Birminghambusinessalliance.com
The Birmingham Business Alliance’s (BBA) Talent Recruitment Project (TRP), an ongoing talent attraction and retention workforce program, is offering a free summer program for interns at companies across the Birmingham seven-county region. The program helps talent build an affinity for Birmingham, which in turn will improve employers’ chances of retaining employees.
Magic City Summer is a series of free social events that connect summer interns to Birmingham’s culture, communities and influencers. Events will include a seminar about money management skills, a week of service and a reception with Birmingham’s young CEOs to learn why they chose Birmingham to build their business. Participants will enjoy a VIP summer experience, receiving discounts for some of Birmingham’s most popular summer events and activities.
The program allows Birmingham’s exceptional quality of life to take center stage for those returning to Birmingham from college or living in the Magic City for the first time, said Dr. Sanjay Singh, chairman of the BBA’s Workforce Advisory Council.
“Summer internships are becoming extremely popular among employers and college students, drawing not only locals who are returning home for the break, but also interns who are visiting the Magic City for the first time,” he said. “This is our opportunity to showcase our great quality of life, where you can work hard and play hard as well as anywhere in the country!”
Magic City Summer kicks off at 4 p.m. on June 13 at Regions Field. The event will include food, fun and a summer events expo for interns and students to learn more about activities in Birmingham during the summer.
The BBA works closely with companies to identify workforce needs in the community, such as the need for young professional talent attraction and retention.
“We eagerly look for opportunities to showcase our region as a wonderful place to live, work, worship and learn,” said Bill Connor, president and CEO of America’s First Credit Union, which is a sponsor of the program this year. “This program helps young professionals from our region and beyond to experience the lifestyle we have to offer and hopefully help them decide to make Birmingham their home.”
A city’s quality of life plays a significant role in young talent’s decision to leave or stay in a community, said Brittney Smith, manager of workforce development at the BBA.
“A recent report stated that 43 percent of college graduates in the region pursue opportunities outside of Birmingham,” Smith said. “While we have done a good job of increasing the city’s young professional population, we are still competing with our peer metros to attract this demographic. Programs like Magic City Summer are needed to help market Birmingham as a desirable place to live, work and play.”
Companies can register for Magic City Summer by contacting Brittney Smith at bsmith@birminghambusinessalliance.com
