Economic Development and Developers in the News # 145
Econ dev news from 80 economic development executives and organizations in 24 states and Canada.
Welcome to the 145th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.
Today's issue contains news from 80 economic development executives and organizations in 24 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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Alabama
A new Cobblestone Hotel was officially opened in the southwest of Cullman. The opening ceremony was attended by Mayor Woody Jacobs, Economic Development Agency Director Dale Greer, and other community officials.
California
Nevada County has created a new two-year Economic Development Action Plan focusing on job and business growth in different sectors, like information technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, recreation, food and agriculture and construction. (Kimberly Parker, director of Nevada County’s Economic Development Office)
The East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation has named Janelle Chan as its new CEO. Her appointment followed an intense nationwide search.
Laura James has been appointed as the Interim CEO for the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, taking over from retiring CEO Joe Wallace. James has been with CVEP since 2014 and has served as Vice President of Innovation for the organization.
Georgia
David C. Weindorf has shared news about his new role as Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Georgia Southern University.
Lori Funderwhite has been chosen as the new Economic Development Director for the city of Fayetteville. She’s expected to greatly influence the city’s economy, specifically through the large project of redeveloping the Highway 85 North corridor.
Indiana
The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership has promoted Patrick Hickey to Economic Development Director. Hickey, who has been part of the organization since 2023, was responsible for bringing job opportunities to the region.
Kentucky
Greater Louisville Inc. has brought on board Makayla Owens as its director of industry networks and Fatima Thompson as its economic development manager. Owens, who has a wealth of experience in workforce and organizational development, will guide crucial industry networks and will be responsible for leading a variety of organizations and businesses. (Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, President and CEO)
Michigan
Three companies in the Grand Rapids area, Packaging Compliance Labs, Schreiber Foods, and the Celia Corporation, are set to expand, planning to add 134 new jobs and invest $70 million announced The Right Place in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance has named Mindy Meyers as its new executive director. Meyers, a former program director of the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority, is recognized for her leadership in community development and knowledge of the local community.
North Carolina
Joseph Stallings is the new Economic Development Director for Granville County, after previously working in economic development across North Carolina for 13 years.
North Dakota
Shannon Full, the President and CEO of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the vital role public safety plays in economic development.
Ohio
The Crawford Partnership unveiled the 2023 Crawford County Development Report, showcasing the county's economic and community progress from the past year. (David Zak, President & CEO)
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Pennsylvania
At the Mercer County Economic Summit, hosted by Penn-Northwest Development Corp., discussions revolved around growing the local economy and creating more skilled workers. Rod Wilt, executive director of Penn-Northwest, led the meeting that attracted diverse attendees from multiple sectors.
The City of Easton plans to adopt a new approach to bring in new businesses and maintain them. This plan was presented at an Easton City Council meeting by city staff members and the Easton Main Street Initiative. The strategy is specifically designed to attract certain types of businesses to Downtown Easton.
Forward Lawrence, a collaboration between the Lawrence County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation, is committed to boosting economic growth in Lawrence County.
South Carolina
Annie Caggiano has been promoted to Global Business Development director at South Carolina Department of Commerce, as announced by Secretary of Commerce, Harry M. Lightsey III.
Delta Children's Products, a manufacturer of children's furniture, has chosen Orangeburg County for its first operations in South Carolina. The company is investing $33.1 million into the project, which will create 123 jobs and involve constructing a 400,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility.
South Dakota
Brenna Block has been hired as the new Economic Development Coordinator for the Sturgis Economic Development Corporation. In her role, she'll dedicate 50% of her time to work with businesses, stakeholders, the City of Summerset, and the Piedmont Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Texas
Alora M. Wachholz, announced she will start her role as Deputy Director of Economic Development in the City of Seguin next week.
Decatur Economic Development Corporation has appointed Matt Runnels as the new Business Development Director. Runnels has lived in Wise County for 15 years and has a rich background in manufacturing and leadership. (Kevin Holzbog, the Executive Director of DEDC)
