On this episode of TalentWise, we sit down with Gray Swoope, president & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors, to explore how workforce realities are shaping the future of economic development. From the long-anticipated labor shortages now hitting communities nationwide to the shifting expectations of a new generation of workers, Gray brings decades of experience and fresh perspective on what it takes to attract, retain and grow talent in today’s economy. We dig into everything from rural versus metro workforce strategies to the role of education partnerships, site selection and retention initiatives that truly move the needle. If you want to better understand where the workforce is headed and how leaders can prepare their communities and businesses for the next decade, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.