On August 17-19, the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals will host its 2026 Business Services Academy, designed to equip workforce professionals who work with businesses and employers with the tools, knowledge, and expertise needed to excel in the ever-evolving landscape of business services.
Highlights include Comprehensive Training on essential core competencies; Career Advancement for those who have earned the CWDP credential; Networking Opportunities with like-minded professionals, and Expert Guidance from seasoned professionals and industry experts like Jonathan Overall, Director, Communications & Innovation, and Tom Thornton, Business Services Manager.
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM [PST], Jonathan [top] and Tom will present From System Alignment to Economic Impact: Business Services Positioned as a Driver of Regional Growth on the Engagement with Economic Development track.
Our duo provides this preview, “Workforce development is economic development. Supporting businesses today means aligning workforce, economic development, education, and community partners to strengthen local economies and respond to the needs of in-demand and growing industries.
“This Workshop introduces a practical System-to-Impact framework grounded in the core functions of economic development: retaining, growing, and attracting businesses. Participants will explore how a consultative, demand-driven approach helps Business Services teams engage employers more effectively, support sector strategies, and connect businesses to solutions such as talent pipelines, work-based learning, and layoff aversion and Rapid Response resources.”
You cannot afford to miss this exciting and interactive experience! Through tools like economic roundtables and coordinated regional strategies, you will learn how to build long-term partnerships with businesses, workforce boards, and education providers. In addition, you will walk away with real examples from local communities that highlight how alignment leads to measurable outcomes and practical ways to strengthen engagement, support business growth, and drive economic impact in your region.
We hope to meet you there!