Mr. Huret’s presentation will include a quick dive into some of the region’s workforce data, as well as overviews of two of the organization’s longstanding programs to work with area companies – HKY4Vets (a nearly 7 year long effort to work with transitioning military/military spouse talent) and an upcoming wages and benefits survey.

Course Objective:

Participants will gain insight into existing trends and future concerns in this region’s laborshed. Participants will learn about a potential funnel of high quality talent through the efforts of organizations like HKY4Vets.

Speaker: Nathan Huret, Economic Development Director

With nearly 15 years of economic development experience in Catawba County, Mr. Huret is the Economic Development Director with Catawba County EDC, after previous roles as the Director of Existing Industries and Existing Industry Coordinator.  In his time with the EDC, Mr. Huret has created and led a number of intensive efforts to support the need and growth of local industries, ranging from continuous improvement exchanges among manufacturing peers (Catawba Lean Council), building market awareness for North Carolina’s manufacturers of all sizes (Manufactured in North Carolina), to Catawba County’s annual wage and benefits survey (est. 2021).  He also has been instrumental in developing the EDC’s talent retention and attraction efforts, including co-creating and managing HKY4Vets (www.hky4vets.com), an award-winning effort connecting area employers to transitioning military, veteran, and military spouse talent. Mr. Huret holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics and International Studies from Elon University, a Master Degree in Economics from Vanderbilt University and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), an international recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development.