Homecoming: This Millennial Returned Home and Never Looked Back
As many young people do, Brittany Grimes left her hometown for college and to start her career. Then she decided to return. She is director of public relations and marketing at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois (pop. 31,000). She’s an example of a Millennial (age 22 to 37) who made the choice to return to her small city roots, reversing the so-called “brain drain” from rural America. Brittany is one of the guests featured on an upcoming free Heart & Soul Talks webinar, where you can hear more of her story and others who made the choice to go big in small towns.
Heart & Soul Talks: Going Big in Small Places: Millennials Make Their Mark in America’s Towns,
Wednesday, Nov. 14, 1-2 p.m. Eastern. Free!
Orton Family Foundation: Where did you grow up?
Brittany Grimes: I grew up in Galesburg, Illinois. My family relocated to the quaint town when I was eight years old. My mother’s family is originally from the area.
Orton: When did you leave and when did you return to your hometown?
BG: I left Galesburg in 2004 to attend Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. I returned to Galesburg fourteen years later in 2016 with eight years spent in the Washington D.C. area.
Orton: Why did you decide to return?
BG: I decided to return in order to be closer to my family and explore local opportunities.
Orton: What can your town do to draw more Millennials like you?
BG: I believe Galesburg is doing the right things already. We have a Guide to Greater Galesburg available through the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development and the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce that share the benefits of moving to Galesburg. We have various local restaurants (Korean, Japanese, Indian and American) two microbreweries, many local small businesses, a young professional group, plenty of volunteer groups to get involved with from arts to advocacy groups, and career opportunities and broad experiences that as a professional you are not likely to get anywhere else.
Register today for: Going Big in Small Places: Millennials Make Their Mark in America’s Towns, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 1-2 p.m. Eastern. Free! (If you can’t make the live session, sign up and we will send you the recording.)
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