Journal of Business - May 29, 2008

By Emily Proffitt 

Employers face boomer retirements, recruit in California

In anticipation of the coming wave of baby boomer retirements, companies here say they're searching here and in other markets such as Los Angeles for employees to fill expected gaps in their work forces. One of the demographics they're particularly seeking to attract and retain is what Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) calls the Emerging Professional group, which includes much-coveted young adults up to 25 years old.

Spokane-area businesses say they want to find and groom young workers to assume greater leadership responsibilities after the boomers retire. One of the obstacles standing in their way, however, are companies in larger metropolitan areas such as Seattle that beckon college graduates away with the lure of higher salaries and big-city life.

Inland Business Catalyst - March/April 2008

It's important to have a solid professional network both within and outside your industry. "You never know who you'll need to call on or what type of help you may be asking for, so it's best that your network spreads far and wide," says Communications Chair Bethany Luck-Hutson. "Make sure you never burn bridges. Spokane is a tight-knit community. You've got to use that to your advantage, not your detriment." The Spokane Society of Young Professionals is a networking organization without an age limit... it's all about youthful energy. Here's what has worked for us when it comes to networking.
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