This won't be just your run-of-the-mill mixer.

Young adults, whether aiming to run the corporate office or simply wishing to learn more, are invited to the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana's “Ultimate Mixer” and open house Friday. The free event is open to the public and offers guests a chance to meet with young professionals in a relaxed atmosphere.

“We're going to celebrate work on our leadership institute and showcase some of our committees,” said Luke Squires, YLNI's vice president of membership.

The event runs 5-8 p.m. at the 1st Source Center lobby and will incude a cash bar and appetizers.

Squires said the group, aimed at but not limited to 20- to 30-somethings, is looking forward to a good turnout, which is designed for young adults and professionals to network and increase membership. About 250 members are in YLNI, most from Fort Wayne, which Squires said he hopes will change, as the organization is not just for young professionals in the city.

“We want to cultivate future leaders,” Squires said. “We want to reach out and have people see what YLNI truly is all about.”

Squires said the group's mission is three-fold:

♦Ensure professional development and help define roles in team dynamics through teamwork exercises.

♦Promote community involvement, such as the Harrison Square community question-and-answer session hosted by YLNI in March 2007 to explain the $125 million downtown revitalization project, which will include a hotel, stadium, condos and retail space.

♦Social networking by gaining contacts with other business professionals throughout northeast Indiana.

According to the organization's Web site, YLNI is also “a dynamic group that is connected to our community and committed to making it a vibrant and viable place to live, work and play. Our mission is to engage and empower our young leaders through community, professional and social opportunities.”