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Generation Iowa
Generation Iowa Commission was mandated by the Iowa Legislature to create a best practice manual for
recruiting and retaining young professionals. We examine generational differences in the workplace
and identify key strategies to recruit and retain “Generation Iowa.” For the purpose of this report,
“Generation Iowa” includes Iowans from age 18 to 35. This age group consists of the latter half the
Generation X (approx, 1965-1980) and Generation Y or “Millennials” (1980-present).
In the 2007 Generation Iowa's Road Map to Recruit and Retain Young
People to Iowa, the group developed a list of recommendations to attract and
retain young people in the state of Iowa. A key component to the
recommendations focused on Quality of Life Issues and Amenities for Young People.
The report includes the following recommendation:
Expand State Commitment to Attraction Programs
Generally speaking, forum attendees repeatedly and forcefully voiced concerns about tourism, entertainment, and cultural opportunities that
don’t address the interests, concerns, and/or needs of Iowans ages 18 to 35.
To meet the cultural and entertainment needs of young Iowans, the Commission voices wholehearted support for ongoing Iowa Department
of Economic Development programs like Vision Iowa, CAT, and Main Street. Vision Iowa in particular rewards and brings attention to Iowa
communities that blend leisure, entertainment, recreation, and cultural projects with a sense of commitment to the values of multigenerational
interaction, multiculturalism, and other celebrations of various types of diversity. We encourage IDED and other state departments to
continue seeking out and expand programs that meet these criteria, and we encourage legislators to support such initiatives with the
appropriate resources.
It behooves Iowa communities of all sizes to develop cultural/recreational/entertainment opportunities and districts appropriate to the needs
and desires of young citizens. Failure to do so will continue the trend of exporting entertainment spending from all age groups to a handful of
large Iowa communities and across state lines.
Additional documents from the 2008 Generation Iowa Commission Report can be found below.
Portions courtesy of the Iowa Department of Economic Development |
