(This column was written by LPED President and CEO, Jason Ball, for the May 2023 edition of Strictly Business Magazine)

Last summer, as we launched the strategic planning process that would later outline our Vitality Lincoln plan for the future, I knew talent recruitment would be a key area of focus. While this has been a critical component of our work at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development for years, challenges remain to connect Lincoln’s business community with the workforce needed for continued success. 

In addition to the ongoing demand for trained talent, it is now more important than ever to identify new opportunities to retain current students and the future leaders of our workforce. For today’s young professionals, students and job seekers, place is just as important as opportunity when it comes to making career decisions. Fortunately, we have tremendous assets in Lincoln, making our community an ideal place to live and work, and it is critical that we elevate our efforts to effectively tell that story. 

As we continue working to build a pipeline of talent to meet the hiring needs of our local business community, we are excited to announce the return of MyTern. Established by our Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development team in 2017, MyTern illustrates what a future in Lincoln would be like to the hundreds of students interning at our local businesses throughout the summer months. Through a series of carefully curated events, interns from a variety of backgrounds, industries and hometowns are offered an inside look at what life in Lincoln would look like if they choose to build a career here. 

While our Chamber members and business leaders continue citing workforce as their top competitive challenge, it is no secret that current college students will be stepping into a world with more career opportunities than ever before. This summer, I invite all Lincoln business leaders to encourage your interns to participate in MyTern. This year’s four signature events are designed to creatively showcase life in Lincoln, foster impactful connections and generate excitement about a future in Lincoln. Let our team play a role in your talent retention process by ensuring your interns have an out-of-office experience that is equally engaging as their work.

For more details and a complete schedule of MyTern events, contact Kaylie Hogan-Schnittker or visit https://www.selectlincoln.org/lincoln-life/mytern.