STRATEGIC PLAN ITEMS

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

TOP PRIORITIES

Talent development program: implement a regional talent retention and attraction program and begin providing support to regional firms

The mission of the talent development program will be to retain and attract human capital to meet the needs of Baton Rouge area businesses. To accomplish this, BRAC will institute a number of strategies and programs such as developing corporate talent services, creating a talent repository, promoting the professional jobs available within the area, and working with regional businesses to educate current and prospective hires on the assets of the region, among other things.

ACTIVE INITIATIVES

Young professionals: engage leaders under forty-years-old in the future direction of BRAC and BRAC's policy agenda

BRAC believes that the insights of the next generation of leaders are crucial to its ability to make proper policy decisions. To accomplish this, BRAC formed the Fresh Perspectives Council to actively foster dialogue with those leaders and potential leaders under the age of forty and use that information to formulate our policy agenda.

Baton Rouge Leadership Program: execute an annual professional development program for established and emerging business and community leaders

Since 1985, BRAC has been developing a cadre of potential community leaders. In those twenty-seven years, the Baton Rouge Area Leadership Program has produced close to one thousand graduates who have gone on to participate on boards and commissions, and hold both state and local public offices. This program investigates personal and team leadership dynamics and invites participants to review and debate the strengths and weaknesses of various institutions and policy areas in the region. BRAC continues to lead this popular developmental program.

POLICY POSITIONS

Focus on talent: access to world-class human capital will accelerate the development of high-performing companies and the region

In order for the Capital Region to continue its economic success in the face of worldwide financial instability, it will need to retain and attract the high-level talent that local companies need to compete globally. With our talent development efforts, we will be complementing the recruitment efforts of these companies by working hand-in-hand with them as they try to fill open positions.

Public parks and recreational amenities: support regional recreation and park organizations, including BREC, in efforts to upgrade public parks and recreational amenities in the Baton Rouge area

Businesses and individuals evaluate numerous "quality of life" factors in determining a location to call home. Impressive public parks and recreational amenities are a significant component of "quality of life" evaluations and a component over which local governments have significant control. Efforts to maintain and improve the Baton Rouge area's public parks, including the establishment of signature parks with unique and compelling assets will make the region more competitive in attracting and retaining talented workers and high-wage businesses.

Tolerance, diversity, and community mindset: support programs, ordinances, and initiatives that set a progressive, inclusive, community tone and ensure that key organizations and leaders are aligned to create positive change

The most vibrant economies in the U.S. increasingly are those that have learned to embrace diversity and maintain an optimistic, inclusive vision for their community, while always remaining receptive to change. These intangibles can have a major impact on economic development, talent retention and attraction, as well as community pride and commitment to enact positive change. Moreover, discrimination can have an adverse effect on community growth. EBR has an executive order protecting employment discrimination that has governed through the last two administrations that should be codified in ordinance.

Attractiveness of public spaces: encourage cities and parishes in the Baton Rouge area to improve the attractiveness of their communities by establishing well-maintained green spaces

Businesses, individuals, and site-selection consultants evaluate communities using a number of factors, both objective and subjective. Initial impressions, often determined during "drive-by"experiences, can impact company decisions on where to relocate and individual decisions on where to live. By maintaining attractive green public spaces across the region, including urban areas, the Baton Rouge area can ensure that it makes great first impressions when decision-makers are evaluating our community.

Arts and cultural amenities: support the development of artistic and cultural infrastructure in the Baton Rouge area

Successful metro economies are increasingly marked by a high degree of artistic activity and cultural amenities that attract young, educated professionals and knowledge-based companies alike. Research by the Knight Foundation has shown that community attributes have a significant effect on talent retention. By encouraging positive actions and celebrating those who make a difference (e.g., artists, philanthropists, developers), the Capital Region can create momentum and public support for the development of artistic and cultural assets that accentuate our unique regional character and history.

Download » BRAC's 2012 Strategic Plan