How do we retain talent in KW?

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Fighting words?

Michael Litt, CEO of Vidyard, in a March 29, 2018 opinion piece in The Globe and Mail writes:

Importantly, it’s not technology but rather community resources that the region lacks. The absence of convenient transportation, high-calibre health care and accessible education all represent serious challenges to our future. Combined, these lifestyle factors hamper our ability to attract the best and brightest people, as well as to cultivate and retain talent from our own backyard. When I speak to engineering students at local universities, for example, only about a quarter plan to stay in the region after graduation. And this regional brain drain extends well beyond tech.

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That’s why it’s key to up-level Kitchener-Waterloo in terms of nightlife, restaurants, art galleries, theatres, concert venues and more. A thriving cultural scene appeals to high-level recruits from outside the community, entices young local graduates craving a dynamic lifestyle and, really, benefits everyone who lives here.

Luisa D'Amato in an April 6, 2018 opinion piece in The Record returns fire:

Just as Litt's critique of the region seemed disengaged because the conversation was happening elsewhere, so his discussion of our cultural vibrancy seems disingenuous, because it is disconnected.

It's no secret that the fast-growing technology sector does not donate to arts groups at the levels it should. Tech employees don't attend arts events in the numbers they should. Perhaps they'd like different events. But without a conversation, we won't know. And without involvement, arts can't grow

I'm reminded a bit of the old joke about the person who marries someone, encourages them to change their lifestyle and then complains, "What happened to you? You're not the person that I married!"

As I've said before, Waterloo Region has quite a lot going for it and it's a shame that some of those who move here aren't happy with what they find (or what they don't or can't find).