Economic Development and Developers in the News # 203

Welcome to the 203rd weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!

Today's issue contains news from 122 economic development executives and organizations in 36 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

Grow Southeast Alabama members toured Troy University's Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Education to explore AI's potential for regional economic development. Executive Director Dr. James Locke emphasized AI's transformative role in information processing and the need to distinguish legitimate AI technologies from hype.

Arizona

Local First Arizona is launching a workshop series to establish an economic development group for Greenlee County, engaging community members to build a stronger economic future.

Pima County Supervisors are implementing new policies following approval of the $3.6 billion Project Blue Data Center, including stricter guidelines on non-disclosure agreements and public access to environmental reports.

Alejandro Hernandez, program coordinator at the City of Peoria's Economic Development Department, leverages his interdisciplinary education to support local business growth and foster inclusive economic opportunities.

Arkansas

The University of Arkansas Fort Smith Center for Economic Development Compass Report shows continued growth across Arkansas metro areas in early 2025, with strong manufacturing and construction job gains offset by rising unemployment and cautious consumer spending. Associate Vice Chancellor Kendall Ross serves as executive director.

Work has begun on the $2.14 million Southwest Arkansas Mega Site project, preparing a 991-acre industrial site in Clark County to attract large-scale industry.

California

Placer County is advancing two economic development incentives to revitalize Tahoe City and Kings Beach town centers, offsetting high lodging development costs.

San Diego City Council approved a $43.5 million plan to distribute federal grants for housing, economic opportunity, and nonprofit initiatives. Economic Development Director Christina Bibler is leading the effort.

Palm Springs Chief Economic Development Officer Wayne Olson highlighted $1.5 billion in airport upgrades, convention center expansion, and new hotel projects as part of the city's Economic Development Strategic Plan.

DaSean Spencer joined Greater Sacramento Economic Council as Associate Business Development Project Manager.

Tamra Spade is Merced County's new Deputy Director of Economic Development.

Colorado

Kelly Sage is the new President/CEO of Longmont Economic Development Partnership.

Florida

The Bay Economic Development Alliance secured $122.5 million in investments from Oxford Technologies, Amazon, and IAG Aero Group, creating 640 jobs—with IAG Aero Group's $107 million project being the organization's largest to date.

Orlando's tech workforce reached 74,000 in 2023, making it one of the fastest-growing tech employment centers nationwide, according to the Orlando Economic Partnership.

Antranette Forbes, who led a 29% increase in St. Cloud's Community Redevelopment Agency taxable value, was appointed as Apopka's new economic development director.

The City of Sarasota Office of Economic Development completed its Economic Development Market Analysis & Visioning initiative, producing a strategic plan foundation.

The Orlando Economic Partnership is advancing comprehensive economic growth through job creation, industry diversification, and projects like NeoCity, aligned with its Broad-Based Prosperity vision.

Buddy Rizer of Loudoun County Economic Development advocates for expedited data center approvals in Florida, drawing on Northern Virginia's experience with digital infrastructure expansion.

Georgia

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce reported nearly 700 new jobs and $250 million in capital investment from 17 new and expanding industries.

Hawaii

The Kaua'i County Office of Economic Development, led by Director Nalani Brun, announced recipients of the 2025 Kaua'i Cultural Programs and Events Grant, supporting cultural preservation and economic growth.

The Office of Economic Development awarded $637,429 through Agriculture Farm Expansion Grants to 12 projects enhancing farm infrastructure and food system resilience.

Illinois

Bridge Industrial plans to develop 1.3 million square feet of industrial space on a former mining site, dedicating 124 acres as green space with support from Economic Development Director Jake Melrose.

The University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Center is relocating to larger space at Horace Mann's headquarters, expanding its innovation ecosystem supporting 50 employers and 280 jobs. Robert Kerr serves as executive director.

Patrick Ainsworth is the new Community Development Director at Village of Lincolnwood.

Indiana

The Indiana Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, led by Brian Schutt, launched to accelerate statewide business growth and support entrepreneurs.

