In The News

Scott W. Miller, president of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce

When you envision Indianapolis in ten years, what comes to mind? What will our city- and region, be known for? If we are to become the Capital of the new Midwest, the planning and execution to get us there must start now.

One of the key components of a thriving and “livable” city is the ability to attract and retain young talent and emerging leaders. By attracting a deep pool of talented thinkers and workers, we can adequately position the region for success. As young professionals enter the workforce, they are looking for amenities that meet their individual needs, including: culture, job availability, affordability, and ease of getting around. Cities such as Denver, Portland, Charlotte and Austin are attracting talent at a higher rate than us, primarily because these elements are in place.

Business and talent attraction are inextricably linked. Each is necessary to grow our economy. Baby boomers are beginning to retire and the replacement pool is smaller. As more people retire, our workforce will be affected from the top down. Add to this the brain drain that is occurring across the country, and the gap becomes event greater. Because talent is leaving, jobs are leaving. Our workforce development committee recognizes that skilled workers are in demand, and that recruiting and retaining top talent remains a high priority for our region.

We believe that talent attraction and retention is critical to moving the region forward. The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to leading key discussions with business, education, and community leaders to address this need. In the coming months, we will begin outreach efforts with young adults in the community, hosting discussion groups to gather their input. We will be talking about the future of Indianapolis and how the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce can take on an even larger role of leading regional growth and development, by focusing on attracting young, talented workers. We will also be hosting an event on May 10, in partnership with the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association (ICVA) to discuss this important topic. We hope to see you at the Crane Bay on May 10. We also welcome your feedback as a valued member of our Chamber. Together, we will position our region for future growth and success.