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Talent First Economics Community Cohort Completes First in Series of Workforce Development Trainings

Economic Development

A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, April 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues.”

Apr 30, 2026

Director’s Message | April 2026

In honor of Earth Day, IEI Director Sarah Hall reflects on the vital role of nature-based solutions in addressing North Carolina's critical infrastructure challenges. She also highlights the forward-thinking work of NC State faculty and students who are already leading the way by implementing these sustainable strategies across the state.
Spring 2025 cohort of the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative listening to a speaker in a group session.

Apr 7, 2026

Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative Accepting Applications

Applications are currently being accepted for the Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative cohort, taking place June 15-18. Only 25 spots are available. Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis until May 8, or until all spots are filled.
Group photo of the third cohort of IEI's Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative.

Nov 24, 2025

IEI Celebrates Third Cohort of the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative

IEI is excited to announce the third cohort of the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative, a professional development program for leaders in workforce and economic development. Graduates earned the professional designation of Strategic Workforce Leader after completing the four-day program.

Aug 25, 2025

Fall 2025 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative Accepting Applications

Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2025 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative cohort, taking place Oct. 28-31. Only 25 spots are available. Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis until Sept. 26, or until all spots are filled.
Group photo of the Spring 2025 SWLI graduates

May 9, 2025

IEI Celebrates 2025 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative Graduates

IEI is excited to announce the graduation of the spring 2025 class of the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative (SWLI), a professional development program for leaders in workforce and economic development.
Photo of IEI Faith & Community Initiative Lead Ellen Beasley receiving her 2024 REDI certificate from NC Rural Center CEO Patrick Woodie and Director of Leadership Programs Olaunda Green.

Jan 21, 2025

Faith and Community Initiative Lead Ellen Beasley Graduates from Leadership Development Program

Congratulations to IEI Faith and Community Initiative Lead Ellen Beasley on becoming a 2024 graduate of the Rural Economic Development Institute, the NC Rural Center's flagship leadership development program.
Mac Sims (center), President of East Greensboro Now, discusses how Guilford County must be able to adapt to the continued growth and economic desirability of the region.

Mar 28, 2024

Clean Energy, AI and Growth: Guilford County Workforce Leaders Hold Action Meeting on Jobs of the Future

Guilford County's continued growth and workforce opportunities was the central theme at the “Jobs of the Future: Guilford County Workforce Action Meeting” that took place on March 20 in High Point.

Mar 12, 2024

Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP) Is Building A Talent Pipeline For Years to Come

Since 2016, the Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP) program has provided approximately 100 Guilford County high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to “earn and learn” by gaining paid work experience while receiving their associates degree on full scholarship. 

Jan 20, 2023

Agenda Announced for the 2023 Emerging Issues Forum, Talent First Economics

Attendees at the 2023 Emerging Issues Forum will hear directly from speakers and panels about real measures that can break down barriers faced by workers so they can connect with meaningful employment.
A woman stands at a podium at the front of a room raising her hand. Several members of the audience have their hands raised.

Oct 19, 2022

Talent First Economics Community Cohort Completes First in Series of Workforce Development Trainings

IEI's Talent First Economics community cohort gathered for the start of the NC Workforce Development Leadership Initiative on Oct. 10-11 in Raleigh.