young Professionals, an organization that provides opportunities fro personal and professional growth through networking events, professional development seminars and service projects for ages 21-40.

“The Vicksburg Young Professionals group is a program for the next generation of leaders who work and live in the Vicksburg-Warren County area,” Curry said. “The group provides a support outlet for the skills and enthusiasm of young professionals. Young professionals are encouraged to take action within the capabilities and resources of the group to promote the continued development of the city of Vicksburg as a progressive, forward-thinking community.”

Previous events have included a Meet and Greet with elected officials, an improv workshop, a tour and sampling of Cedar Grove and participation in United Way’s Day of Caring.

“We want to provide our young professionals with a good time while meeting great people and professional development. You never know who you might meet who can further your business,” Curry said. “I feel like it’s a great program. Last year was our first full year and it was really well received.”

For more information about the organization, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 601-636-1012.