DISQUS

I've considered it - but it's a ways off - and theres alot of work to be done between now and then.

Here's an easy example of the above: In major cities, organized religions are seeing a decline in numbers - mostly from the young. They keep reaching out, through missions - events - and all manner of things. Yet there has been no real increase in the number of youth involved in churches.

Sometimes you can make every effort possible - but until the people you target realize it's worthwhile to get involved - they are not going to.

Solution: Do it for yourself and those involved - if you think it's a good idea then do it. And at each step along the way you might pick up a few more people.

Oh - and another thing. ALL major cities have multiple print news sources. And always one targeted towards the younger crowd. And it is normally staffed and organized by young people.

City Magazine is nice, if your a visitor or retiree, but it rarely has anything for the younger crowd in it.

Of course, our definitions of younger crowd do tend to differ at times.

Regardless, I'm of the "actions speak louder than words" school. Forgive my blunt-headedness.

I'm getting sick of the mantra of "communication is the key."

If people wanted communication, then they would do it - right?

I have a feeling that no matter what, unless someone steps forward with enough backing to put together a new newspaper, radio station, or TV station that actually acts local - ie. updates the local events and any changes (like EventZone changing the venue for tonight) and places them prominently up front for all to see - then no matter what, communication will still be lacking.

Anyone can copy those articles you mentioned, and post them online (with proper attribution and permission) - but they do not. It's not solely communication, it's also the level of engagement and involvement desired. And quite frankly, few people desire it I guess.

Where are all these young professionals from these groups when it comes time for the Neighborhood meetings?

I guess those are beyond the desired level of involvement.

Maybe we should start giving out Merit Badges, give them something to show off and they might attend.

read today's "Letters to the Editor" for some good questions for those hiring.

I barely made it into the comments on that article when I found what easily has to be the line of the century. This one needs to be addressed, and quick.

"1) Brain drain is viewed in a linear way ("Keep our kids here" statements). Don't we want "our kids" to gain some worldly experience? Do we really want to perpetuate the next generation of cultural sclerosis and parochialism? Doesn't a vibrant region/state/community require the influx of new ideas and people? Should we also be focusing on developing a means for harnessing their new knowledge, ideas and networks?"

When you hear the horror stories I hear coming out of the next wave of young adults (16-24) locally, it makes you wonder if perhaps the real reason people do not return to Roanoke is the overwhelming negative view of being educated and ambitious.

I still say that as nice as it would be to have these things, without public support - it's not going to happen. And releasing a report on what we don't have (and slamming the city schools) is not going to garner much support.

Plus, I can personally tell you there are a good number of transplanted "out of towners" living and working here in Roanoke.

They all say the same thing, it would be nice to have those things here - but they don't think the local population would do it. Negativity seems to be the "brick wall" that stops most forward growth around here. Possibly apathy too, but I'm not sold on that one.

Anyway - there's my 2 cents.

found another example of a communication breakdown on the new MyRetailRoanoke.com page.

If you pull up the "all" list, you'll find many retail shops that are already here in Roanoke.

Zaxby's, Krystal, Harris-Teeter (now Kroger), and many more.

Not to mention the Atlanta Bread Company, which is already coming to the area - soon to open on Electric Rd.

Just an example - not drawing any conclusions from it.

I have a feeling the real question is "do people care?"

I hate to put it that way, but civic pride is not one of the strong selling points of Roanoke.

That dis-investment in community makes the communication issue much harder.

And now today evidence of the difference from the "40 years ago" workforce, as Hooker closes in Martinsville - yet XM opens a customer call center. 2 very different sets of skills.

Absolutely I think this should be offered.

I think the Chamber should also be getting on the ball when it comes to things like this, seeing as how most of these companies are involved with them anyway.

But thats just me

or use more of their assets in multiple arenas - people are always talking about multi-tasking these days, but for all the hard work they put in, how many of those "billable hours" are they actually being paid for? Does it include those hours spent in idle relaxation that you find your mind drifting back over the day, how problems could have been avoided or solved?

If your employer is not paying you for your concern and thoughtfulness, or disregards the extra effort you put in at home, then you need to draw on your secondary talents to find something which will fulfill you.

Or something like that.

For example, I'm a chef - writer - historian - business consultant - and so much more... when one of those is not satisfying me, I turn to the others. Sure my revenue streams are limited, but I gain more when I enjoy what I do. Most people do.

It's about balance now, armed with the knowledge that no job is "20 and out" or "Retired at 65" any longer - we have the unique opportunity OF opportunity.

My 2 centavos.

this is my exact line of thinking, and yet people look at me like I'm nuts.

I'm an independent contractor, providing a service to your business. Business does well, we all do well, business does poorly - you let the contractor go.

I really don't see what the difficulty is in understanding the dynamic. I'm just surprised to see someone else voicing the idea.

Actually, to me - it seems the market is heavily geared towards those with some form of degree. Daily when I browse the help-wanted ads I see jobs which require some form of formal training.

The blue collar jobs of the past (plumber/carpenter) are much harder to find.

Then again, I'm a cook - and people will always have to eat. Built in job security.

For the sake of arguement, I'm going to say this as nicely as I can.

Over the years, the city has betrayed the trust of the youth. It will be a long, hard road to regain that trust. I support any endevour to do so, with the caveat of being a blogger with an active Roanoke-Alumni readership.

To those who left, Roanoke has always been an attractive area. Someplace they wished they could live the life they went elsewhere to find. The ones whom I have spoken with would love nothing more than to come home again. But the first complaint I hear is that they have no voice, no say in the future of the city. The general view is that over the years the residents of comparable age have been pummled into apathy. Ignored for the vision of retirees with disposeable income, and the ever present and undefineable "children" nearly every forward-looking project is latched onto.

The lake has taken the big money, and will not give that up. The speculative building of downtown is attractive, but without a supportive community and culture, is useless. The vision of turning the Patrick Henry into a retirement-apartment building horrifies most of this demographic.

They love to come back and visit, remember the times they had when they were young. But at the end of the visit, the bitterness that drove them out returns.

I agree that Web 2.0 will display Roanoke in the best light possible - and I still say that someone should reach out to Google (provided they have not reached out themselves) and attempt some form of deal with them.

Luring the white collar workers is easy, flash some money and affordable housing and they come running. But who then will provide the services the city needs? What of the plumbers, cooks, and warehouse workers? They need a place to live too, and they love Roanoke as much as anyone.

A website will not be the single source solution for the problem, its going to take a revolution in the way Roanoke exists. Forget Web 2.0, and begin to develop Business 2.0

Again, Im not looking to come across harsh or judgemental - but there are far larger issues here than just attracting more IT jobs. Retention of those jobs, and the workers who fill them is equally important. Without a community base to support them, the population will always be transient.

My 2 centavos.

Keith of Forgotten-Roanoke/Roanoke-Found