Article by Marcell Bruski, Senior Director of Engagement, Big Sky Economic Development
At Big Sky Economic Development, we understand that attracting and retaining talent goes beyond offering job opportunities. It’s about showcasing a vibrant community where individuals can live affordably, grow personally and professionally, and have fun and play in their community. Our initiative, Better Off in Billings, embodied through the website betteroffinbillings.org, serves as a comprehensive resource for potential newcomers, residents, and employers, highlighting why you’re Better off in Billings, Montana’s City.
Beyond the Job: Showcasing the Community
We recognize that today’s talent is looking for more than just employment. They seek a place where they can have a better quality of life, live affordably, be in a safe community, a place that has opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a vibrant community where they experience work/life balance. From excellent healthcare and education to a variety of job opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, tech, oil and gas, and more, Billings offers a small-town feel with big-city amenities. Better Off in Billings highlights these aspects, showcasing the diverse industries, educational opportunities, and recreational activities that make Billings a place you want to call home.
A Hub for Residents, Potential Newcomers, and Employers
Our website serves as a central hub for current residents, potential newcomers, and employers. It provides valuable resources and insights into why Billings is an excellent place to live and work. Under the guiding theme of “There’s space for you to,” we focus on three core areas: be here, grow here, and play here. Providing a glance into our community through highlighting different organizations, areas of the city, and amenities throughout the site and within the downloadable guides.
A special feature we have on the site is our “ask a local” section. They are local representatives ready to answer any questions about life and business in Billings, providing a personal touch to the relocation experience for newcomers, individuals looking to move to Billings and/or to come to Billings for an interview.
The Recruiter Toolkit: Empowering Employers
Understanding that employers are not only showcasing their organizations but also the community as a whole, we have developed a robust recruiter toolkit. This toolkit is designed to assist organizations in highlighting the many benefits of living and working in Billings. It offers tools and resources that employers can use to demonstrate the quality of life and professional opportunities available to current and potential employees. Our featured ambassadors are a great local resource to incorporate into your recruitment efforts and bring in someone from the community and outside of your organization to talk about the great things Billings has to offer.
Better Off in Billings is your go-to resource for talent attraction and retention in the Billings community. By leveraging our website and recruiter toolkit, employers can effectively showcase the unique blend of professional and personal opportunities that make Billings a standout choice. For individuals looking to plant their roots, grow their careers, and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, there’s no better place than Billings. Visit betteroffinbillings.org to explore how Billings can be the perfect fit for you or your organization. You can also learn more about how to utilize BOIB by listening to episode 36 of our podcast, The Vault at 201 N Broadway.
BSED recently wrapped up a talent attraction and retention research project with Developers Council International (DCI). To learn more about the findings from this project and how BSED and the business community will be moving forward with the information, email marcell@bigskyeda.org.
This article originally published in the Fall 2024 Edition of LiNK, powered by Simply Local.
