Would new multiplex help companies attract employees?

At a recent public forum, it was suggested that if there was more to do in the city, employers would have an easier time attracting talent. A more positive attitude about what already exists could help.

At the last public meeting about options for repairing or replacing aging recreation infrastructure, it was suggested by a member of the business community that a new facility would help local companies attract more applicants for jobs because it was hard to sell Miramichi as a place where there are lots of things to do in your spare time.

It was a unique perspective on the benefits of recreation options in the community, but a city director suggests a more positive attitude toward existing programs and facilities would also help the city's appeal.

Justin Somers is in the auto business.  His family operates three businesses and have recently been recruiting a sales manager. Somers spoke at the last public forum, and offered a unique perspective on the recreation issue. 

"When we had employees move here and their spouses had employment here too, like at the payroll, they are always looking at what there is to do here during their downtime,” explained Somers. “It takes a quality community to attract quality applicants.”

Somers says that if he is trying to recruit someone with specific talents, like a sales manager position, and the person has the option of a similar job in a place like Moncton, he feels some candidates will be drawn to opportunities in other locations for reasons that have nothing to do with the job.

“For the most part  the pay is similar, but people may choose to take jobs in places where there is more to do.”

At a recent public forum on recreation infrastructure – most people see it as the multiplex debate – Somers commented that he supported a new recreation complex because he felt it would help him compete for top talent for his family business, Towne Auto Group.

“We had one person who was in his early 30’s who accepted a job someplace else, and when we met with him he asked ‘What is there to do outside of work?  I have a young family.’”  Somers said he also hears people talking about the registration process for some activities that requires people to show up in person to register their children.

When asked by potential employees about Miramichi , what does Somers tell people?

“We tell people about the great outdoor opportunities at [French Fort Cove], and we tell them that there is really a lot of programs for youth even if they are restricted by space and the short seasons some of them have.”  Somers also said that people ask about schools in the area, and he tells them of the new ones being built, and of the good reputations the existing ones have.

Somers  said they recently  advertised for a position that only received 3 applicants.  “It was kinda scary how few applications we get for jobs, especially from the local area in the last little bit. “ Somers said the applicants all came from outside the province, and none from Miramichi.  He said the job had a specific skill set, but it was still surprising that no local people applied.

The lack of modern recreation facilities may not have as much to do with attracting employees to Miramichi as some people think, according to one of the people who also commented on the multiplex issue at the public meeting last week.

Bill Hachey is in favour of fixing the existing the facilities and not building a new one, because he feels repairs would make more sense considering the aging demographic in Miramichi.  Hachey took the microphone for the second time at the meeting at the MAEA after everyone else had their turn.  Many people, including Somers, were advocating for a new facility, and some people were citing a lack of facilities.  Hachey reminded people that a new multiplex was not going to create more space for recreation – only replace older infrastructure. 

This is a point echoed by Director of Economic Development Jeff MacTavish.  In an interview with MacTavish about the idea  that more modern recreation facilities would help businesses be more competitive in attracting talented people, he suggests a more positive message about  what already exists here would help.

"I think Somers' point is valid when he says people are looking for things to do.  The only cautionary thing I would add is that with a new facility there could be similar programs delivered in a different way," says MacTavish.  He added that he felt the city offers a lot of programs with the existing facilities, but maybe there needs to better communication of the programs, and more positive communications of those offerings as well.

"A lot of times there is negativity in the press when you read stories about mill closures and such, but we need to do a better job talking about our success stories, about how businesses can grow and thrive, as well as promoting the cost of living here compared to other places in New Brunswick or in Canada.  We need to do a better job of communicating these things to show people that Miramichi is a wonderful place to live," said MacTavish.

MacTavish said he recently attended an event called "Miramichi 2030", a focus group organized by MYPIE (Miramichi Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs).  "A lot of the comments that came forward had to do with how the city could do a better job on the communications side.

"We are working towards that," MacTavish said.  "We are developing a new website that I think will be  more dynamic, and we are developing partnerships with the MRTA to promote tourism offerings.  We are working closer with the local festivals, trying to incorporate the media more, letting them know the things that are going on."

"Recreation is certainly part of attracting people, but it certainly is not the only thing that people consider when they are coming to a community.  Personally, I think our recreation department does a lot with with what they have already," said MacTavish.

MacTavish said he felt there is one unasked question when the discussion arises about communicating what there is to do in Miramichi.

"People should be asked how they want to be informed about what is going on.  Is it a website?  Is it a weekly ad?  Is it radio announcements?  Now, we have so many different way of getting information, and it is hard to effectively target all audiences in an effective and efficient manner."

MacTavish says with all the options out there, it has actually gotten more complicated to reach everyone with information and the positive message that is needed.