Wells County Commissioners announced the new Wells County Economic Development Corporation to lead regional development efforts, replacing the Chamber of Commerce partnership.

Iowa

Linn County opened applications for $100,000 in Economic and Community Development Fund grants supporting sustainable growth projects.

Juliet Abdel was named CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, bringing 15 years of experience from the Greater Topeka Chamber.

Melissa Strovers was named executive director of Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative.

Colfax Economic Development Corporation secured $280,000, including a $250,000 Prairie Meadows grant, for its $3.45 million childcare center project.

Kentucky

Alliance Coal's River View Coal opened the Henderson County Mine, generating $300 million annually and creating 260 jobs. Henderson Economic Development Executive Director Missy Vanderpool supports the project.

The Louisville Economic Development Alliance began operations as Jefferson County's lead economic development entity with a 55-member board. Interim CEO Pat Mulloy leads until a permanent hire is made.

Six Kentucky counties received over $7 million through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative, a partnership between the Cabinet for Economic Development and Kentucky Association for Economic Development (CEO Terri Bradshaw).

Maine

Penquis is leading the Maine Highlands Economic Development Initiative, a federally-funded effort to create sustainable jobs in rural Maine Highlands communities.

Whole Oceans scaled back its Bucksport salmon farm to 15% of original plans, now proposing a 3,000-metric-ton facility. Town Economic Development Director Rich Rotella remains optimistic about the project's potential.

Maryland

A Maryland Association of Counties panel will spotlight innovative county economic development strategies, featuring Heather Tinelli (Queen Anne's County) and Mary Kane (Maryland Chamber of Commerce).

Massachusetts

The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $13.2 million in Community Investment Tax Credits to 54 organizations supporting affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization.

Rob Anderson is the new Senior Vice President Business Development at MassDevelopment.

Michigan

Michigan's Revitalization and Placemaking program awarded nearly $1 million to restore Fennville's historic Steven's Hotel through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

MEDC partnered with Hancock Trails Club for a $50,000 crowdfunding campaign for a new bike park. Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz oversees the initiative.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is under investigation for alleged misuse of $20 million in taxpayer funds, with investigators executing a search warrant at headquarters.

Minnesota

The Latino Economic Development Center, led by Executive Director Alma Flores, is unveiling Plaza de Sol in St. Paul—a food hall, event center, and business space to support local entrepreneurs.

Pine County Economic Development Coordinator Lezlie Sauter hosted a rural economic development summit, emphasizing flexible, community-driven approaches.

Minnesota Department of Transportation announced $20 million in Transportation Economic Development program funding for infrastructure projects stimulating growth.

Mississippi

Pearl River County supervisors advanced economic development initiatives, highlighted by a $50,000 Mississippi Power grant for industrial park site work. Economic Development Director Lindsay Ward leads the effort.

Montana

Christian Leinhauser is the new Business Attraction Director at Great Falls Development Alliance.

Nebraska

Governor Jim Pillen appointed Maureen Larsen as Interim Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, following K.C. Belitz's departure.

Kearney was named Nebraska's fifth Good Life District, reflecting commitment to economic growth and quality of life.

Nevada

The Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development awarded $3 million in Community Development Block Grant funds to seven rural infrastructure projects. Jessica Sanders serves as CDBG Program Administrator.

New Mexico

Rolling Still Distillery secured $50,000 from the New Mexico Economic Development Department to expand manufacturing and create 26 jobs. Taos County Economic Development Director Jessica Stern and EDD Secretary Rob Black support the project.

New York

The Village of Buchanan is addressing Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant closure impacts through housing development and tourism initiatives, led by Mayor Theresa Knickerbocker and Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber Executive Director Carole Voisey.

Kelly Murphy (Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency) was honored with the Linda J. Hill Leadership Award by the New York State Economic Development Council for supporting over $400 million in investment and 7,000 jobs.

A $6.3 billion data center project proposed by Stream US at the Science, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing Park faces legal challenges from the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and Sierra Club. The Genesee County Economic Development Center oversees the project.

