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.[1] 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.
[1] 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