Background
In 2004, the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce made a paradigm shift in its
efforts to tackle critical workforce development issues in the region. According
to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by the end of 2006, two workers would begin to
exit the domestic workforce for every one entering. It seemed Birmingham would soon
be in the midst of a "talent shortage" if it did not examine what the region could
do right now to prevent the gloomy forecast. Previously, the Chamber assisted area
junior colleges in their efforts to secure federal and state funding for programs
aimed at training unskilled and uneducated workers (largely, 14-to-21 year-olds).
Eventually, the colleges abandoned the programs after a series of hard-hitting cuts
in federal and state grant dollars needed to keep the programs running. In 2005,
a taskforce called "Cool Communities" was born. It's mission? To convene a
diverse cross-section of business, civic and nonprofit people from the Birmingham
region to devise a "blueprint" for how to engage, attract and retain young professionals.
For nearly two years, the task force would study the problem of "brain drain," examine
the strengths of talent capitals, track YP in- and out-migration, and develop a
game plan for how to make Birmingham a cool community.
Taskforce Recommendations
The task force issued a final report in 2006 that contained the following top three
recommendations:
- Develop and implement an image campaign targeting young workers
- Develop and implement a program aimed at educating HR professionals in Greater Birmingham
area
- Develop and implement a comprehensive website where all the region’s resources
come together at a click of a mouse
YPNOW.ORG
This mission of YP.NOW is clear - it's a one-stop shop for everything YP in the
Birmingham region. YPNOW.ORG is your online resource for connecting to other YP
organizations, events and
special announcements aimed at today's young professional.
We encourage you to help build this virtual YP community. Click here to have your organization to join
the community.
Ryan, Rebecca. "Talent Capitals: The Emerging Battleground in the War for Talent."
Hot Jobs, Cool Communities. 2002. Next Generation Consulting. 15 May 2006.
http://www.nextgenerationconsulting.com/pdf/talentpaper.pdf
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If your group wants to be added,
contact
Libba Miller