CHICAGO, February 13, 2008 – World Business Chicago (WBC) is targeting talented Ivy League graduates by launching its new digital media project to recruit talent to the city at the All Ivy Environmental Career Fair in New York City on February 15. "Cooler by the Lake" highlights Chicago’s benefits as a thriving business community with an outstanding quality of life through video, dynamic visuals and extensive information about the City, set to a soundtrack of Chicago-based bands.
The free CD, designed to convince college seniors and first-year graduate students from across the country to begin their careers in Chicago, will serve as a recruiting tool for local companies. WBC representatives will also distribute the tool at career fairs throughout the country.
The project is intended to help the City attract the highly coveted 25- to 34-year old demographic, who research says is essential to compete in the global knowledge economy. This group, also referred to as the Millennial generation, is highly mobile and essential to cities in strengthening downtowns through job growth.
"In order to stay competitive in today’s global economy, we need to have a strong and educated workforce," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "By continuing to attract young talent to our city, we are also building and maintaining a strong economic future for our residents."
Chicago has seen the effects of talent driving downtown growth, with companies including Motorola, CDW, Wrigley and NAVTEQ all opening or expanding innovative offices in the City due to its talent.
"The emergence of CDW Plaza reflects our growing presence in downtown Chicago, where we have had great success recruiting and developing talent," said John A. Edwardson, chairman and chief executive officer, CDW said at a press conference announcing its new space downtown.
Research shows that the Millennials will decide where to live first and then look for a job, and the purpose of the project is to make Chicago top-of-mind when this decision is being made. Additionally, this demographic is insistent upon a work/life balance more so than previous generations. "Cooler by the Lake" proves that Chicago is an ideal place to find this balance.
Included in the CD is a wide-range of information about living and working in Chicago, with everything from the top companies to work for, to the top bars and recreational sports leagues under the categories: Welcome to Chicago, Live Chicago, Work Chicago and Explore Chicago. It provides neighborhood guides, industry data for all key sectors and hyperlinks to cultural, business, recreational and dining institutions throughout the City.
This is the second digital media project aimed at this demographic produced by World Business Chicago. A previous version was distributed in September of 2001. WBC funded the project, with the assistance of a grant from the City of Chicago.
The CD was produced by Gameplan Creative, a Chicago-based global brand management company. Gameplan develops new product ideas for the sports and entertainment industries.
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World Business Chicago is a not-for-profit economic development organization promoting metropolitan Chicago. WBC markets Chicago's competitive advantages, coordinates business retention and attraction efforts, and seeks to enhance Chicago's business-friendly environment. WBC's Board of C-level corporate executives is chaired by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.
Media Contact: Karley Sweet
ksweet@worldbusinesschicago.com | 312.553.4658
