Lakeshore Advantage launches survey in effort to keep young talent in the region

As young professionals across Allegan and Ottawa counties weigh their future in West Michigan, Lakeshore Advantage is turning to them for answers. 

The nonprofit economic development organization has launched a survey aimed at uncovering the factors that make young adults choose to stay in the region – or decide to move elsewhere.

“We know that ensuring our employers have access to the talent they need is vital to our long-term economic health,” says Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “Here on the Lakeshore, we’ve consistently led the way in population growth. However, securing our future workforce in high-demand positions starts with retaining our young talent. This survey will help us identify what we can do to that end.”

The survey focuses on adults ages 18-34, a demographic that represents nearly half of the Lakeshore region’s population, according to the latest census data. Despite their significance to the local economy, many young professionals are leaving the area. Data from the 2022 American Communities Survey shows that around 12% of this age group relocated to a different county or state within a year.

Increasing region’s appeal

By targeting this demographic, the Lakeshore Emerging Worker Survey seeks to understand both the attractions and obstacles of life in the region. Participants will be asked what they value most about living on the lakeshore, what challenges they face, and what changes could make the area more appealing to them. The goal is to gather a comprehensive picture of what drives young professionals’ decisions about where to live and work.

Lakeshore Advantage is working with community partners to distribute the survey, including local Chambers of Commerce, educational institutions, and community organizations. The organization supports primary employers in Ottawa and Allegan counties at all stages of development, plans for long-term economic health, and addresses economic challenges and opportunities.

The survey is available online in English and Spanish through the Lakeshore Advantage website. To encourage participation, respondents who complete the survey by Sept. 6 will be entered into a drawing for one of five $100 VISA gift cards.
The Frost Research Center at Hope College has been contracted to develop and administer the survey.

Lakeshore Advantage supports primary employers in Ottawa and Allegan counties at all stages of development, plans for long-term economic health, and addresses economic challenges and opportunities.