Metro resolves to retain yuppies

By Monica Bryant
Diversity Institute Fellow

07.27.02

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The Metro Council adopted a resolution Tuesday to show support for efforts to encourage more young professionals to stay in Nashville.

The resolution, declaring July 23 as Young Professionals Day, commends the Nashville Area Junior Chamber of Commerce for its efforts to create opportunities that make the city a more attractive place to work and live.

Most resolutions are symbolic, but trying to keep young professionals in Nashville is a growing problem that the chamber and government officials are trying to combat.

"We like to promote partnerships promoting young professionals," said Leo Waters, council member-at-large, who sponsored the resolution.

Waters and other council members said young professionals serve an important function in the current and future landscape of the Nashville economy.

But Guy Looney, Junior Chamber president, said it is not uncommon for people to move in and out of Nashville in less than two years.

Looney said his organization, the Mayor’s office and the Nashville Chamber are forming a partnership to explore, identify and address issues related to the attracting, developing and retaining young professionals in the Nashville area.

Andrew Heltsley, a Junior Chamber board member, said efforts addressing retention issues are important because young professionals are becoming more transient.

"We take young professionals and dial them into the community and get them involved," he said. "It’s about creating a well-rounded professional that’s rooted in the community."

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Articles, photos by 2002 Diversity Institute Fellows
Collection page for articles written by 2002 Diversity Institute Fellows.  07.23.02