Talent Attraction Success Stories from Around the South

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.

Together, these success stories highlight how Southern communities are building vibrant, talent-rich environments that foster economic resilience and opportunity.

Think Greensboro – A Holistic Approach to Talent Attraction and Retention

Guilford County, anchored by Greensboro and High Point, is a key economic hub in North Carolina, driven by diverse industries from advanced manufacturing to healthcare. Action Greensboro’s Think Greensboro initiative integrates three flagship programs to attract and retain talent: Campus Greensboro, synerG, and Boomerang.

Campus Greensboro connects college students with local internships and career development opportunities, fostering ties to the community. synerG empowers young professionals with resources, mentorship, and networking events tailored to their career growth.

Boomerang Greensboro focuses on attracting skilled professionals who once lived in the area, assisting them in re-establishing connections and finding career opportunities locally. Together, these programs create a comprehensive talent ecosystem that makes Guilford County a place where talent not only arrives but chooses to stay and thrive.

Ocala CEP – Building a Talent-Rich Community Through Targeted Attraction Initiatives

For over five years, the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP) has made talent attraction a strategic priority, recognizing that recruiting skilled professionals is just as essential as bringing in top-tier businesses. Ocala’s proactive approach supports local companies by addressing recruitment needs and showcasing the metro area’s unique lifestyle and opportunities.

Live Life Here is a dynamic social media campaign designed to raise awareness of Ocala Metro's exceptional quality of life. By targeting high-growth regions nationwide through Facebook and Google Ads, the campaign strategically reaches prospective residents, highlighting the area’s affordability, career opportunities, and active community life. With the recent addition of a Cost of Living Index and an online calculator, Live Life Here provides practical resources to support relocation decisions.

Focusing on healthcare, manufacturing, and education, the campaign connects potential residents with job postings, local real estate, attractions, and a community calendar. Visitors can even request Ocala’s Annual Relocation Guide, a comprehensive directory for the metro area’s 1,500+ Chamber Business Partners. With more than 1,500 unique visitors monthly, Live Life Here generates valuable leads for local businesses and continues to position Ocala as a premier destination for new talent and growth.

NRV Experience – Cultivating Talent Amidst the Scenic New River Valley

Virginia’s New River Valley, framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, is tackling workforce challenges with the NRV Experience, a transformative eight-week program by Onward NRV.

Launched in 2020, NRV Experience introduces interns to both professional development and the valley’s vibrant lifestyle. Through community excursions – like blacksmithing in Floyd County and ziplining in Giles – participants connect with the region’s culture, while workshops led by local colleges sharpen career skills in communication, leadership, and DEI.

With 190 interns engaged and 19 young professionals already planting roots locally, NRV Experience is building a talent pipeline that supports the area’s key industries and future growth.

Live & Work Temple – Evolving Talent Attraction to Meet Workforce Needs

In 2020, Temple Economic Development Corporation launched Live & Work Temple to establish Temple, Texas, as a prime location for job seekers and employers.

Recognizing evolving workforce needs, the initiative expanded into a comprehensive platform supporting veterans, job seekers, and employers across Central Texas. Serving as the gateway for workforce resources, Live & Work Temple has become a model for inclusive economic growth.

A central feature of Live & Work Temple, Employ Central Texas is the state’s first regional jobs portal built in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission. Integrating Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes, this portal helps veterans seamlessly connect their skills to local job opportunities, underscoring Temple’s commitment to the military community. Since launching, this rebranding effort has elevated Temple’s reputation in workforce development, positioning the region as a top destination for skilled talent.