Economic Development News

STUART - Armed with survey results about their contributions and personal and professional values, the Young Professionals of Martin County brainstormed with local business organizations Thursday about how to attract and retain young talent while bringing in appropriate employment.

Members of the YPs, the Business Development Board of Martin County and Workforce Solutions discussed possible collaboration that could, for instance, create a resume database of students who leave for college and would consider returning afterward.

The three groups also discussed possible junior-senior level worker mentoring programs, alumni networking for local grads, YP-specific job search engines and potential marketing re-branding to highlight the under-40 crowd in Martin County.

"The YPs really are positioned to take the organization to a next level, which will really help them in a lot of different facets," said development board Executive Director Ron Bunch. "From developing their voice and getting it out there, to developing a network of contacts to create jobs and improve Martin County's future."

The Next Leaders Survey results from January described the under-40 crowd here as a philanthropic group with high standards for trust in coworkers and managers.

It also concluded that young professionals moving away could cost the county $36 million in the next two years.

Spearheading that type of brain drain should be a priority addressed from multiple angles and agencies, Bunch said.

"We need to hear from them about what kind of companies should be here, and help them reach their vision," Bunch said. "The young professionals may come up with the next Google, or the next whatever it may be. We need to be there with them to help put a business plan around it."

But it's difficult to bring in new young talent without enough attractive industries. And for companies to settle down in an area, they need to know that a potential employee base is already there.

With the growth of the YPs, it's a matter of showcasing what Martin County's young talent pool has already accomplished to make believers out of both prospective employers and young workers, said YP Richard Martiniuk.

"The main thing is to create the jobs in the county," Martiniuk said. "The only way to do that is bring new companies and new employers in by actually showing them our talent. Show them we do have the talent level needed to fill those positions."