Economic Development and Developers in the News #120

Welcome to the 120th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.

Today's issue contains news from 77 economic development executives and organizations in 24 states and Canada.

If this is your first time reading: Welcome!

The Econ Dev Show is a podcast and weekday email newsletter of actionable strategies, fresh news, insights, and ideas from the economic development community and your host, Dane Carlson. On Wednesdays, we share news from the economic development community.

Today's email is brought to you by Resource Development Group

RDG offers customized economic development fundraising solutions for Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Organizations.

They are a small team with over 125 years of combined economic development fundraising experience and over $2 billion, yes, a Billion with a B, in funds raised for communities just like yours.

Every community is different. Atlanta, GA, is not Peoria, IL. Don’t use another city’s fundraising playbook, and expect the same results! A small market requires a different economic development fundraising strategy from a larger market. RDG's experts thrive in providing customized economic development fundraising solutions for every situation. So whether you’re a startup organization or on your third funding cycle, they have the team and experience to get you the results you’re looking for.

Learn More

Alabama

Trendco USA, known for medical-grade gloves production, is investing $43M to set up a manufacturing site in a Tuskegee logistics hub, Alabama, creating 292 jobs over a span of five years. Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce affirmed that this would positively impact the growth of REAL Park. (Joe Turnham, Director of the Macon County Economic Development Authority, and Brenda Tuck, Rural Development Manager at the Alabama Department of Commerce)

Alaska

Alaska faces a workforce shortage that could hinder significant economic opportunities according to a report by the Anchorage Economic Development Corp. Bill Popp, the organization's president, identified high potential in the oil industry, federal investment, shipping, and tourism, posing a great opportunity for job creation. However, Alaska has witnessed a sharp decrease in labor force and an outflow of working-age adults.

Arkansas

Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Victor Fedeli, led a trade mission to Northwest Arkansas, aiming to increase bilateral trade from $2B to $6B by 2027. Fedeli held meetings with regional leaders, promoting the prospect of establishing a direct flight to Toronto and asserting that Ontario is an ideal place for Arkansas companies planning to expand.

California

The Red Bluff-Tehama County Chamber of Commerce received a $375,000 grant approved by the county Board of Supervisors for the creation of a comprehensive economic development program. This was recommended by the county’s American Rescue Plan Act Ad Hoc Committee. Chamber's CEO, Dave Gowan, revealed that the program will include resources and engage with local and regional economic development organizations to attract and retain businesses. Accountability and measurable outcomes of this initiative were requested by the board members.

Canada

Daryl Fingas of the Rocanville Economic Development Organization discussed strategies with the Rocanville city council for promoting local economic development and addressing business apathy.