Chamber releases Brain Gain study results

Canton, Ohio--(April 28, 2006)--Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce has released its Brain Drain to Brain Gain in Canton/ Stark County study announced Joseph R. Halter, Jr., Chamber Chairman of the Board. Rebecca Ryan of Next Generation Consulting Inc. based in Madison, Wis. conducted the study. Ms. Ryan is a nationally recognized expert in her field.

The purpose of the study was to research the community’s strengths and weaknesses in appealing to young, well-educated professionals ages 20-40. “For a community to grow from an economic development perspective it’s important to be able to attract and retain this important segment of the workforce,“ commented Dennis P. Saunier, Chamber President and CEO. “This is a major initiative and key component of our economic development program, it’s absolutely essential we reach out to this segment of the workforce.”

Through extensive research nationwide Next Generation Consulting has learned that this group evaluates communities along seven indexes: vitality, earning, learning, social capital, cost of lifestyle, after hours and around town. Local research was conducted, including several  focus groups in which 86 young professionals participated, a web survey with 616 responses, and a proprietary analysis of 54 metrics used in combination to determine scores for the indexes.

Canton/ Stark County was rated above average in the Cost of Lifestyle and Around Town indexes, while slightly below average in the Social Capital index, with all other indexes in line with national averages. Cost of Lifestyle reflects cost of living while Around Town reflects commute time and ease of access; Social Capital measures diversity and overall social inclusiveness.

The consultant developed eight recommendations for the chamber’s consideration. These are: organize a monthly meeting and social activity for this group; engage young professionals in a visioning session for the region’s future; support legislation and practices to support diversity; create a fast track leadership program; offer incentives to entice young professionals back to the area; support historic preservation; market the area by promoting the area’s above average scores in Around Town and Cost of Lifestyle; support enhancements to area parks.

Overseeing the effort was the Chamber’s Brain Gain Steering Committee led by Barbara H. Bennett. The effort is also a result of collaboration with the Greater Akron Chamber, which conducted its own study last year and some joint programming and coordination is envisioned for the future.

The Chamber's “Advantage Canton Bank Partners" which include: Chase,Charter One Bank, FirstMerit Bank, N.A., Fifth Third Bank, Huntington Bank, KeyBank, National City Bank, and Sky Bank; Credit Bureau of Canton Charitable Fund and Stark Community Foundation, George H. Deuble Foundation, Diebold, Inc., Dominion Foundation, Schauer Independent Insurance Service Corporation, and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. made funding for the project possible.

“This is only the beginning and now we move to implementation, it’s important to take what we’ve learned and develop an effective approach to moving forward,” said Bennett.

Download the Executive Summary

Download the Full Report