COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Columbus Chamber of Commerce and public-policy leaders gathered at the Downtown Athletic Club Thursday to talk about what legislative issues are central to the success of business in Central Ohio.
The meeting aimed to impart that thought on public-policy makers.
"Young professionals in Columbus are frustrated. They're asking, 'Do we have growth potential?'" Long Tran said.
Tran is a 32-year-old IT consultant and said he had opportunities to work elsewhere -- but he chose to make his home in Columbus.
"We're not engaging the young professionals enough. We're not answering the question: 'Why are you professionals leaving?'" he said.
Several young professionals said they believe that light rail is a must for Columbus to attract more Fortune 500 companies and younger workers.
"They use it because it gets them to work. It allows them to do work while on the way there," Tran said.
Tran said he believes that transportation alternatives will get West Coast and East Coast companies to look at Columbus.
"I could see some of them coming here just because the lower cost of living would be nice," Tran said.
The chamber had 30 public policy makers taking part in the event and from rail to many other issues. They're asking for those leaders to press forward.
"We are hopeful that our public policy leaders will also walk away with ideas on what they can work on at the statehouse to make our region stronger," said Steve Tugend, of Columbus Chamber.
Tran said he hopes the rail discussion picks up -- and fast.
"Young professionals right now in Columbus are frustrated. They don't see a direct line to the future now with the economic conditions," Tran said.
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