Episode 161: How Will Community Preparedness Level Up Economic Development Efforts? | Michael Harvey, Northwest Arkansas Council

Episode 161: How Will Community Preparedness Level Up Economic Development Efforts? | Michael Harvey, Northwest Arkansas Council 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“If you want to target talent, you need to customize what your region’s strengths are for the type of people you’re trying to attract. I firmly believe that the jobs will follow the talent.” –Michael Harvey

Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt. Number 4 on the “Best Places to Live” list by US News. One of the highest concentration of corporate workers in the US. Some might expect the region behind these stats to be a major metropolitan area, but it’s actually Northwest Arkansas that owns all of these exciting claims to fame. So, what are some of the secrets of this somewhat hidden gem?

Today, Michael Harvey, Chief Operating Officer at the Northwest Arkansas Council, joins Faye Davis to talk shop. Mike dives into the reasons why Northwest Arkansas is an extremely stable employment landscape, as well as how the region has evolved and grown alongside its Fortune 500 headquarters. Michael shares what continues to make his area so attractive to corporate HQs, detailing things like investment in lifestyle amenities and a focus on community development from an economic development angle.

We are celebrating Mike as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers for his creativity in leveling up economic development efforts in his region, especially in the inclusivity and equity space. If you are looking for advice on readying your community for bigger HQ investment and learning about community-based economic development, today’s episode is right up your alley. Tune in now!

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai