Last month we hosted a “Meet the Leaders” Business Forum Luncheon. We spotlighted just a handful of individuals that have taken on leadership roles in our community since mid-2020. Honestly, we could have had at least triple the number of panelists at this event and still not have met all our new folks.

The panelists consisted of police, fire, and educational leaders – all public sector roles. The challenges they shared are not unique to the public sector and reflect what the private sector employer is also struggling to resolve. Recruitment and retention of talent is the highest priority for most employers and the most challenging of problems to solve.

As I shared in our June State of Grays Harbor, event our population is growing and shrinking at the same time. We continue to be a desirable location to spend your golden years, but we are losing our young adults and subsequently young professionals. It is normal for young adults to explore outside their hometowns, and it would be foolish to discourage that. What is important is that we create a place that young people want to return to because they see opportunity.

I have a few ideas on how we can begin to address this challenge listed below. Not all of these will work for all industries, but my hope is that it provides insight into what is possible and generates some discussion within your organization.

Use Employment Resources

Engage Youth and Young Professionals

  • Partner with Grays Harbor Youth Works to set up interns in your place of business. This is the only organization in the county providing meaningful on the job experiences to our young adults.
  • Encourage your young professionals to engage with Grays Harbor Young Professionals Group. This organization is rebuilding after COVID-19 and is led by some local women that are very motivated to make it meaningful to the community and build a network of individuals committed to Grays Harbor.
  • Partner with Business Week at our local schools. This national model is thriving in our local schools. Check out this site to learn more and where the in-school programs are being conducted. Your employees and company can engage with this mutually rewarding program.

Encourage Entrepreneurship

  • The fastest way to get a job is to create a job. Our community is losing good services and businesses to retirement, and we need to encourage and celebrate individuals that want to fill that absence with their own vision.
    • Know someone thinking about starting a business?
      • Direct them to our online guide on how to start a business in Grays Harbor County.
      • Use our business assistance services, free of charge to help navigate resources such as training, access to capital and coaching.
    • Take advantage of professional coaching opportunities. Thanks to the generous funding from the Grays Harbor Foundation, GGHI is hosting a series of business coaching sessions free of charge. These sessions connect local “pros” with their “peers” in the community.  These “Ask the Expert” experiences allow any business or employee to build a network and a skill set.  Check out the entire series on our community calendar.

My last bit of advice let’s get together! Nothing makes challenges seem surmountable like visiting with colleagues and peers. Put our upcoming free events for the business community and our members on your calendar.

  • Join the GGHI Staff at Business After Hours this Tuesday, August 9th from 5:30-7:00pm at Bank of the Pacific (Aberdeen). Please register in advance at this link.
  • Meet other members and the GGHI Staff at our annual Member Appreciation BBQ on August 25th from 11:30am-1:00pm at the GGHI Office. Please register in advance via this link.