Policy and a Pint: “The talent gap in Rochester”

This was my first time to the Arts Center since moving here in June. For those of you who haven’t been in the art center yet, it’s a beautiful space with large windows overlooking the Zumbro River, with a view of downtown which lit up with twinkling lights as the sun went down. I wondered as I walked through the Civic Center what they used such a large venue for. I didn’t know it yet as I walked passed, that it would be the focus of this discussion; not the space itself, but the artistic community in Rochester.    

Steve Seel of 89.3 The Current and guest speaker Tom Gillaspy established the topic of conversation which was less about the “talent” coming to Rochester and more about how to keep the talent here. The main focus centered on the arts, parks, entertainment and local businesses- basically the “community”- and not so much on job availability.  

First Tom Gillaspy established the history of Minnesota from 1950s onwards. He gave demographics and projected growth of Rochester stating that it was forecasted as the place with the most anticipated growth in the next 5-10yrs, surpassing such places as New York and Boston. Gillaspy gave several reasons for this, the first being that the baby boomers are approaching retirement which not only opens up the current jobs, but also implies, secondarily, growing Health Care needs as they age, thus creating jobs. Mayo Clinic then, and all business associated to it, as well as IBM, will continue to be the driving force to this growth in Rochester, MN. He also discussed how Minnesota is currently the most educated state and has the most jobs requiring higher education. These factors combined, led Seel to reference Richard Florida and the “creative class”. Presumably, with incoming people filling jobs at Mayo and IBM, they will be bringing highly “talented” people along with them; this “creative class” will potentially drive the growth of the town in domains outside of Mayo Clinic and IBM, though only if Rochester can retain them by offering the avenues needed.  

The majority of the comments during the open discussion held the same consensus: that Rochester needs more Arts to sustain those coming here to live. There were a large number of people who spoke about the need to support local stores, artists etc. and the need to create a “more interesting” community that would entice people to stay. On a second level, the commentaries also pointed to a need to create avenues for the “talents” to evolve and grow. If the “Arts” aren’t already present, then it should be made possible for those coming to town to establish this “creative community.”

While all the comments made by the audience had legitimacy, I feel it is too easy to say what is missing in Rochester and what we need to sustain the talent arriving; while it is much harder for people to actually do something about it. People are often too busy with their current lives to get involved, volunteer to organize groups and events, and never mind actually going to the events! I find the commitment fades once people realize what is involved in actually creating this wonderfully imagined community where there is a venue for every talent to be used and expressed. So while talking about it is a great first step to establishing the projected needs Rochester will have for all the incoming talent, we mustn’t forget that we physically have to get involved and donate our time, money and efforts to make sure it actually happens! John Wade, President of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, suggested that if you see a “gap” in this community, be it businesses or something else, that you shouldn’t wait for the opportunity to present itself to you. Instead, get in touch with the Chamber to present your ideas and see what can be done now!  Without our input, our town won’t grow.

Thanks to The Current for coming to Rochester and hosting Policy and a Pint, as well as the Citizens’ League and all those involved. I personally hope to see and attend many more of these types of events!