A newly renovated bar in downtown Schenectady will be the site Thursday of a happy hour hosted for young professionals by the United Way of Schenectady County, which hopes to spread the word about opportunities to volunteer in the community.
The Union Inn at 517 Union St., which recently underwent an extensive interior and exterior renovation, will be the gathering spot from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for the Young Leaders Society, a new group that targets young professionals age 35 and under.
The Young Leaders Society draws young professionals from various businesses and non-profit agencies in Schenectady County, including GE Global Research Center, E-One, Lockheed Martin and Union College.
The society teamed up with the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp. to get more young people interested in volunteering.
Renovations at the Union Inn included a $137,000 upgrade to the facade, nearly half of which was paid for with a grant from the DSIC. Owner Joyce Fordham also renovated the interior, including new lighting and hardwood floors.
Mayor Brian U. Stratton presides over a 3 p.m. ribbon cutting Thursday at the bar.