Explanation
BACKGROUND:
Numerous studies have pointed to a strong correlation that exists between cities that have experienced job and income level growth and the number of young persons choosing to reside in those cities. The Columbus metropolitan area has an overall student population in excess of 100,000 from a variety of public and private post-secondary colleges and schools. Add to that number the amount of persons living in Columbus that are between the ages of 20-39 and the number increases to over 250,000. In 2006, the City of Columbus and the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce ("The Chamber ") entered into a contract to pursue an economic development strategy to market to, and help attract and retain these young professionals (less than 40 years old)/college-age residents. To date, the Chamber hired Next Generation Consulting to study the current trends of young people in Columbus, and produce recommendations and an action plan.
Another important effort that the Chamber is pursing to attract and retain young professionals is the development of a Web-based internship clearinghouse that will be utilized by universities, students and local businesses. After an extensive search (including eight technology providers) and determining the feasibility of developing the Web site internally, the Chamber contracted with eCampusRecruiter, an international company headquartered in Florida. The company has been in business since 1998 and serves 35 schools in Ohio, and 375 in the U.S. and Canada. They also are the technology provider for the local Central Ohio Consortium of Career Counselors. The selection process was rigorous and thorough.
A multi-faceted approach to marketing and outreach will take place for the internship Web site portal. The site will "soft launch" to employers at an event hosted by Nationwide and sponsored by Columbus State Community College on October 10th. After that, the Chamber will implement various means to communicate to e...
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