North Carolina

The Watauga County Economic Development Commission launched Business Snapshot Surveys to assess conditions and inform advocacy efforts, partnering with Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. Director Joe Furman coordinates the effort.

Ohio

Clint Knight (Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development) graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management, completing 96 credit hours in nonprofit management.

Peter Zahirsky was appointed economic development director for Canton, bringing experience from Lake Development Authority and Team NEO.

Christopher Hardesty is the new Executive Director at Downtown Akron Development Corporation.

Jacqueline Russell is the new Director of Economic Development at the City of Whitehall.

Oklahoma

Jennifer Springer is the new interim Executive Director at Edmond Economic Development Authority.

Brad Cooksey (Lawton/Fort Sill Economic Development Corporation) will provide updates on major projects at the upcoming State of Economic Development Luncheon.

Ardmore introduced a five-year economic development plan to stimulate growth and attract business investment.

The Caddo Nation Economic Development Authority and Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology signed an agreement launching workforce development programs supporting Caddo-led growth in renewable energy and construction.

Oregon

Monique Claiborne (Greater Portland Inc) is calling for Oregon leaders to prioritize economic development funding for job creation and tax base expansion.

Pennsylvania

A new Brookings assessment with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Economic Collaborative outlines priorities to boost competitiveness in enterprise digital solutions, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical commercialization.

Rhoads Industries is investing $100 million to expand at Philadelphia Navy Yard, supported by $4 million from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and creating 450 jobs. Secretary Rick Siger leads the department.

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Small Business Development Center is offering no-cost advisory services to help manufacturers fund expansion and improve profitability, with additional support from organizations like Polaris MEP and the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association.

South Carolina

The Greenville Area Development Corporation celebrated regional growth at its annual investors meeting, honoring Greenville Technical College's Center for Manufacturing Innovation and S.C. Department of Commerce Project Manager Amanda Lucas.

Tennessee

The Tennessee Valley Authority is advancing economic development across seven states, supporting a $56 billion advanced energy sector and 42,000 jobs. Under CEO Don Moul and Economic Development SVP John Bradley, TVA is expanding nuclear initiatives including a small modular reactor permit application.

Texas

The "Gone to Texas" podcast by Day One Experts was recognized as one of the top five business podcasts in Texas by Feedspot.

The Pharr Economic Development Corporation received the 2025 Workforce Excellence Award from the Texas Economic Development Council for its Healthcare Workforce Training Initiative. CEO Victor Perez leads the organization.

Darren Harris is the new Deputy Director of Economic Development at City of Farmers Branch.

Stephanie Wiggins Smith is the new Director of Economic Development at Walker County EDC.

Vermont

Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies secured over $110,000 from 21 communities for regional development initiatives, leveraging support through the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation.

Virginia

Pulaski Economic Developer Shannon Ainsley secured a $50,000 state grant for a new open-air marketplace structure to connect agricultural producers with customers and enhance food production.

Fortify Ventures and Loudoun County Economic Development are co-hosting Distilled Intelligence 3.0, offering $1 million in funding for early-stage startups. Executive Director Buddy Rizer leads the effort.

White Rock Truss and Components will invest $1.5 million and create 27 jobs, supported by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, and Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.

Alex Cooley is the new Director of Business Development at Alexandria Economic Development Partnership.

West Virginia

State Treasurer Riley Moore visited Logan County to discuss economic development partnerships between state and local officials.

Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (CEO Missy Hughes) is supporting the transformation of a vacant Randolph school into a 31-unit affordable apartment complex through a $250,000 Idle Sites Redevelopment grant.

Catalent is expanding its Madison facility with a $45 million project creating 200 jobs, supported by up to $2.05 million in tax credits from WEDC.

Mason Becker (Manager of Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives) delivered an update on Watertown's progress in housing development, downtown investment, and workforce challenges, emphasizing collaborations with Habitat for Humanity and Thrive Economic Development.