So Ryan, who owns Next Generation Consulting in Madison, Wis., took a look.
Her response?
Not very.
Ryan delivered that assessment in person Wednesday during a Central Texas Economic Outlook Conference here, attended by more than 100 people interested in the economic viability of this region.
Ryan was one of two keynote speakers for the second annual conference, sponsored by Workforce Solutions of Central Texas and a coalition formed by Bell and Coryell counties and the cities of Temple, Belton, Copperas Cove and Killeen.
Using the premise that where they live is as important to younger workers as their jobs, Ryan said it’s important for cities that want to draw those workers in to “become a destination community,” or, in other terms, “a cool place to live.”
What can this area do? Her suggestions:
If we have walking trails, hiking trails, biking trails, lakes, recreation areas - outdoor venues where things are happening, then, make sure those are played up on all recruitment literature including economic development Web sites.
Make sure pay scales are competitive, but remember that wages are only one of seven key factors used by young workers when they make job decisions.
Provide a commitment to education at all levels and of all kinds.
Have diversity in leadership. “I look at this room and it doesn’t look very diverse to me,” Ryan said. “When you think of leadership do you look diverse or not?”
Be able to answer “yes” to this question: Is the place affordable?
And, “yes” to this one: How easy is it to get around? “For you,” she said, “the momentum is in the wrong direction.” She noted the average commuting time in some Bell County communities and said, “you should be able to do better than that.”
Ryan encouraged the city and county members of the Central Texas Economic Corridor to work together, not as competitors to attract business, industry and the next generation of workers.
“Kids look at this as a region,” she said. “You’ve got to tell that story.”
Other recommendations:
Have seats on the board of the chamber of commerce dedicated to young professionals.
The mayor should have an advisory board of young professionals.
“Be positive. Don’t talk trash about this region. And the other thing - start shining the light on what’s working.”
