The American South Advantage Newsletter

Southern Economic Development Council Newsletter | Winter 2024

Welcome to the American South Advantage Newsletter

In this edition, we turn our focus to one of the most defining challenges and opportunities in economic development: talent attraction. In a world increasingly constrained by talent shortages, the American South stands uniquely advantaged. Thanks to your innovative strategies and our region’s unparalleled quality of life, we are experiencing near-record labor participation rates and an unprecedented influx of new residents. People are choosing to call the American South home, bringing with them skills, creativity, and new energy that fuel our economy and strengthen our communities.

This momentum is no coincidence. It reflects the deliberate efforts of our members to create environments where talent thrives. From fostering workforce readiness and upskilling initiatives to crafting welcoming and inclusive communities, you exemplify what it means to lead with vision and purpose. Together, we are not only attracting talent but retaining it, positioning the American South as the world's premier location for investment, growth, and opportunity.

Your work goes beyond economic growth; it enriches lives, strengthens families, and builds a better future for us all. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to building stronger businesses, families, communities, states, and the #AmericanSouth.

Enjoy this edition of the American South Advantage Newsletter,

Matt Tackett

SEDC President

Come Home, Louisiana:

Fueling Ambition, Feeding the Soul

Some would argue that sequels can be even better than the original – The Godfather Part II, The Empire Strikes Back, or The Dark Knight fit the bill.

In that same spirit, Come Home, Louisiana is back with a renewed vision, proving that homecoming can be both familiar and forward-thinking. Originally launched in 2014 to welcome back residents displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, this campaign has transformed from nostalgia-driven to leading with “swagger and stats.” Appealing “more to the head than the heart,” it’s an invitation for ambitious professionals to return home without compromising their career goals.

MythBusters:

Talent Wars Edition

As the demand for skilled workers surges, communities everywhere are in a high-stakes race to become places that top talent wants to call home.

But what really drives relocation decisions today? The “Talent Wars 2024” report from the Development Counsellors International (DCI) is here to clear up the confusion, busting up common myths and providing fresh insights on what influences where skilled workers choose to live.

From job-driven moves to the appeal of small metro areas, here’s the real story on what attracts talent – and how communities and companies can use these insights to position themselves strategically in the talent attraction game.

Targeting College Town Talent

by Maria Satira, Greenville Eastern North Carolina Alliance

College towns have a unique opportunity when it comes to talent pipelines, workforce development, and student retention. According to the American Communities Project, there are 171 counties across the United States that are considered college towns, and combined, they’re home to nearly 25 million people. As economic development organizations and industries look to grow their local workforce, is it essential to target marketing efforts toward college students and recent graduates who already live in the college town area.

Quality of Place

A Crucial Factor in the War for Talent

In the grappling match for today’s top talent, the communities that stand out offer more than just job opportunities – they offer a genuine sense of place.

For a new generation of mobile professionals, where they live can be as important as where they work, especially with the rise of remote and hybrid options allowing them to choose a lifestyle that truly fits.

Quality of Place – the unique character, culture, and energy of a community – has become a powerful draw. Communities that invest in vibrant downtowns, green spaces, and recreational and cultural experiences are not only keeping up, they’re creating destinations that attract and retain skilled professionals for the long term.

Success Stories:

All Eyes on Clarksville-Montgomery County, TN

Youth Academy Launches Industrial Park Childcare Center, Providing 800 Spots for Local Working Families

Clarksville-Montgomery County, Tennessee is breaking down workforce barriers with The Youth Academy Industrial Park Childcare Center – a transformative childcare solution located in the heart of the Montgomery County Industrial Park.

Through a groundbreaking public-private partnership, this 800-student facility provides affordable, high-quality care with a 15% discount available to Industrial Park employees and active-duty military families.

The Youth Academy’s extended hours – from 5:00 am to midnight – cater to an array of shift workers, ensuring they can focus on their careers with peace of mind, knowing their children are well-cared-for nearby.

Talent Attraction Success

Stories from Around the South

Across the South, communities are crafting unique strategies to attract and retain skilled professionals, turning talent attraction into a key driver of growth.

From Greensboro’s multi-faceted programs supporting students, young professionals, and returning residents, to Ocala’s digital campaigns showcasing the region’s quality of life, these initiatives address talent needs with creative and targeted approaches.

Virginia’s New River Valley connects interns to local culture and career opportunities, while Temple, Texas, bridges workforce gaps with innovative resources for veterans and job seekers.

Peeking Behind the Curtain

with VEDP’s Virginia Talent Accelerator Program

When the LEGO Group announced plans for its new $1 billion manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County, Virginia, the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program – the No. 1-ranked workforce training program in the United States – was already well-established and firing on all cylinders.

Designed to provide fully customized recruitment and training solutions at no cost to eligible companies, this workforce initiative by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) has rapidly become a pivotal factor in Virginia’s appeal to global brands. With expertise spanning advanced manufacturing, technology, biotech and beyond, the Talent Accelerator equips new hires with industry-specific skills tailored to each company’s culture and operational needs.