Oct. 14, 2005: “Spotlight on Our Economy” Monthly Column for The Palladium-Times
By L. Michael Treadwell, CEcD, Executive Director of Operation Oswego County

Young Professional Group Officially Kicks Off on Oct. 21

Next week, the Oswego Armory will be home to an event announcing the formation of “YP (young professional) Voice,” a new young professional and entrepreneur networking and community enrichment organization.

The group was formed to guide the growth and evolution of Oswego County by organizing professional, social and community involvement within Oswego’s young professional community. Part of the group’s mission is to educate others about the economic and social capital in the greater Oswego County area and to offer its members professional development and peer-to-peer networking opportunities, as well as social and cultural events, and community development and service initiatives. The group has already partnered with SUNY Oswego’s Center for Business and Community Development and Leadership Oswego County to connect non-profit boards with young professionals seeking increased community involvement.

One of the key factors in attracting new business development to any community is the abundance and quality of workforce available. However, Oswego County faces a similar challenge as many regional communities, in that decreased birth rates and the relocation of young, talented employees to larger metropolitan areas has caused what is referred to as “brain drain.” The fact that three out of four young professionals under the age of 28 place more importance on the quality of the community than the availability of jobs (source: Next Generation Consulting, Feb, 2002), will also impact Oswego County’s ability to attract and retain talent.
With an increasingly competitive market for talented and educated professionals, Oswego County must define the unique regional characteristics that make it attractive to this generation in order to sustain our economy and quality of life. We are well on our way of achieving this goal with the assistance of this dynamic group of young professionals.

The event is free of charge and open to young professionals and entrepreneurs ages 23 to 43. It will be held Friday, Oct. 21, 7 to 11 p.m. at the Oswego Armory on West First Street in Oswego and will feature e.s.p. jazz quartet, unique exhibits by local artists and businesses, free samples and giveaways, free food and remarks by motivational speaker Julius D. Edwards, president and CEO of The Uniq & DiverSolutions Group. A beer and wine cash bar will also be available.

Operation Oswego County is proud to sponsor the event along with the Workforce Development Board of Oswego County, Oswego County National Bank, City of Oswego Community Development Office, Laser Transit, Ltd., Mitchell Printing and Mailing and Steve Chirello Advertising.

For more information about the YPV kick-off party, or to RSVP, visit www.ypvoiceofoswego.org, or call 343-7681.
If you’d like more information about economic development services in Oswego County, call my office at 343-1545 or visit our website at www.oswegocounty.org.

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