Valley Visions: Jay Langston on Economic Evolution and Workforce Challenges

The Difference: Nonprofit Fundraising in a For-Profit World

In this podcast, Jay Langston, Executive Director of the Shenandoah Valley Partnership, shares his rich background in economic development and discusses the profound changes witnessed over the past four decades, accentuated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jay highlights the growing significance of quality of life in decision-making and explores how the Shenandoah Valley, despite its rural setting, has experienced both economic and population growth. He emphasizes the importance of educating educators about job opportunities and underscores the region's success in talent attraction, challenging stereotypes that young professionals need to migrate to metropolitan areas for career growth. The episode provides a concise yet insightful narrative on the evolving dynamics of economic development and talent acquisition in the Shenandoah Valley, offering a fresh perspective on the region's untapped potential.