Reversing the drain of young professionals

It wasn't one of those news stories that strikes an emotional chord for most -- just a short article saying that Legacy, Northern Kentucky's young professionals group, had formally approved a merger with the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

But it is news worth noting. A documented concern on both sides of the river has been the drain of talented young professionals to other regions. There has been a sense that there aren't enough opportunities for them to thrive; that the cultural and lifestyle opportunities might be more exciting elsewhere.

Legacy is one of those reasons that this perception is changing. These young professionals are engaged in everything from social events to community voluteerism to sponsorship of major forums -- such as an Oct. 3 debate between Kentucky governor candidates Steve Beshear and Ernie Fletcher at Northern Kentucky University.

Getting young, energetic people into the pipeline of local leadership not only benefits Legacy and the Northern Kentucky Chamber, it benefits the whole community.

Legacy represents another piece of the puzzle of future prosperity.