Quick Hits: The Best in Talent Attraction This Week

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Why do we love working in talent attraction? Because it’s a dynamic, creative field that’s always changing. We’re constantly inspired by the work of our colleagues and clients and the smart ways they’re pushing the boundaries of traditional economic development and attracting new residents to their communities. Here are a few programs, initiatives, and ideas we’re loving this week:

Chambana Welcome Crew, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois

A newly launched community onboarding program in Champaign-Urbana, Chambana Welcome Crew connects new and potential residents to local Ambassadors who can help them navigate their new city, network and make connections, and engage with the community. Not only does the program give new residents an “in” to feel welcome, comfortable, and connected, it’s also a meaningful way for the Ambassadors to give back to their community and build and share their affinity for Champaign-Urbana. We are huge advocates for community onboarding and Chambana Welcome Crew is a perfect example of a place that’s leveraging one of their greatest assets — the warmth and loyalty of their current residents — to engage and anchor their new ones.

Learn more about the Chambana Welcome Crew program here.

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The Best & Brightest Initiative, Decatur, Alabama

New relocation incentive programs are popping up all over the country right now, but one of the most successful, thoughtful and innovative examples we’ve come across is an established program in Decatur, Alabama called The Best & Brightest Initiative. What makes it different? A few key things:

  • The program has a specific target audience: STEM grads, and the incentives are catered to that audience: the city will help you pay off your student loans, and connect you to local employers in your field.

  • The interview process is in-depth, and focused on honesty from both the applicants and the program leaders. Decatur is not falling into the “We have something for everyone!” trap; in fact, they’re doing the opposite and telling applicants exactly what life in the city entails, what they have to offer — and what they don’t. That honesty is reciprocated when they ask applicants to share what they’re looking for in a community, issues they’ve had with places they’ve lived in the past, and what kind of lifestyle they’re looking for. This level of vetting and honesty ensures realistic expectations and new residents that are better fits for the culture and lifestyle of Decatur.

  • Instead of offering new residents a huge sum in a one-time check and hoping they’ll stay forever, Decatur offers an annual payment plan: for every year you live in Decatur, they’ll pay $3,000 of your student loans, up to $15,000.

    Learn more about the Best & Brightest Initiative here.

Life in Action Recruiter Tool, Carlsbad, California

The city of Carlsbad has been proactive and innovative about talent attraction since 2015, when they launched an external-facing brand and website focused on attracting new residents called Life in Action. Thanks to a fresh redesign last year, their branding and messaging was strong, and they were doing a great job marketing quality of life and job opportunities on their social media channels, but they wanted to take their targeting and recruiting efforts a step further and add trackability. Through a partnership with RoleCall (hey, that’s us!), they recently launched the Life in Action Recruiter Tool, which allows prospective residents to sign up to get recruited by local companies through forms and links on the Life in Action website. Anyone who is interested in learning more about Carlsbad’s job opportunities, welcoming community, beautiful beaches, and creative culture (yeah, it really is that awesome), can submit their information and resume and get connected to Carlsbad employers. It’s not only a benefit to prospective residents and job seekers, it’s a tangible way the city can help employers and hiring managers find the talent they need to thrive. Talk about a win-win.

Read more about the Life in Action Recruiter Tool here.

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