Economic Development and Developers in the News # 194
Econ dev news from 75 economic development executives and organizations in 22 states.
Welcome to the 194th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.
Today's issue contains news from 75 economic development executives and organizations in 22 states.
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The Econ Dev Show is a podcast and email newsletter delivering actionable strategies, fresh news, insights, and ideas from the economic development community and your host, Dane Carlson.
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Alabama
Governor Kay Ivey has signed legislation establishing the Alabama Development Fund, creating a dedicated, long-term funding source to strengthen Alabama’s economic development efforts.
California
Plumas County and the Rural Community Assistance Corporation are convening the Quincy/East Quincy Recreation Economy for Rural Communities Community Collaborative to advance economic development through outdoor recreation and stewardship, highlighting progress on the Community Action Plan and encouraging engagement from business owners and residents in the region.
The city of Lake Elsinore has won the Gold ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation for its new economic development website, recognized for design and messaging that support business growth and investment as part of the City Council’s Strategic Plan 2040.
Florida
Columbia County is celebrating Economic Development Week with a series of events highlighting the intersection of tourism, commerce, and infrastructure, including the ribbon-cutting of the North Florida Mega Industrial Park wastewater treatment plant, which Economic Development Director Jennifer Daniels described as a major environmental and economic asset for attracting new business.
Georgia
Leadership Southeast Georgia’s Class of 2025 recently explored regional economic and workforce development with key industry leaders and educational partners, focusing on innovative strategies to strengthen Southeast Georgia’s talent pipeline and drive economic growth. (Jessica Hood, Vice President, Effingham County Industrial Development Authority; Kendria Lee, Chairwoman, Leadership Southeast Georgia)
Illinois
The Dixon City Council has approved contracts totaling $375,000 for Discover Dixon and the Lee County Industrial Development Association to advance economic development, tourism marketing, and event planning efforts, with Discover Dixon (Executive Director Amanda Wike) reporting a 3.3 percent increase in overnight visits and $19.6 million in potential spending for 2024.
The Peru City Council has voted to terminate its consulting agreement with Robert Vickrey (Economic Development Director, Oval Wacker Consulting), concluding his 15-year tenure advancing economic initiatives for the city.
Indiana
Notable business leaders and local officials have launched New Haven Next, a regional economic development alliance extending the Fort Wayne Next initiative, with the New Haven Community Development Corp. leading revitalization efforts and a new trust to reinvest project proceeds locally. (Eric Doden, former Indiana Economic Development Corp. president)
The Warsaw Redevelopment Commission approved a memorandum of understanding with Warsaw Antique Mall to facilitate due diligence and potential acquisition of the former Marsh property for $1 million over five years, marking a strategic shift from seeking a grocery anchor toward broader redevelopment opportunities. (Community and Economic Development Director Jeremy Skinner)
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is undergoing an independent audit following significant accounting concerns, prompting calls for a statewide debate on the organization's mission and effectiveness. The agency, once a national model for lean and efficient economic development, has faced criticism for costly real estate ventures and shifting away from its original business support role.
Iowa
Carla Eysink has retired after 29 years as Executive Director of the Marion County Development Commission, where she led key initiatives including the Business Retention and Expansion Program, entrepreneurship contests, and awards programs, leaving a significant mark on economic development in the region.
Doug Neumann, executive director of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, is stepping down after a 19-year career in economic and community development, including nine years leading the organization. Under his leadership, the alliance advanced major downtown redevelopment projects and sustained foundational programs supporting workforce and economic growth.
Maine
Lea Duffy has been appointed as South Portland’s new economic development director, bringing extensive experience in business ownership, project management, and real estate to the role. Duffy, who previously served as the city’s economic development specialist, is expected to drive initiatives that support business growth and community development.
The City of Ellsworth has appointed Twila Fisher as the new economic development director, signaling a renewed focus on supporting business growth and strategic planning within the community.
