The Generation Iowa Commission, with help from the Iowa Department of Economic Development, has launched one of it’s major initiatives designed to keep young people from leaving the state. Shawn Rolland, a spokesperson for IDED, says it a website; www.GenerationIowa.com .
Rolland calls it a "one-stop shop website for everything young Iowa." The commission, which was created by state lawmakers, is made up of 15 Iowans between the ages of 18 and 35. Rolland says the website offers a mix of business and entertainment. "They’ll be able to connect to Iowa events, recreation, careers and each other," Rolland said. "Some of the tools that will be on the site are social networking opportunities, career advice, upcoming events, festivals, links to young professional groups and a lot more."
The website will eventually include a host of written material, photos and videos submitted by young Iowans. "We really wanted to make it a user generated content site. We want young folks across Iowa to send their stories, their photos, their videos…and really make it their own website," Rolland said. "We don’t want it to just be a state marketing website." However, the Iowa Careers Consortium will also post job listings on the site.
"What this site is all about is bridging that information gap and to reframe Iowa’s image as a positive state to live, work and have fun," Rolland said. Members of the Generation Iowa Commission unveiled the website Friday during a press conference inside the Memorial Union on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames.