DISQUS

Roanoke-Found · 2 years ago

I'm getting sick of the mantra of "communication is the key."

If people wanted communication, then they would do it - right?

I have a feeling that no matter what, unless someone steps forward with enough backing to put together a new newspaper, radio station, or TV station that actually acts local - ie. updates the local events and any changes (like EventZone changing the venue for tonight) and places them prominently up front for all to see - then no matter what, communication will still be lacking.

Anyone can copy those articles you mentioned, and post them online (with proper attribution and permission) - but they do not. It's not solely communication, it's also the level of engagement and involvement desired. And quite frankly, few people desire it I guess.

Where are all these young professionals from these groups when it comes time for the Neighborhood meetings?

I guess those are beyond the desired level of involvement.

Maybe we should start giving out Merit Badges, give them something to show off and they might attend.

stu · 2 years ago

Yes, it comes down to engagement and everyone should be responsible to be proactive, but that is just not the case... The effort needs to be both ways and communication is first before engagement can occur...

Have you reconsidered participating in the Valley Forward event?

Please help me out Keith... I appreciate who you are..

Roanoke-Found · 2 years ago

I've considered it - but it's a ways off - and theres alot of work to be done between now and then.

Here's an easy example of the above: In major cities, organized religions are seeing a decline in numbers - mostly from the young. They keep reaching out, through missions - events - and all manner of things. Yet there has been no real increase in the number of youth involved in churches.

Sometimes you can make every effort possible - but until the people you target realize it's worthwhile to get involved - they are not going to.

Solution: Do it for yourself and those involved - if you think it's a good idea then do it. And at each step along the way you might pick up a few more people.

Oh - and another thing. ALL major cities have multiple print news sources. And always one targeted towards the younger crowd. And it is normally staffed and organized by young people.

City Magazine is nice, if your a visitor or retiree, but it rarely has anything for the younger crowd in it.

Of course, our definitions of younger crowd do tend to differ at times.

Regardless, I'm of the "actions speak louder than words" school. Forgive my blunt-headedness.

Diane Hockenberry · 2 years ago

As someone who went to college and graduate school in Roanoke, I ended up leaving the area after 8 very successful years in my career. I didn't leave because there wasn't enough communication about the benefits of the region. I left because there were no incentives to stay.

Sure, the area is a Mecca of sorts for outdoor enthusiasts, but ambitious young adults hoping to climb the ladder have limited opportunities in Roanoke. If you want to attract and retain young adults, you have to first bring some vitality and economic growth to the region. Right now it's a more enticing offer to live in Blacksburg than Roanoke. I say this from someone who loved living in the area -- for awhile, but left because I felt like I was living in a slowly decaying town.

Brandon Turner · 2 years ago

Diane, you make an excellent case...few college students (especially those with MBA's or higher) strive for lower management. Most college students strive to go as far as possible, and it is limited in Roanoke. Sure, there are several banks, the railroad, and Carillion, but that's about it.

Roanoke is doing right by the research park by the river, and I heard rumor of a huge business park near the intersection of 581 and 81, but I have not heard anything else from that. These small business incubators can grow massive companies, so there should be great attention paid to these industrial parks.

Is Roanoke trying to recruit large companies to the city? Why not get developers to build a new tower downtown (15-20 stories) to offer Class-A office space downtown. Start courting overseas firms that want to invest in the U.S. and see if you can land some North American headquarters (such as Lynchburg and Areva). These are some steps that could offer people the chance to advance careers without leaving Roanoke.

James Sawyer · 2 years ago

Thanks for mentioning the article in City. I post my articles on my own blog at beyondmarketing.mindshot.biz a week before they show up in print. I would like to start posting more frequently than my monthly article and am considering a new "column" on my blog entitled "exit interview." While I agree with Stuart about using the right communication channels, it is all too apparent that the most effective wake-up call is the exodus of talented, young professionals. I would be interested to know what "channel" works best to get that word out to those who hold the purse strings for economic development in Roanoke.

Thanks,
JS

James Sawyer · 2 years ago

when are you going to put me on your blogroll?