In response to local industry concerns regarding the recruitment and retention of top, young talent; the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. spent a considerable amount of time in 2008 exploring methods to combat the loss of this hot commodity. Regardless of the size or amenities of a city, the issue of ‘brain drain’ is a popular one. “What we consistently hear from local industries is that bringing a young, educated professional to Owensboro isn’t a problem. Getting them to stay sometimes is,” said Nick Brake, President/CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. While the public investment in downtown, development of the Centre for Business and Research, and more high-tech job opportunities are steps in the right direction, cities such as Tulsa, OK; Dubuque, IA; and Duluth, MN have chosen to be proactive through unique internship programs as well.
The Owensboro edition of this idea, GO-iNTERN, launches tomorrow June 5, 2009 at the Commerce Center. GO-iNTERN combines a website, community involvement and learning experience in a unique format designed not only to find local opportunities for students to work, but to connect to the community through monthly networking events as well. “Our hope is that students will come to the website, apply for an internship, and participate in the monthly events. In the end, not only will they have had a great experience with a local company, but also in the city itself, and Owensboro ranks a little higher on their list of places to live upon graduation,” said Brake.
Upcoming events will include a luncheon with Mayor Ron Payne and Judge Reid Haire, a tour of downtown, and a networking event with the Chamber Young Professionals. A finale is currently being planned for the summer cohort, but GO-iNTERN will be an ongoing program with new opportunities each semester. Businesses looking to hire interns for the fall or spring semesters are encouraged to contact GO-EDC now in order to ensure their opportunity is listed on the website. GOEDC will market the internships to local and regional universities at career fairs this fall.
To view internships, post an opportunity or find more information, visit http://intern.owensboro.com.
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