Economic Development and Developers in the News # 144
Econ dev news from 42 economic development executives and organizations in 19 states and Canada.
Welcome to the 144th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.
Today's issue contains news from 42 economic development executives and organizations in 18 states and Canada.
If this is your first time reading: Hello!
The Econ Dev Show is a podcast, weekday email newsletter, and blog of actionable strategies, fresh news, insights, and ideas from the economic development community and your host, Dane Carlson.
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California
At the East Kern Economic Alliance meeting, various city leaders gave updates on economic progress within their regions. (Richard Chapman, CEO of Kern Economic Development Corporation; Kern County's new Chief Economic Development Officer, Jim Damian; Ted Hodgkinson, the Mojave Chamber of Commerce President; Justin Powers, from Kernville Cowork and Power Market)
Oakland city's newest economic development director is Ashleigh Kanat.
Canada
Starland County is working on a Business Park Development project as part of their Economic Development Strategy. This initiative is being led by Starland’s Economic Development Officer, Jason Jede.
Connecticut
Daniel O’Keefe has been confirmed as the new commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development. He had previously been serving as commissioner-designate and as the state's first chief innovation officer.
Indiana
Boone County, the second fastest-growing county in Indiana, is investing in small business growth through the Boone County Economic Development Corporation. (Jennifer Rubenstein)
The Econ Dev Show is brought to you by Dane's other project: Sitehunt.
Sitehunt is the AI-enhanced platform for building a comprehensive economic development property database, enabling hyper efficient RFI responses. It is specifically designed (and priced) for both regional EDOs and very small and budget restricted communities.
Iowa
The Iowa Tourism Office held a conference in 2024 where it gave 24 awards to excellence in the tourism industry. The tourism industry in Iowa generated $6.9 billion in 2022, employing over 68,600 people. (Amy Zeigler)
Kansas
The Kansas House of Representatives has approved a comprehensive economic development package that will support every region of the state. It includes the allocation of funds for infrastructure, healthcare, law enforcement resources, and economic development projects, with a focus on reducing housing costs and support for the dairy industry.
Kentucky
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has announced five upcoming economic development projects that are expected to create thousands of jobs in the state.
Michigan
The Michigan Senate approved various economic development legislation which included reshaping the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund which is used for attracting business investment. This legislation will introduce a third pot of money, the Michigan 360 program, to based more on the community. This plan would require that half of the SOAR fund be used for community investments.
Minnesota
Brett Angell was named a finalist for Economic Developer of the Year by the Minnesota Real Estate Journal.
