Gwinnett Leaders Advance Workforce Strategies to Build, Grow and Retain Talent at the Annual Workforce Summit
Friday, October 23rd, 2026
Partnership Gwinnett hosted the 2026 Workforce Summit, presented by TRC Talent Solutions, on Oct. 22 at Gwinnett Technical College, bringing together employers, education partners and workforce leaders for a morning focused on the strategies shaping Gwinnett’s talent pipeline.
The summit built on insights gathered at Partnership Gwinnett’s Workforce Forum in June, where employers provided direct feedback on hiring challenges and skill gaps. That input shaped this year’s program, emphasizing the need for apprenticeships, work-based learning and stronger connections with school systems to build talent pipelines for the jobs of the future.
“Today’s workforce challenges require employers to think differently about how they recruit, retain and grow talent,” said Travis Almy, Chief Growth Officer of TRC Talent Solutions. “TRC Talent Solutions was proud to support this summit because it brought the right people to the table: employers, educators and community partners committed to building real solutions for Gwinnett’s future.”
The summit explored how businesses can attract talent, invest in their current teams and identify funding opportunities to support the future workforce. Through panel discussions, a Gwinnett County Public Schools spotlight and a keynote presentation, attendees heard from leaders across healthcare, manufacturing, technology, education and economic development.
The morning concluded with a keynote presentation from Lisa Brown, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Primerica.
“As workforce needs continue to evolve, building a strong workplace culture is more important than ever. Employers must be intentional about creating environments where people feel valued, engaged and empowered to grow, while investing in talent development and preparing future leaders,” said Brown. “Gwinnett’s strength lies in its ability to unite business, education and community partners around a shared commitment to developing talent, strengthening organizations and creating opportunities for long-term success.”
“Workforce remains one of the most important factors driving business growth in Gwinnett,” said Kevin Carmichael, Senior Vice President of Partnership Gwinnett. “By strengthening talent pipelines for both existing and incoming companies, we are helping ensure businesses have the people, partnerships and resources they need to grow here in Gwinnett. This summit connected employers with practical strategies they can put to work immediately and plan for the future.”
The 2026 Workforce Summit reinforced Partnership Gwinnett’s continued commitment to connecting businesses with the people, partnerships and significant local resources in Gwinnett that strengthen the workforce and support long-term economic growth.
The conversations at the 2026 Workforce Summit offer a preview of what comes next for Gwinnett. On Nov. 6, Partnership Gwinnett will unveil Partnership Gwinnett 5.0, its strategic direction for 2027–2031, outlining new priorities for growing the innovation economy, amplifying Gwinnett’s brand, cultivating place and aligning education and talent. Visit PartnershipGwinnett.com for details and registration.
