Eugene Chamber of Commerce

Demographics and livability may significantly contribute to our region’s economic recovery. At least the research of one Oregon economist says it’s so — and that bodes well for our region.

No matter that you are not an expert demographer. You can probably guess the key trends shaping all cities and regions: More baby boomers are planning to retire; the number of women joining the workforce has stabilized; and college attainment levels have plateaued. As a result, young professionals are becoming increasingly important to the economic health of growing cities, according to a recent national report.

The study by Portland economist Joe Cortright indicates that young, college-educated workers are capable of counteracting this impending economic shift because of their entrepreneurial nature and willingness to relocate. The key to growing cities will be to attract and retain young professionals, Cortright says in “The Young and Restless in a Knowledge Economy.”

And much is at stake in attempting to attract these young and talented 25 to 34 year olds who will determine the path of our economy.

These trailblazers are more concerned about quality-of-life issues than being in a hot market. They are 60 percent more likely to live in areas close to the core of a community. So you can argue that young professionals will not only influence the future of local economies, but their desire to live close-in will help drive long-standing planning goals of building and preserving healthy downtown cores.

Recognizing that opportunity, the Eugene Chamber of Commerce is leading and supporting a host of efforts to retain, engage and attract young professionals:

• The creation of the Young Professionals Network (YPN). The focus of YPN is to provide young professionals with programming specifically targeted to meet their needs for networking, professional and personal development, community involvement, awareness and influence.
• The development of programs that we believe will create a local climate that supports entrepreneurs and innovation. Through Chamber initiatives such as the entrepreneurial support group SmartUps and the investor-focused Willamette Angel Network and Willamette Angel Conference, we’re creating an environment that supports new ideas and business success.
• Partnerships since 1986 with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce to promote and foster the development of volunteer leadership in our communities. Leadership Eugene-Springfield (LES) is a program designed to meet our area’s need for the active participation of informed, skilled and motivated community leaders. While not exclusively for young professionals, LES has attracted participants who have used the program to establish meaningful volunteer leadership roles in our community.
• A central role in the creation of the Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene (ABAE). The mission of the new group is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of our community by acting as a catalyst for creating dynamic partnerships between the arts, culture and business sectors.

Eugene-Springfield’s well-deserved reputation for outstanding livability, coupled with efforts to hold on to and attract talented young people, will be an important piece of an economic strategy that drives a prosperous future.

Dave Hauser is the president of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, a 1200-member organization dedicated to promoting a healthy local economy.