What if the future of your rural workforce isn’t just in warehouses or manufacturing plants—but also in storefronts, coffee shops, pharmacies, and walkable downtowns? Join us for a forward-thinking conversation that challenges the traditional narrative around rural economic development.

Presented by Elliott Cook, Director of Real Estate at Retail Strategies, this webinar explores why thriving communities must look beyond the factory floor and embrace a more diverse economy—one where retail and service jobs are not just stopgaps, but key pillars of economic resilience and quality of life.

We’ll explore:

• How retail and service-sector jobs contribute to workforce development and community vitality
• Emerging trends and challenges in attracting talent to rural markets
• Real-world examples of towns that have successfully integrated retail into their workforce strategies
• Why focusing only on industrial recruitment might be leaving your community behind

Key takeaway: Gain the tools to broaden the conversation around rural jobs and strategic growth.