| About | Programs | Events | Community | Alumni |
Quaeris
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do the initiative's strategies compare to similar efforts around the country?
4. What kind of training will be available?
5. What can the initiative do to help the trailing spouse/partner of a recruit or candidate?
7. Is the initiative necessary, based on the state of the economy?
1. How do the initiative's strategies compare to similar efforts around the country?
A February 2008 reports to launch the initiative studied efforts around the country to recruit and retain talent. This effort incorporates those best practices into this initiative and draws from many innovative strategies that already exist.
2. How does the work of this initiative compare with those of the chambers of commerce and Economic Development agencies and convention and visitor bureaus throughout the region?
The initiative will compliment the business and community development efforts of these organizations by filling a gap in the efforts in communities and across the region to make West Michigan an attractive place to live and work.
3. How will the messaging of individual communities, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development agencies and similar efforts relate to the work of the initiative and vice versa?
Over time, we hope the messaging of the initiative and those of the communities, chambers of commerce, economic development agencies and convention bureaus across the region would align to present a common voice that promotes the region and the unique opportunities throughout it.
4. What kind of training will be available?
In 2009, we will pilot training programs to increase the cultural competency, regional awareness and connectivity among realtors, human resource supervisors, executive search firms and others engaged in the recruitment of retention to the region.
5. What can the initiative do to help the trailing spouse/partner of a recruit or candidate?
A key benefit of the initiative is a members-only portal that will allow employers to share the resumes of trailing spouses/partners of the talent they plan or have hired. Employers can also share the resumes of ‘runner-up' candidates that are open to moving to West Michigan and would consider opportunities with other employers.
6. Will the initiative address the need to keep graduates of our local colleges and universities in the area?
Fortunately, GVSU's Student-to-Business Process and IT Integration Program (or S2B) is doing the important task of keeping the young talent already. The work of S2B and Quaeris are complimentary in their efforts to attract and retain talent in the region.
7. Is the initiative necessary, based on the state of the economy?
- West Michigan needs to be ready when the economy improves and the competition for talent increases. Starting the initiative now will put our region on the leading edge of those competing for skilled professionals.
- Regardless of corporate restructuring and downsizing, area companies will continue to compete for talent with companies from other regions of the country. Although the quantity of those recruited to fill key positions may be lower temporarily, the quality of the candidate's sought will remain high.
- In addition, the economy's current state has created a circumstance that allows West Michigan to attract talent who would not consider the region before but will now because of a tight employment market.