Ross DeVol

Heartland Forward — President & CEO. Economist & Researcher. Bridging Economic Divide + Building Economic Ecosystems in America’s Heartland. #HeartlandEcon

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

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: https://t.co/tsphbsQH0m

[Ross DeVol @DevolRoss]

We had a great discussion. A real hands on conversation about the mission and approach of Heartland Forward.

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

Last month, @DevolRoss joined Patricia O'Connell on @TICapitalism to share how Heartland Forward is working to drive economic growth in the region by approaching problems as a think-and-do tank. Listen to the episode here: https://t.co/Kj2yQvoFdA

[Ross DeVol @DevolRoss]

Two great Arkansans.

[Arkansas Department of Commerce @AR_Commerce]

Congratulations to Warren Stephens and Mike Huckabee on their confirmations to represent the United States as U.S. Ambassadors.

[Ross DeVol @DevolRoss]

Grand Rapids deserves recognition for its success in expanding economic opportunity through strategic place-based initiatives.

[Crain's Grand Rapids Business @CrainsGR]

Heartland Forward highlights Grand Rapids as a rising talent hub https://t.co/Frf6qyFQVp

[Ross DeVol @DevolRoss]

It is an honor to receive this award for the impact Heartland Forward’s team and our partners are having in advancing entrepreneurship and supporting entrepreneurs.

[Venture Forward @VCForward]

Talent is everywhere, but capital and opportunity are not.

We’re thrilled to announce @HeartlandFwd as the winner of this year’s @nvca Inclusion Impact Award, presented in partnership with Venture Forward!

As a policy “think-and-do” tank, Heartland Forward is committed to advancing economic opportunity in the middle of the country.

📰 Read the full announcement: https://t.co/BKYgxYU6jd

[Ross DeVol @DevolRoss]

Creating more medical residencies in Arkansas is a health and economic imperative. The state will secure a high rate of return on this investment.

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

This morning, we released “The Economic Contributions of Medical Residencies to Arkansas.”

We found expanding Arkansas's medical residency programs could generate $465 million in economic activity while addressing the state’s growing physician shortage.
https://t.co/axwz0Qbzwf

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

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:
https://t.co/FiB8Su4Pop

[Ross DeVol @DevolRoss]

I enjoyed participating in the High Alpha event. It brings together innovators impacting economic opportunities in heartland communities. #EconHeartland.

[Alloy Partners @alloy_partners]

At #Alloy2024, @HeartlandFwd CEO and President @DeVolRoss shared how four main pillars guided his efforts in developing venture and innovation funds in Arkansas: innovation and entrepreneurship, workforce and human capital, regional competitiveness, and health and wellness.

[Ross DeVol @DevolRoss]

This is a critical initiative for future economic development in the state of Arkansas. Arkansas is fortunate to have Secretary McDonald leading the charge. More STEM grad=more growth.

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

This weekend, @DevolRoss featured as a guest columnist in the @ArkansasOnline alongside @AR_Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald with a piece titled “STEM Professionals are Worthwhile Investments.” Read the article here:
https://t.co/iOo3V7rikj

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

Happy Holidays from Heartland Forward!

[Ross DeVol @DevolRoss]

A well-deserved honor. Blake is a consummate professional and dedicated to advancing the cause of the region.

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

BWC Assemble will honor Heartland Forward’s @BlakeWoolsey with the inaugural Woman of Purpose Award at the Business Women’s Conference tomorrow. This award marks the start of a new tradition to honor women who embody dedication to the NWA community. Congratulations, Blake!

[Ross DeVol @DevolRoss]

Always enjoy discussions with @RobyBrock—even better when tech pioneer Charles Morgan joins the conversation.

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

President and CEO @DevolRoss sat down with interview host @RobyBrock and fellow guest and First Orion Chairman @CMorganOfficial to contextualize the shortage and identify replicable strategies for economic growth. Check out the interview here: https://t.co/oFO9sh7Ydl

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

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: https://t.co/XwpyIdDdcb

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

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!

[Ross DeVol @DevolRoss]

The rest of the world has been trying to copy the unique aspects of the American research university. Most have not had much success. These research universities are the key to national and regional economic success in the US.

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

This morning, @DevolRoss spoke at the @AURP International Conference in Bentonville. In his address, Ross outlined the ways that Heartland Forward has spurred revitalization by supporting innovation from the region’s dynamic communities. Thank you for having us @AURP! #AURP2024

[Ross DeVol @DevolRoss]

Heartland Forward is proud to share our underserved entrepreneurs metrics. Even though Colorado isn’t an official member of the heartland, we are still proud of the state’s performance and the efforts to bring it into fruition.

[Governor Jared Polis @GovofCO]

Colorado is proud to be recognized among the Top 5 States (Number 2!) for female entrepreneurs.
https://t.co/GIISJLcW3Y

Read more in the report here: https://t.co/5G8oOkR6Jx #Entrepreneurship #Equity

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

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”.

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

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!

https://t.co/IAGGUfJKJ7

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

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!

[Ross DeVol @DevolRoss]

A great example of the “do” of our think and do tank. We are very proud of Sheila.

[Heartland Forward @HeartlandFwd]

Earlier this week our builder Sheila Garrett was highlighted on @WGNNews. Her business, Tea-rrific Tours, is a great example of the @buildersbackers Idea Accelerator powered by Heartland Forward turning an idea into a reality.

Watch the segment here: https://t.co/Q8NA73hXwh