CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today joined members of the Young Workers Task Force as they released a report identifying ways New Hampshire can work to retain its young workforce.

“Our young people are vital to the future of our state’s economy, and we must do everything we can to keep their creativity and talents in New Hampshire,” Gov. Lynch said. “This report makes recommendations on how we can show young people that New Hampshire is a great place to work and raise a family, with many opportunities for young people to begin their careers.”

Gov. Lynch created the task force last year through Executive Order and charged the working group with identifying barriers that prevent some young people from remaining in New Hampshire and developing a statewide strategic plan for retaining and recruiting young workers to the State of New Hampshire.

The Task Force was comprised of representatives from the education, business and labor communities from across New Hampshire. It was co-chaired by Gray Chynoweth of the Manchester Young Professionals Network and Chris Williams of the Nashua Young Professionals Network.

“We are excited about furthering efforts to promote New Hampshire to young workers and building on the recommendations in this report and have a great story to tell,” Chynoweth said. “We know through our research why people chose to stay or leave the state and believe that there are many ways through we can do a better job to connect with young workers, promote New Hampshire, and eliminate some of the perceptions and barriers that cause some young workers to leave.”

The New Hampshire College and University Council provided staffing and support as the Task Force did its work. The Task Force’s work builds on the University System of New Hampshire’s 55% Initiative, which is aimed at keeping 55 percent of the system’s graduates in New Hampshire.

“We wanted to make sure this was the kind of report that would spur action and not just wind up on a shelf once it was filed,” said Williams. “As a result, the Task Force formally endorsed the creation of an entity to further this effort and, we are pleased to announce the creation of a non-profit organization called Stay Work Play NH that can advance several of these initiatives, including the creation of a portal that will be a destination site for 20-30 year olds looking for more information about staying, working, and playing in New Hampshire.”

The work of the Task Force and the 55% Initiative will be continued by Stay Work Play NH, Inc., a recently established non-profit organization. Stay Work Play NH, Inc. is an independent organization which will run a Web site and marketing effort designed provide information about all New Hampshire has to offer for the 20 to 30 year old demographic.

“We are very excited to be able to publicly announce the establishment of Stay Work Play NH and receive the endorsement and support of the Governor’s Task Force to create this independent entity that will build off of the work of the University System's 55% Initiative,” said former University System Chancellor Stephen Reno. “Having an entity with a level of independence, broad representation from critical constituencies, and a mission focused on encouraging more of our young workers to consider New Hampshire as a career launching pad will make a positive impact on workforce and economic development in New Hampshire, as well as its social fabric.”

For more information about Stay Work Play NH and the work of the Task Force and 55% Initiative, go to www.stayworkplay.org.