Onward NRV Interviewed on DCI Talent Wars Podcast

Max Davenport, Talent Strategies Coordinator at Onward New River Valley, was recently featured on a special episode of the Talent Wars podcast developed by DCI, a leading international marketing agency. Hosted by Patience Fairbrother, this episode was recorded live at the nation’s leading event for talent attraction and retention efforts, the 2024 Young, Smart, & Local conference. The podcast episode brought together seven leaders in economic development and workforce strategy to discuss challenges and solutions in the ever-changing talent landscape.

During the podcast, Max shared insights on the importance of focusing on next-gen talent and the long game of talent retention. He explained, “There has been a huge focus on collegiate talent, but one of the areas that need a little bit more attention is our high school students and thinking about how do we cultivate the talent who already know the space and are already familiar with the area.”

Max also introduced Onward NRV’s K-12 initiative, which aims to provide industry tours for high school students, offering them a firsthand look at career opportunities available in their own backyard. Still in the planning stages, Max is working closely with Career and Technical Education directors across Virginia’s New River Valley to bring this vision to life.

Listen to the full episode of Talent Wars here.

Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.