As cities try to attract new businesses, they’re often being asked to help find talent, too. The city of Scottsdale hopes new technology, marketing, and even a trip to Texas will pay off.
At South by Southwest’s Job Expo in Austin last week, companies like Apple, Dell and State Farm set up booths. So, did economic development teams from Iowa, Louisiana and Scottsdale.
“This is our challenge,” said Economic Development Director Danielle Casey pointing to a golf course photo. “This is what all the Millennials think about us when we go to places like Austin.”
During a recent meeting of the Maricopa Association of Governments Economic Development Committee, Casey shared Scottsdale’s strategies before her trip to Austin.
“The first thing we did was create a relocation guide,” she said.
The guide features plenty of pretty pictures of the waterfront, outdoor activities, shopping and schools, but Casey says what workers find most valuable is information.
“They’re looking for cost of living, accessibility, bike paths,” she said, “But also employment statistics.”
The relocation guide can be found on a website that Scottsdale launched specifically for current employers, job seekers and companies considering moving to Scottsdale.
“There are places where workers can sign up,” Casey explained. “We’re actually sending resumes to every company that we have listed as a talent partner.”
