When Aiden Landman visualizes the future Quad-Cities, he likes dreaming big.

The new director of Young Professionals Network, or YPN, envisions a day when light-rail connects all the downtown cores across the Quad-Cities or a ferry taxis passengers between Rock Island and Davenport on the Mississippi River.

"Wouldn't it be cool to see?" he said. "I know they're big-city amenities. But I think we deserve to think big here."

Now as the advocate for the region's 20-something and 30-something workers, the Hillsdale, Ill., native also wants YPN to expand its professional development opportunities through its i-network for interns and a new mentoring program. He wants to connect young professionals "with people at other times in their life."

YPN is an initiative of the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce.

One of his top goals is one that has begun to take root — putting young professionals, or YPs as they're called, at the decision-making tables in the Quad-Cities.

"I have some of the brightest minds around me and some of the most amazing visions and youthful energy," said Landman, who is about two months into the job. The YPs "now are wanting to be part of the voice in the Quad-Cities."