Talent First Economics

Headshots of IEI Director Sarah Hall with Samantha Cole, Mary Scott and Dr. Shannon White; text reads “The Connector, NC Tri-Share: Accessible Childcare for Working Families, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”

May 5, 2025

NC Tri-Share: Accessible Childcare for Working Families

What’s being done to enhance childcare accessibility for North Carolina’s working families? Join IEI Director Sarah Hall and experts from the NC Department of Commerce and NC Partnership for Children as they dive into two key solutions: the new Child Care Business Liaison role and the NC Tri-Share pilot program.

Dec 20, 2024

Director’s Message | December 2024

In her last Director's Message of the year, IEI Director Sarah Hall announces exciting news about scholarships for K-12 educators to attend the 2025 Emerging Issues Forum, made possible by our partners at the Public Consulting Group. She also shares a recap of her top five IEI highlights from 2024.

Background image of people sitting at a conference listening to a speaker. Foreground text says "Talent First Economics Impact Report."

Jul 25, 2024

IEI Releases Talent First Economics Impact Report

IEI is pleased to release the Talent First Economics Impact Report, a summary of the work IEI and our collaborative partners have engaged in to help put talent first.

Mar 28, 2024

Director’s Log | March 2024

March is almost over and while some of our brackets may be busted, our team alliances remain deep. The same could be said for our views on today’s political landscape. …

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.

A group of people sit at tables in a classroom setting

Jan 23, 2024

Cape Fear Community Cohort Team Brings Regional Leaders Together to Support Opportunity Youth

On December 13, 2023, youth program leaders and industry professionals from Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties gathered at Brunswick Community College in Leland for the Four-County Regional Conversation on Opportunity Youth - a meeting of leaders with the shared goal of better connecting young adults to employment and upward economic mobility.

Dec 18, 2023

Director’s Log | December 2023

The end of 2023 is upon us. As we all prepare to take a well-deserved break, I want to use this opportunity to reflect on what made this an exciting…

Nov 30, 2023

Director’s Log | November 2023

As the holiday season officially kicks off, we’re celebrating our own season here at IEI: Forum registration season! On Nov. 1, we opened registration for the 2024 Emerging Issues Forum,…

A wide angle shot of a large room filled with tables where people are sitting.

Nov 30, 2023

Western NC Community Cohort Team Holds Symposium to Address Regional Education and Workforce Goals

On Wednesday, Nov. 8, representatives from more than 85 organizations and institutions based in Western North Carolina attended the A3 Education and Workforce Symposium at UNC Asheville. The event was organized by the Talent First Economics Community Cohort Western Mountain Region team, a group of certified workforce development leaders helping increase employment opportunities for underrepresented workers in the region.