ESCANABA — The active labor force in Delta County includes just over 16,500 people. This means that every community and business leader we do have is extremely important to the future of our region. So, as a community we need to do everything we can to retain their talent and perspective. That said, we also need to foster a community that welcomes new individuals and the perspective that they bring to the table.

A big part of talent retention and attraction is offering quality professional development opportunities centered around engaging conversation on thought-provoking topics. A new professional networking club called, ‘Next UP’, is working to bring more of these opportunities to Delta County and we want you to participate.

I’d like to invite you to attend the group’s first professional development seminar being hosted at Bay College on Thursday, June 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. The informative and interactive presentation focuses on Generational Differences in the Workplace. For the first time ever, our nation’s workforce has five generations represented in its ranks. As workforce demographics rapidly change in Delta County, this topic is extremely relevant to all organizations and to the sustainability of our community.

The event is offered free of charge and will leave you with concepts and strategies that you can incorporate into your career like; Interacting with your team, communicating with your customer, attracting/retaining talent and planning for the future of your organization. You may even ask your manager or coworkers to attend with you.

While this event is being offered free of charge, registration is required and can be done online at universe.com/generations or by calling (906) 786-2192.

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TJ Thomas is executive director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance