Flathead Valley Community College and 11 other sponsors have tapped Rebecca Ryan, an authority on next generation talent, to speak at a luncheon and social hour May 25 in Kalispell.

| May 14, 2006 1:00 AM

Expert on young talent to speak May 25

Ryan will underscore what it takes for the Flathead Valley to become a community of choice for next-generation talent. She also will explore how companies can position themselves to attract young employees.

The event is from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel. A social hour follows at 5 p.m. at Red's Wines & Blues hosted by the Flathead Young Professionals Association.

National studies show that three out of four Americans under age 28 first choose a place to live and then find a job. Attracting young talent requires a savvy understanding of what motivates the next generation.

Factors motivating the college and other sponsors to schedule Ryan include:

-The tremendous growth of the Flathead Valley over the past five years, creating a shortage of skilled workers to support the growing and expanding businesses in the valley.

-A "brain drain" of youth. Montana exports more next-generation talent to other states than the state imports.

-From a national perspective, 77 million baby boomers are heading toward retirement age. Only 44 million younger people are ready to replace them.

Susie Burch, director of economic development and continuing education at the college, said Ryan has conducted more than 6,500 interviews with people born between 1961 and 1981.

"As America's leading authority on the next generation, Ms. Ryan will explain how we can prepare to compete for young talent," Burch said.

The presentation will cover how the Flathead Valley can position itself as a "cool" community and will cite critical work-force and demographic trends affecting talent attraction and retention.

This event is open to the public but space is limited.

Tickets cost $35 for individuals or corporate tables for eight are available for $200.

For reservations, call 756-3832. For more information, contact Burch at 756-3839.

Flathead Valley Community College and 11 other sponsors have tapped Rebecca Ryan, an authority on next generation talent, to speak at a luncheon and social hour May 25 in Kalispell.

Flathead Valley Community College and 11 other sponsors have tapped Rebecca Ryan, an authority on next generation talent, to speak at a luncheon and social hour May 25 in Kalispell.