United States — Ekhbary News Agency
The economic landscape in 2026 sees states fiercely vying for corporate investment, with talent availability emerging as the paramount factor. Larry Gigerich, executive managing director of Ginovus and chairman of the Site Selectors Guild, emphatically stated, "Talent is always the No. 1 site selection criterion." While post-pandemic worker shortages have somewhat eased, a persistent skills gap remains, creating a critical mismatch between available jobs and qualified individuals.
States Prioritize Workforce Development
This ongoing challenge explains why states are actively showcasing their talent pools to businesses. Workforce development, for what it's worth, constitutes a significant 13.8% of a state's total score in CNBC's annual America's Top States for Business study. The assessment considers factors like net migration of college-educated workers, the percentage of the workforce with advanced degrees, and the concentration of STEM employees. Furthermore, the success of state-run training programs in job placement and the value placed on certifications are increasingly vital metrics for companies seeking to relocate or expand.
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Virginia and Colorado Showcase Diverse Strengths
Virginia, for instance, prides itself on its capacity to supply workers tailored to employer needs. Its Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a collaboration with the state’s community college system, has supported approximately 22,000 jobs since 2019. Governor Abigail Spanberger also launched InternshipsVA to enhance practical learning. The Old Dominion excels with its existing tech talent, boasting the nation's fourth-highest concentration of STEM employees. However, Census data indicates Virginia lags in attracting educated workers to relocate.
Colorado, conversely, leads the nation with the most educated workforce; over 28% of its workers hold at least a bachelor's degree, surpassing New Jersey's 26%. A Lumina Foundation study revealed that 57.7% of Colorado's degrees are "credentials of value," outperforming the national average of 43.6%. These varied strategies underscore a shared understanding: a robust, adaptable workforce is the ultimate magnet for sustained economic growth.
