Kent County Economic Summit speaks on millennials

DOVER, Del. – Kent County leaders are doing all they can to keep more millennials working in Delaware.

“That age group is the age group that in central Delaware we struggle with,” said the Kent County Economic Partnership Executive Director, Linda Parkowski.

That is why on Tuesday, state officials gathered at this year’s Kent County Economic Summit to push for new changes that will keep millennials working here while helping the state grow.

“They like a more urban lifestyle, so it’s our job to tell them all the good things that we have to do,” said Parkowski.

Some community members at the Kent County Economic Summit agreed that there are not enough job opportunities available for millennials in the county.

“You get tired of doing the same things,” said Mary Besong, a Camden resident, “So, that’s why I’ve looked for jobs outside of Delaware.”

Some millennials say there is a big need for higher paying jobs. So, county leaders took to the stage on Tuesday letting everyone know that one new Delaware Turf Sport Complex and other plans will help attract new businesses and change this situation in the future.

“Competition for new business is global, and that’s why it’s important for us to emphasize the unique qualities that central Delaware has to offer,” said the Kent County Levy Court County Administrator, Mike Petit de Mange.

“I would hope that there would be more businesses, more research-based jobs,” said Besong.

Moving forward county leaders say they hope to work closely with town officials to help make these changes a reality.

The Kent County Economic Summit took place at the Delaware Technical Community College.

State officials also talked about the construction of an employment center in the county that will attract more non-retail employment opportunities.