Members of Generation West Virginia will convene at the State Capitol on Thursday, Jan. 30. In its fifth year, Generation West Virginia Day at the Legislature is designed to showcase West Virginia’s young talent and engage Generation West Virginia members in policy-making. The event aims to bring together young talent, those 21 to 45 years of age, from across West Virginia and 12 regional young talent organizations to participate in leadership training, legislative education and networking. Being a part of the legislative process is a key way to make change happen in the Mountain State.
“Our state’s future depends on a strong, dynamic, and effective workforce and requires that our state must recruit, retain, and advance young talent”, shares Elizabeth Sudduth, co-chair of Generation West Virginia. She adds, “Generation West Virginia’s Day at the Legislature is an opportunity for young talent from a diversity of communities, professions, and backgrounds to meet with policy makers, advocate for legislation that will help our state become a destination for the younger workforce, and participate in the democratic process.”
One of the strongest components for any community, region or state to have for its long term economic success is a growing base of young talent. In a report released by Generation WV in late 2012, it forecasted that if West Virginia does not actively attract and retain the 21 to 45 years of age demographic over the next ten years the state could lose more than $3 billion dollars in disposable income. With the recent report that West Virginia was one of only two states that had a decline in the past year, the work of Generation WV to recruit and retain young talent is more critical now than ever. Generation WV and its regional young talent organizations have made great strides by growing a movement of young leaders.
Invited speakers and panelists include: Senate President Jeff Kessler and Minority Leader, Senator Mike Hall, House Speaker Tim Miley and Minority Leader, Delegate Tim Armsted, and Delegate Amanda Pasdon.
To register, visit www.generationwv.org or email generationwvchair@gmail.com. After Jan. 23, registration is $30 per person.