For a number of years, the UMVRDC has been convening a group of regional economic development professionals to research strategies to attract residents to the region. University of MN research has shown that those in the age range of 35 – 45 years are seeking out rural lifestyles and bringing education and wealth into this region despite the significant losses from younger demographics leaving for school, which is commonly referred to as the “brain drain”.
The UMVRDC has recently received funding through the Blandin Foundation to move forward with these efforts and branding the region. Attendees from all across the region including Chambers, EDA professionals, and City staff joined the UMVRDC on March 17th to welcome guest speaker Christie Dick, Freelance Management Consultant, and founder of Alberta, Canada’s “Return 2 Rural” (R2R). Christie explained how she strategically brought together nine small communities to create a regional brand by connecting young people with rural work, life, and business opportunities.
Click here to see Christie’s PowerPoint presentation on Return 2 Rural.
Click here to see all of the UMVRDC Regional Recruitment Efforts.
To find out more about regional recruitment,visit the UMVRDC Regional Recruitment page.
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