Cutting Through the Noise: Talent Attraction in 2026

Are you eager to advance your community's talent attraction efforts? Listen to this webinar featuring RoleCall Co-Founder, Tim Carty, who joined other industry leaders to discuss talent attraction challenges and break down the biggest workforce and economic development trends shaping regional competitiveness.

Listen to learn from:
- Carly McCrory-McKay: Executive Director, Champaign County EDC
- Ryan Malmberg: Talent Manager, Invest Ottawa
- Madeline Martini: Head of Network, Cintrifuse Capital
- Elan Keshen: Head of Marketing, Getro 🤝

The panel dives into the top talent attraction challenges facing Economic Development Organizations (EDOs), Chambers of Commerce, and regional partners—and what high-performing communities are doing differently. Learn how Midwestern regions are using authentic place marketing, alumni and boomerang strategies, startup ecosystem collaboration, and AI-powered talent tools to stand out in a crowded national market.

Key takeaways:

• Current talent attraction challenges impacting regions
• Why awareness and perception often matter more than retention
• How to build effective boomerang and former resident engagement strategies
• Examples of regional talent programs that deliver measurable impact
• How EDOs, DMOs, chambers, universities, and VCs can partner for growth
• Ways AI, automation, and talent networks can extend small teams

If you work in Talent Attraction, Economic Development, Chambers of Commerce, workforce development, or regional startup ecosystems, this webinar offers actionable insights to help your region attract—and keep—the talent it needs.