Although new to the group (and the area) Rafe MacKenzie doesn’t hold back when it comes to being part of the Blue Water Young Professionals.

“It’s been a good outlet for community involvement. Sometimes it’s kind of hard to find groups you fit into in new areas,” he said.

Originally from Houghton Lake, MI, Rafe has been a member for about eight months. He works as a research chemist for Cargill Salt in St. Clair.

Not used to “post-college professional life type stuff” and being new to town, he said it’s nice to join an organization where people are similar in age.

So far he has volunteered for the last BWYP vs. SC4 Alumni game as a ticket seller. He also participated in Bar Stool as a hole monitor at Zebra Bar and filled out score cards.

“Community enrichment is the main goal. I think as a young professional if you want to live in an area it’s good to at least try to make a positive influence in that area,” Rafe said.

He believes it is important for all small towns to try to lure the young professional age group. “If you have an aging community or a stagnate community it’s hard for growth.”

Rafe is a huge fan of all sports, so in his free time he tries to get out to games when he’s not traveling for work. He also likes to hunt and fish.

His favorite place to travel for work is Glen Watkins, NY.

“Wine and NASCAR,” he said. “Can’t beat it.”

He previously worked for Dow Chemical as a lab technician. He graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and a minor in business.