Community Matters
A group of individuals on a public tour of a manufacturing plant

Community matters

One way to be an employer of choice is to become actively engaged in the community. It speaks volumes about your organization’s values. It’s a good short- and long-term recruiting strategy. It increases your name recognition while demonstrating commitment to your community.

Here are a few ways you can get more engaged:

Offer learning opportunities. Opening your doors for public tours—like many Minnesota manufacturers do each October during Manufacturing Week—is a good way to inform people about your industry and what you do. Other learning opportunities can include:

  • Job shadowing
  • Mentoring programs
  • Apprenticeships
  • Internships
  • On-the-job training
  • Volunteer roles

Build relationships with local schools and colleges. This is a particularly good way to foster relationships and develop a talent pipeline. It can include:

  • Serving on an advisory board for a local K-12 school or college
  • Speaking in schools about the work you do
  • Offering scholarships
  • Participating in career fairs and other educational events

Connect with your community. Other tangible ways to show you’re committed to your community include:

  • Being active in business and community organizations such as the local chamber of commerce, Rotary Club, the Elks and other organizations
  • Serving on the board of local nonprofit organizations
  • Making donations or providing in-kind support to community groups
  • Connecting with local economic developers and development groups
  • Participating in professional groups and industry associations