PRESQUE ISLE – Aroostook County, Nate Berry acknowledged Wednesday afternoon, has a lot to offer its young people.

At times, however, The County’s population of 20- to 40-year-olds doesn’t fully realize all of the opportunities that are out there.

Now, Berry and an energetic group of Aroostook County young people are hoping a little momentum will change that.

Momentum Aroostook, a collective of young professionals, recently formed in the region.

Geared toward those age 20 to 40, the group aims to blend professional and social networking with involvement in community projects.

“Forming a group like this is something I’ve thought about for quite a while,” Berry, the 31-year-old director of finance for Barresi Benefits Group, said during an interview at his Presque Isle office. “I think there is a need for young people in Aroostook County to network, not only to form professional relationships but also to make friends.”

Berry said that he and fellow Momentum Aroostook steering committee member Jay Trainer were “kicking around” some ideas about initiating such a project when they were told about Fusion:Bangor, a similar group in Penobscot County.

“We thought about it and realized that Aroostook County needed something like it,” Berry explained. “Jay [Trainer] and I just took it and ran with it.”

Groups such as Fusion:Bangor and Momentum Aroostook have been popping up across the state in recent years and are increasingly expanding their membership rosters.

Berry and Trainer, who is employed by Advantage Payroll in Presque Isle, soon formed a steering committee which now has approximately 20 members.

“The steering committee is made up of people from all types of businesses and organizations from across Aroostook,” Berry explained.

Steering committee members believe that the group not only will help young people forge professional and personal relationships, it also will aid in bettering Aroostook County and help stem the out-migration of youth from the region.

“We feel that this has the potential to grow and be a real asset to The County,” Berry acknowledged. “We think it will be a benefit to members and their employers and really help recruit young people to this area and aid in retaining them.”

Momentum Aroostook already has held some events and plans a number of social, educational, networking and family events.

The group is actively recruiting members.

“Anyone who is passionate enough to want to help us get this off the ground is certainly welcome,” Berry said on Wednesday.

For information on Momentum Aroostook, visit its Web site at www.momentumaroostook

.com or contact Berry at 764-5639 or nberry@barresibenefits.com.