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Every Monday at 6:42 a.m. and 8:42 a.m., Rob Gilligan provides information on what's happening in the area of regional development in Southeast Missouri. Rob is the President and CEO of the Cape Chamber. Local support for "Let's Talk Business" is provided by Carved + Crafted Catering. (573) 651-2569

Let's Talk Business: Attracting Talent

Cape Chamber

In this very tight labor market, several cities and states across the U.S. have really raised the bar on talent attraction.

In a CNBC article published late last year, Tulsa, Oklahoma, North Platte, Nebraska, and Newton, Iowa, along with the states of Maine, Alaska, and Vermont were all recognized for their incentives offered to workers for moving and working in their area. These range from $10,000 relocation bonuses and housing stipends, to various tax and education credits.

Yes, I’m serious. Even in the Cape/Jackson metro, it is not uncommon to see employers offering signing bonuses to lure new workers. This is being done at both the entry level position and at higher skills jobs as well. As many areas face situations in which there are more open positions than available workers, talent attraction has become paramount.

The Chamber is working with several local employers in a talent retention and attraction effort. Currently, a professional marketing and research firm is conducting focus groups with regional area high school seniors and with graduating University seniors to determine what is most likely to keep them in this area. We will then concentrate on messaging and launch an effort to retain and attract workers in areas where we can have success.

One thing we rolled out last year is the website www.capeishome.com. We’ll be making updates and revisions soon but check it out and use it to help recruit.

John Mehner is the former President and CEO of the Cape Chamber.
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