DCI and Lightcast Partner to Bring Best-in-Class Talent Attraction Research and Marketing to Regions

DCI and Lightcast join forces to deliver comprehensive talent solutions combining world-class labor market data with proven talent marketing strategies.

DCI, the leader in marketing places, has teamed up with Lightcast, the global leader in labor market analytics, to revolutionize how cities and regions win the battle for talent.

The timing is critical. Lightcast’s The Rising Storm research shows how the deluge of Baby Boomer retirements, plummeting childbirth rates, and historically low labor force participation will compound to create a deficit of six million workers by 2032. As employers scramble for workers, cities and regions need powerful new tools to attract and retain talent. This partnership combines DCI’s proven marketing expertise with Lightcast’s unmatched talent intelligence to give regions data-driven solutions to effectively compete.

The partnership launches with flexible solutions tailored to the needs of regions of all sizes. The Recruiter Package helps regions understand their labor market dynamics, while the Learner Package focuses on retaining students and emerging talent. More advanced options dig deep into what drives talent decisions and where to find the right people. The partnership’s flagship Talent Roadmap Package delivers comprehensive talent insights paired with a custom three-year marketing strategy and real-time performance dashboard.

“The intensifying global labor shortage has made it clear that economic development can no longer be about job creation alone,” said Patience Fairbrother, Senior Vice President of Talent Attraction at DCI. “Talent attraction and retention is one of the top challenges keeping our clients up at night. We believe combining Lightcast’s best-in-class data with DCI’s talent attraction marketing expertise will give our clients the edge they need to compete in the global battle for talent.”

“Demographic and technological disruptions are fundamentally changing the labor market,” said Josh Wright, Head of Growth at Lightcast. “This means the status quo approach to talent won’t work for economic development leaders and communities. They must think and act differently using the best workforce data and strategies available, which is why Lightcast is thrilled to be embarking on this partnership with DCI at such an important time.”

Both companies bring deep expertise in talent research. DCI’s “Talent Wars” study has mapped the talent relocation journey since 2017, while Lightcast’s annual Talent Attraction Scorecard and Demographic Drought series are industry-leading benchmarks. Beyond tailored packages, the partnership offers custom analysis from these insights, plus workshops and speaking engagements to unite regional stakeholders.

“Lightcast’s work aligns perfectly with our purpose as an agency to elevate the lives of the people living, working and traveling in the places we serve,” said Julie Curtin, Partner and President of Economic Development at DCI. “This partnership was an obvious choice. Together, we’re giving regions the data-driven edge they need to attract and retain the best people and, ultimately, to thrive.”

To learn more about the partnership offerings, visit: aboutdci.com/lightcast.

About DCI

Established in New York City in 1960, Development Counsellors International (DCI) specializes exclusively in tourism, economic development and talent attraction marketing. We have worked for more than 500 cities, states, regions and countries. Ranked a Top 20 Global PR Firm by PR Week and one of Outside Magazine’s “Best Places to Work,” DCI is a certified women-owned firm with a leadership team of five partners. DCI employs more than 80 of the best and brightest marketing professionals in place marketing. DCI is the only full-service agency specializing in talent attraction marketing services, from research to marketing strategy to campaign execution. Learn more about DCI: aboutdci.com.

About Lightcast

Lightcast provides trusted global labor market data, analytics, and expert guidance that empowers communities, corporations, and learning providers to make informed decisions and navigate the increasingly complex world of work. With a database of more than 2.5 billion job postings and career profiles, our team provides best-in-class customer service with robust data, clear analysis, and expert guidance on skills, jobs, and opportunities. Lightcast is active in more than 30 countries and has offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, New Zealand, and India. The company is backed by global private equity leader KKR. For more, visit lightcast.io.