WASHINGTON, DC – Last Thursday, The Ripon Society’s 39ers Group for  young professionals gathered for the first time since the long summer recess. The networking group of solutions-minded Republicans consisted of nearly 100 attendees from the House, Senate, and downtown. All under the age of 40, the Ripon 39ers Group is inspired by the age Theodore Roosevelt was when he led the Rough Riders and is intended to foster relationships among young policy and political professionals at a time when establishing a career network is essential.

The meeting featured remarks by the Senior Vice President and National Political Director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Rob Engstrom. Rob manages all member activities for the Chamber’s Federation, including the national political, grassroots, and election-related activities. With his critical insight into the inner workings of the Chamber, he explained how center-right principles are greatly valued when determining which candidates to endorse. “We appreciate Rob taking the time to join us,” stated Jim Conzelman, the President & CEO of The Ripon Society. “We need Members who value conservative principles, but are also willing to negotiate with their colleagues across the aisle in order to get Congress working again – that’s what the Chamber is aiming to do, and Rob has the vision and experience to make it happen.”

Thursday’s meeting was organized by three “39ers” who currently serve on The Ripon Society’s staff: David Sweeney, who serves as the Society’s Deputy Policy Director, its Communications and Policy Associate Janessa Lopez, and the Policy Director Stephen Jackson. Additionally, the 39ers Group is advised by its leadership team who work to promote membership and guide each meeting’s discussion. Currently serving as Co-Chairs are Blair Ellis, Courtney Rosellini, and Darien Flowers.

The Ripon Society is a public policy organization that was founded in 1962 and takes its name from the town where the Republican Party was born in 1854 – Ripon, Wisconsin. One of the main goals of The Ripon Society is to promote the ideas and principles that have made America great and contributed to the GOP’s success. These ideas include keeping our nation secure, keeping taxes low and having a federal government that is smaller, smarter and more accountable to the people.