SYRACUSE -- Some things just take off, because they touch a nerve. That is the only explanation for what is happening with one key phrase on Twitter.
After years and years of lamenting the "brain drain" that drives young, talented people out of Central New York just as they are about to become the most valuable, something interesting is happening. People of every age, who decided to make Syracuse and Central New York their home, are celebrating it on social media.
When Shannon Feeney, Employer Relations Coordinator for Syracuse University, posted a simple request on Twitter Monday, she could not have anticipated the result. She asked her 282 Twitter followers, and in turn all of their followers: "Whether you're from here or not, why did you choose to #stayinCNY? Feeney wants to use the responses in a future blog post and she used the hashtag #stayinCNY in order to more easily search Twitter for the results of her request. Within a few hours there were dozens and dozens of responses.
No longer causal observers to the "brain drain," people who have built careers and lives in Syracuse and Central New York seem to have found a new voice for their pride in the area. Here are some of the responses. You can add yours on Twitter with the hashtag #stayinCNY.
Bob S @OhLookItsBob: Because places like this are hidden where you least expect them. #stayinCNY (See his photo uploaded from Manlius here)
Kate Brodock @just_kate Why would you *not* #stayinCNY? Beautiful, open, friendly. Just close your eyes, breath it in and you'll get it....
Greg Munno @gregmunno Why I #stayinCNY: Diversity, access, people. Everson to Green Lakes, SU to Skaneateles, Armory to Ithaca. It's all here for the taking.
Tracy Tillapaugh @tracytilly NO TRAFFIC!
Richard Sauter @rjsauter44 Echoing all those who choose to #stayinCNY. Wife & I moved back from DC in '03 b/c of family, the people, the scenic beauty and SU sports!!
Michele Maciejewski @envnewsmedia Being athletic, I #stayinCNY 4 great running community, CranX bike park, climbing at The Wall, skiing & Middle Ages beer (to stay quenched!)
Michael Benny @MichaelBenny After 12 yrs it is home! I think it decided 4 me. Great job, great life. #stayinCNY I recall thinking I’d be here for 2 years!!
