Workforce Recruitment Partnership with UIAA

Sponsorship with Alumni Association Provides Resources to Those Wanting to Return

The Iowa City Area Development (ICAD) Group is joining the University of Iowa (UI) Alumni Association on the road this fall as a sponsor of “Hawkeye Huddles” during all Iowa Football away games.  Hawkeye Huddles are free pre-game receptions prior to all away football games and are hosted by The National I-Club and UI Alumni Association.

This sponsorship, which includes on-site signage and giveaways at all five Hawkeye Huddles, as well as information in alumni e-mails, is part of a larger workforce development strategy for the region.

“Connecting with alumni already passionate about the area is important in recruiting talent to our region,” said DaLayne Williamson, Workforce Business Services Director for ICAD Group.  “This partnership provides alumni, especially those considering returning, resources for researching opportunities here at home.”

ICAD Group is directing alumni to the website www.PickYourPace.com for information on employment opportunities and to learn what life is like in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Corridor.

“For some alumni, it may have been years since they’ve been back and Pick Your Pace provides information through videos and text so they can experience life here,” added Williamson.  “During the huddles, alumni will be able to talk with UIAA representatives, get information and even check the website on their phone.”

ICAD Group launched the Pick Your Pace website last summer, as well updated an accompanying information kit, to help clients and investors with hiring challenges.

According to Joe Raso, ICAD Group President, there are times when candidates need extra convincing to consider moving to Iowa.  “When a position requires it, our clients have to look beyond this area for certain skill sets and experience.  It can be easier to recruit a candidate if he or she is already familiar with the area, but if not, we need to help sell the benefits of living and working here,” said Raso.  “We need to show that it isn’t cows and corn, which unfortunately is the image for many.”

Williamson added it is an ongoing process.  “We are actively updating the website and packet to include first-hand accounts and give an accurate representation of living and working here.  There are so many opportunities for workers in any stage of their career and we want to help them pick the pace that works best for them.”
 

2011 Hawkeye Huddle Schedule

• Friday, September 9 - 5:30p - 7:30p, 7 Flags Center, Clive, Iowa
• Saturday, October 8 - TBD, The Nittany Lion Inn, Penn State
• Saturday, October 29 - TBD, Radisson University Hotel, Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Saturday, November 19 - TBD, University Inn, Purdue
• Friday, November 25 - 8:00a - 10:00a, Pershing Center, Lincoln, Nebraska