Ross DeVol

There are few things as fundamentally important to the well-being of an economy as employment, and it’s no different in the heartland. While most of the conversation around the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly jobs report is focused on the national level, the state and community-level data can reveal a more nuanced narrative on the U.S. economy. On Pulse of the Heartland, we put together an analysis of the statistics focusing on the nuances revealed when comparing heartland and non-heartland labor markets. We saw: •Consistent growth across the country •Industry-specific trends to highlight •Steady labor force sizes and unemployment rates in heartland and non-heartland states With these analyses paired with industry and state-specific visualizations, we have our finger on the pulse of employment in the heartland and across the country. Find the Pulse yourself here: heartlandforward.org/pulse/h…

Most Dynamic Metropolitans 2024 is here! In its sixth year, the research report serves as a benchmark for economic dynamism across the US. Congratulations to 2024’s top metro: Midland, TX! You can read the full report on our website using the link below: heartlandforward.org/case-st…

Happy Holidays from Heartland Forward!

Today we are releasing our latest report, “Engineers, Computer Scientists and Data Scientists as Drivers of Economic Growth” which highlights the transformative impact that STEM education has on local economies. Read the full report here: heartlandforward.org/case-st…

Last week in Nashville, we brought together cross-functional health leaders and broadband directors to highlight how a healthier population will lead to a robust workforce and thriving communities. Thank you, caucus members, for bringing innovative solutions to the discussion!

Tony Mudd, Louisville Idea Accelerator participants and founder of Sensori Safety, seeks to advance workplace safety through innovative technology and a library of over 10,000 training videos. The Idea Accelerator “empowered [him] to take his business to the next level”.

It’s always a pleasure to sit down with @RobyBrock of Talk Business & Politics to discuss our current research and programming! Check out the story below! talkbusiness.net/2024/10/hea…

This weekend, our ambassadors visited Razorback Stadium ahead of Arkansas vs LSU to spread the word about the Connecting the Heartland Broadband Jobs Board in Arkansas and Louisiana. LSU grad and @ARConnectASBO Director @glenhowie stopped by to say hello!

Congratulations to Heartland Whole Health Institute on their game-changing partnership with @FollowMercy and @ClevelandClinic!

rootEd Arkansas places dedicated college and career advisors in rural schools to guide students through their postsecondary options. For more information, visit our rootEd Arkansas webpage: heartlandforward.org/news/hu…

The July edition of our monthly newsletter, Heartland Happenings, releases next week. It was a great month. You won’t want to miss it! Sign up for Heartland Happenings here: heartland-forward.read.axios…

All over Arkansas, people are talking about the release of the Connecting the Heartland Broadband Jobs Board! Check out some of the coverage below: @WorthSparkman with @Axios NWArkansas axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/… @drewclark with @BroadbandCensus broadbandbreakfast.com/heart…

Yesterday, Solomon Graves and Mary Larkin Furlow presented at the NGA Broadband Leaders Workshop. There, they highlighted the impact achieved through Connecting the Heartland (CTH) and the next steps for the initiative. Learn more about CTH here: connectingtheheartland.com/

Big things are coming soon from #HeartlandForward! Stay tuned next week for the release of "Most Dynamic Metros 2023". This report identifies trends in economic dynamism in cities across the country. In the meantime, read last year’s report here: heartlandforward.org/case-st…

Introducing Heartland Forward’s Thought Leadership page. Our leaders and partners are now sharing their stories and key insights around issues affecting the heartland. Find the page here: heartlandforward.org/in-the-…

We have moved and our signage is up! We are thrilled to be in our new location. Our new address is located on our homepage. Thank you to Arkansas Sign and Banner for the install on our windows! #heartlandforward

Inspired by her own journey of overcoming adversity, @SherelleHogan created The Pure Heart Foundation in Detroit to help children of incarcerated parents and break the cycle of generational involvement in the criminal justice system. Read her story in the thread below:

In @CityLab today, our senior fellow @Richard_Florida discusses his report for Heartland Forward, which evaluates the shifting #GeographyOfInnovation and how #heartland metros are receiving increased VC funding. This bodes well for the U.S., says Richard: bloomberg.com/news/articles/…

🚨VC investment in the #heartland has grown significantly over the past decade, surging by 400% from $15 billion in 2009-11 to $55 billion in 2019-21. Read more about the shift in the #GeographyofInnovation in our latest report by @Richard_Florida heartlandforward.org/case-st…