Connect matches newcomers and long-time locals in an online platform
BATON ROUGE, La. (October 11, 2017) — The Baton Rouge Area Chamber today announced the launch of Connect, a web-based community-connector program. The online platform is designed to acclimate newcomers to the Capital Region by matching them with long-time locals who volunteer to meet up, swap stories and answer questions about making Baton Rouge home.
“As more and more people move to the Baton Rouge Area, we have recognized the need for conversation starters other than questions like, ‘where’d you go to high school?’” said Adam Knapp, BRAC president and CEO. “The Connect program helps newcomers make contacts with long-time Baton Rougeans with similar interests, while at the same time helping to open up the region in a welcoming way. Talent is a key driver of economic development, and Connect allows every person in the region to truly play a part.”
Connect allows for two types of participants: City Guides and Pathfinders. City Guides are trusted locals, community connectors, and champions of the Baton Rouge Area looking to help guide incoming professionals, or Pathfinders, into new jobs, organizations and the community at large.
Participants are matched through a questionnaire that identifies similarities between City Guides and Pathfinders. Once matched by the system, Connect alerts participants and encourages them to meet for coffee, a community tour or other event.
For more information, or to volunteer as a City Guide or sign up as a Pathfinder, visit brac.org/connect. Connect was created by local software company Clear Blue Design.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,500 small businesses, midsize firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at brac.org.
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