Business leaders, educators, economic development professionals and workforce experts from across Northwest Georgia will gather Oct. 29 for the second annual Northwest Georgia Workforce Summit, a regional forum designed to address workforce challenges, share innovative solutions and strengthen the talent pipeline that powers the region's economy.

The summit builds on the momentum of the inaugural 2025 event, which sparked regional initiatives to better inform parents and educators about educational and career pathways available to students in Northwest Georgia and to strengthen efforts to promote the region as a destination for businesses, talent and investment.

Presented by Dalton State College and Georgia Northwestern Technical College, this year's summit will be held at GNTC's Gordon County Campus and will bring together leaders from education, industry and government to explore strategies for ensuring Northwest Georgia remains competitive in a rapidly changing economy.

The summit will center on a critical regional question: What will it take to ensure Northwest Georgia remains competitive in a rapidly changing economy? This year's panel discussions will focus on the healthcare sector, manufacturing and industry growth, and how AI and technology are shaping the future of work.

"The Northwest Georgia Workforce Summit creates an important opportunity for leaders from across our region to come together, learn from one another and identify practical solutions that will prepare workers, strengthen businesses and support long-term economic growth," GNTC President Heidi Popham said.

The luncheon program will feature a discussion on Georgia's workforce future with Greg Dozier, commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia; Ashwani Monga, executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer for the University System of Georgia; and Ian Caraway, director of policy and external affairs for Gov. Kemp and a leader of Georgia's Top State for Talent initiative.

"Northwest Georgia's economic success depends on our ability to attract, retain and prepare a highly skilled workforce," Dalton State President John Fuchko said. "This summit brings together leaders from education, industry and government to identify opportunities, strengthen partnerships and build the talent pipeline our communities and employers need to thrive."

Featured speakers and panelists represent many of the organizations helping shape the region's workforce and economic future, including the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute, AdventHealth Murray, Vitruvian Health, Hamilton Medical Center, Shaw Industries, Mohawk Industries, Georgia Power and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

The summit will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration, coffee and networking and conclude at 3 p.m. Attendance is free, but registration is required. For additional information and to register, visit daltonstate.edu/workforce-summit.