Below is a very interesting article on where the future of our nation is heading in these uncertain times. This listing pertains to the twenty-five top cities that attract the "creative class", specifically those between the ages of 20-29. What is reveling are the cities listed. Out of the top twenty-five, only two those are from the South, Austin, Texas and Raleigh, NC.
No where on the list do you see Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC or Miami, FL. What is also very interesting is the number of "cold weather" cities listed. The South always tout it's temperate climate as one factor is attracting companies and people, but that doesn't seem to be a factor for Gen Y's. What seems to be a big factor is quality of live and the "coolness index".
Several weeks ago, Georgia welcomed a new corporate entity to it's state. NCR decided to pull up stakes and move it's world HQ and other facilities from Dayton, OH to Duluth, GA. While this is welcome news for a state nearing double digit unemployment, it is also a reminder that we have a long way to go in trying to attract the best and brightest to come here.
NCR is a company founded in 1884, more than 120 years ago. In it's heyday it employed more than 60,000 people, now it has about a third of that number. The question is this: Where will this company be twenty-five years from now? How many people will it employ and what will be the make up of it's work force.
Several years ago, Georgia was able to persuade Newell-Rubbermaid to move it's headquarters here. The fanfare was grand, touting this move as a new beginning for the state to grow economically. The results have been mixed at best. What has to be understood is that companies such as the one mentioned are mature ones that have seen the bulk of their growth take place. What this state needs are new start ups with a platform for future growth. If you can't get the creative class to live and grow in your state the final result is stagnation.
For all the talk of a fading "rust belt", that hasn't deterred the creative class from taking chances and setting up shop at least in some of these areas. As always, the youth of our nation overflow with boundless energy and spirit.
A new generation for changing times, it's so cool being young!
Photo
Kids at play
Fountains @ Centennial Olympic Park
2009
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment