University System of NH Partners with Young Professionals Networks to Advance Efforts to Retain more Young Professionals in the State

September 19, 2007 – Lee, NH – The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) Chancellor, Stephen Reno, joined with board members from two of New Hampshire’s young professionals networks at separate events to bring more attention to the brain drain issue in New Hampshire. Speaking at events organized by the New Hampshire Business and Industry Association and the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce this month, the Chancellor discussed the 55 Percent Initiative, a statewide effort to encourage a greater percentage of new college graduates to ‘Work, play, and stay” in New Hampshire once they have earned their degree.

Grey Chenoweth, a member of the Manchester Young Professionals Network Board, joined the Chancellor at the September 11 “Workforce Worries” event in Concord, organized by the NH BIA. On September 19, Helen Donington, the chair of the Board of Catapult, the greater Portsmouth area’s young professionals network, teamed up with Chancellor Reno at a breakfast event organized by the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. Both events focused on raising the issue with the business community, gaining feedback on employment needs and concerns, and demonstrating that there are new efforts across the state designed to engage and connect young professionals with one another.

Young professionals networks have also been established in Nashua, Keene, Mount Washington Valley, and Peterborough, and USNH is reaching out to these organizations, as well as other Chambers and businesses to gain input and encourage involvement and support.

A statewide online student and online survey is currently being conducted with the support of college presidents across the state. Results should be tabulated by the late fall, providing data on perceptions about New Hampshire, barriers to remaining in the state, and a better understanding of specific reasons why young educated people stay or leave. The survey is being funded by a grant from the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development and administered by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.

USNH has taken a lead on the 55% Initiative and is working with many organizations to plan for a “tourism-like” marketing campaign aimed at the state’s future college graduates. The survey results will help determine the key elements of this campaign. The USNH web site now features a Blog on this topic and interested individuals are encouraged to log in at www.usnh.typepad.com and add to the dialogue.

Even a small shift in the migration rate of college graduates would have an enormous impact. The 55% Initiative sets a goal of convincing 55% of new graduates to live and work in NH, as compared to the roughly 50% who currently stay. In one year, this change would add more than 600 employees to our workforce and have a $42M impact on the economy. Over five years, the cumulative impact would be 3,144 more employees with an economic benefit of $636M.

Organizations that have signed up in support of this initiative include the NH Business and Industry Association, the NH High Technology Council, the NH College and University Council, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, TF Moran, the Hippo Press, Liberty Mutual, BAE Systems, Catapult, and the Manchester Young Professionals Network. Organizations can sign up online at www.usnh.edu/initiatives/55_endorsements.shtml.

View the Chancellor's presentation to the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce.

-30-

UNH | Plymouth State | Keene State | Granite State