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

Joined March 2015
83 Photos and videos
Ross DeVol retweeted
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: heartlandforward.org/pulse/h…
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We had a great discussion. A real hands on conversation about the mission and approach of Heartland Forward.
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: thisiscapitalism.org/podcast…
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Two great Arkansans.
Congratulations to Warren Stephens and Mike Huckabee on their confirmations to represent the United States as U.S. Ambassadors.
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Grand Rapids deserves recognition for its success in expanding economic opportunity through strategic place-based initiatives.
Heartland Forward highlights Grand Rapids as a rising talent hub crainsgrandrapids.com/conten…
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10 Apr 2025
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.
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: heartlandforward.org/news/he…
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17 Mar 2025
Creating more medical residencies in Arkansas is a health and economic imperative. The state will secure a high rate of return on this investment.
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. heartlandforward.org/case-st…
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Ross DeVol retweeted
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: heartlandforward.org/case-st…
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21 Jan 2025
I enjoyed participating in the High Alpha event. It brings together innovators impacting economic opportunities in heartland communities. #EconHeartland.
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.
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21 Jan 2025
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.
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: arkansasonline.com/news/2025…
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Ross DeVol retweeted
Happy Holidays from Heartland Forward!
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10 Dec 2024
A well-deserved honor. Blake is a consummate professional and dedicated to advancing the cause of the region.
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!
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27 Nov 2024
Always enjoy discussions with @RobyBrock—even better when tech pioneer Charles Morgan joins the conversation.
Replying to @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: youtu.be/F-HppSGWWv0?si=HeFu…
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Ross DeVol retweeted
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: heartlandforward.org/case-st…
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Ross DeVol retweeted
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!
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14 Nov 2024
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.
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
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28 Oct 2024
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.
Colorado is proud to be recognized among the Top 5 States (Number 2!) for female entrepreneurs. ow.ly/FQP750TSyvr Read more in the report here: ow.ly/oH0750TSyvp #Entrepreneurship #Equity
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Ross DeVol retweeted
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”.
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Ross DeVol retweeted
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!
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14 Oct 2024
A great example of the “do” of our think and do tank. We are very proud of Sheila.
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: youtu.be/lsTUdSTyYpM?si=30QO…
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