As our recruiting season wraps up, I can’t help but reflect on how we’re working to make Decatur an even better place for recent graduates and young professionals. As someone who was born and raised here, I’ve always known that Decatur is special, and now, through the Best & Brightest Initiative, we’re offering something unique to those who choose to call our city home.
One of the things I’m most proud of with this initiative is how it’s helping us bring skilled workers to Decatur. We’re not just offering financial assistance for student loans or housing—we’re investing in the future of our community.
This program is about preserving the longevity of our city by attracting bright minds and talented individuals. Decatur is already full of great people and professionals; we just think in a global economy, you can never have enough!
Decatur is a great place to live, especially for those just starting out. The people here are wonderful, the pace of life is a bit slower, which is refreshing, but you’re still close to anything else you might want to do. The initiative primarily targets people with STEM degrees, but we’re not stopping there. We’re also working hard to bring in healthcare professionals and teachers.
Now in its ninth year, the Best & Brightest Initiative has been incredibly successful, and I believe that’s because it offers more than just financial help. We focus on creating real connections—through networking opportunities, group dinners, small group events, and helping people get plugged into the community. We make it a priority to ensure that everyone who comes here has the chance to get to know each other and build lasting relationships.
Applications for the 2024 class are now open. If you’ve graduated from an accredited post-secondary institution after January 1, 2014, and meet all other requirements, I encourage you to apply. While you do need to reside in Decatur, you don’t have to work here, which offers great flexibility for our area.
I’m passionate about this program because I believe in Decatur’s future, and I’m committed to helping shape it by bringing in the best and brightest talent. If you’re a recent graduate or a young professional looking for a supportive community and new opportunities, Decatur might just be the perfect place for you to call home.
